JINC: Tomorrow's Leaders
Tomorrow's Leaders
JINC
Last week, the municipalities of Haarlemmermeer and Haarlem kicked off the “Bosses of Tomorrow” program at our office. Numerous companies and their future bosses gathered in our own theater. During the joint kickoff event, Allard gave a brief and to-the-point overview of who we are as HeadFirst Group, what we stand for, and why we believe it’s important to offer opportunities to young people. Afterward, all participating bosses and their young colleagues spread out across the region to spend a day working within their organizations.
The Leaders of HeadFirst Group
At HeadFirst Group, we welcomed our young bosses with open arms. We wanted to show them not only what we do, but above all what it feels like to be part of our organization. Here’s what their day looked like:
- Guided tour of the office, from the theater to the work floors, including a look behind the scenes and shadowing colleagues.
- A TikTok video for employer branding—after all, who better to showcase our culture than the younger generation itself?
- During a live call with a professional, our recruiters demonstrated how they engage with professionals, advise them, and connect them with suitable opportunities.
- Lots of laughter, lots of learning
The kids thought it was “super fun,” “exciting,” and “cool” to be in charge for a little while. And to be honest: we found it just as inspiring.
Partner of JINC
HeadFirst Group believes in equal opportunities. Young people who do not have easy access to a professional network deserve even more opportunities to discover their talents. The “Bosses of Tomorrow” initiative by JINC fits in perfectly with this: one day that can have a lifelong impact.
We look back on a truly wonderful day during which we helped the children discover what goes on here. Their enthusiasm was contagious and gave us a new burst of energy. It’s wonderful to see how quickly they learn and how much fun they have when you give them a peek behind the scenes, and at HeadFirst Group, we’re happy to be a part of that.
Join an organization that embraces inclusivity
HeadFirst Group Padel Tournament 2026
2026 Padel Tournament
Team HeadFirst Group
In their signature Team HeadFirst Groupshirts, colleagues from across the organization gathered at PadelPoint Hoofddorp for the third edition of our padel tournament! And while the competition was fierce, of course, a day like this is really all about connection. It wrapped up on a sunny note with a barbecue and live music. HeadFirst Group’s annual internal padel tournament once again had everything Team HeadFirst Group is known for.
A spot on the course for every skill level
To ensure that everyone could participate, the tournament was divided into three categories. For the beginners, the day began with a clinic, so they could get acquainted with the sport at a leisurely pace and start their first matches with confidence. The intermediate category also saw some intense play, while in the advanced category it quickly became clear that the level of play was impressively high. As the day progressed, the number of spectators around the courts grew. The advanced category final, in particular, drew a large crowd, with long rallies, spectacular points, and plenty of support.
From the final to the festive closing ceremony
Afterward, the competitive tension gave way to relaxation. During the barbecue, everyone discussed the finals, great plays, and new padel ambitions. The awards ceremony marked the official end of the day, but the party wasn’t over yet. With a performance by Nick van Staveren , the fun continued long into the night at PadelPoint, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed a successful event.
How exercise contributes to job satisfaction
That idea aligns perfectly with our view of what it means to be a good employer. When people feel good about themselves, they enjoy their work more, often feel more energetic, and find it easier to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Sports can play a major role in that. That’s why we create plenty of opportunities to participate, at any level. Whether you’re training for a marathon, picking up a padel racket for the first time, or just coming for the social aspect afterward: at HeadFirst Group, the same rule applies as during the tournament itself. Nothing is required, everything is allowed. And that’s exactly why everyone participates in their own way.
Energy, inspiration, and connection
At Team HeadFirst Group , we believe that work goes beyond just your role. Whether it’s moments at Thialf, Premier Padel, during Mud Masters or at The Dutch Masters, we bring people together and challenge each other. That combination of ambition, collaboration, and experience is evident everywhere. It shows how we, as an organization, build strong relationships and a close-knit team, where there is room for fun, growth, and celebrating successes together.
Become part of a team that wants to get better every day, just like in elite sports.
Walk & Talk 2026
WALK & TALK 2026
Team HeadFirst Group
Together with our colleagues and clients, we joined Team HeadFirst Group in the Walk & Talk event organized by the Topsport Community in the beautiful Parc Broekhuizen. During this exclusive gathering, professionals from various organizations came together to engage with current and former elite athletes and coaches in a different way. Not in a conference room, but while walking through nature, with plenty of room for inspiring conversations.
Learning from elite sports
We can learn a lot from the world of sports, and that became clear once again during this Walk & Talk. The parallels between elite sports and our work are striking: performing under pressure, continuously improving, and collaborating with a focus on results. Under the guidance of elite athletes and coaches such as Anky van Grunsven, Nicolien Sauerbreij, and Patrick Pearson, participants engaged in one-on-one conversations with each other. It was precisely the combination of physical activity, personal attention, and a relaxed environment that yielded valuable insights and relatable learning moments from both sports and business.
Play
For Team HeadFirst Group, the Walk & Talk was a great opportunity to reflect on this year’s theme, “Play,” together with clients, colleagues, and other partners from the elite sports community. It’s a theme that perfectly aligns with our belief that connection, development, and enjoyment go hand in hand.
Our partnership with the Topsport Community highlights the importance of sports, personal development, and connection within the HeadFirst Group. Throughout the year, colleagues and clients participate in various events that bring together elite sports, science, and business. From inspiring sessions with Olympic champions to athletic challenges and exclusive networking events, there are plenty of opportunities for personal growth and inspiration.
Energy, inspiration, and connection
At At Team HeadFirst Group , we believe that work goes beyond just your role. Whether it’s moments at Thialf, Premier Padel, during Mud Masters or at The Dutch Masters, we bring people together and challenge each other. That combination of ambition, collaboration, and experience is evident everywhere. It shows how we, as an organization, build strong relationships and a close-knit team, where there is room for fun, growth, and celebrating successes together.
Become part of a team that wants to get better every day, just like in elite sports.
Product & Tech
Product & Tech
At HeadFirst Group, we work every day to develop technology that streamlines the labor market. Technology that connects clients, suppliers, and professionals: smarter, faster, and more user-friendly. This is how we simplify complex processes, create more transparency in the supply chain, and ensure that the right people come together at the right time. With innovative solutions, we support thousands of users every day and contribute to a labor market that is more efficient, accessible, and future-proof.
JOIN THE FUTURE OF WORK
Building innovation together
We do this with curious developers, data specialists, architects, product owners, and engineers who are energized by improvement, creativity, experimentation, and collaboration. People who aren’t afraid to take ownership, think critically, and try out new ideas.
The technology we’re working on has a direct impact on thousands of users and a rapidly changing job market. That calls for smart solutions, scalable platforms, and teams that are eager to move forward.
That’s why we don’t believe in standing still. We continue to build, improve, and innovate—not only in our products, but also in the way we work together. No unnecessary processes; instead, we work together to build solutions that add value.
Always evolving
With an AI-first approach, we’re at the forefront of software development. We use generative AI, LLMs, and smart automation to build faster and innovate continuously. A large portion of our code is now supported by AI, shifting the focus increasingly from manual programming to architecture, orchestration, and the development of scalable platforms. In this way, we’re not only helping to shape the future of work, but also the future of software development.
“What does a user think, and how can we make the experience as enjoyable as possible? That’s where it starts for me.”
Diederick van Tellingen | UX Designer
Tech with a global impact
The technology we’re working on has a direct impact on thousands of users and a rapidly changing job market. That calls for smart solutions, scalable platforms, and teams that are eager to move forward.
Who knows, maybe you'll be working on Striive or ProUnity, HeadFirst Group’s digital platforms that make the job market smarter, faster, and more transparent. Used daily by thousands of professionals, clients, and suppliers, with an impact across multiple international markets.
Sandhya Srinivasan | Java Developer
Sandhya has been with HeadFirst Group for eight months now and works as a senior Java developer on the engineering team. She was born and raised in India and moved to the Netherlands nine years ago. For six years, she worked at a company specializing in EV charging. Although the work was challenging, she wanted a career where connecting with people was more central. When she discovered HeadFirst Group, it immediately felt like a perfect fit. The organization’s focus on human relationships, combined with her technical expertise, offered her a new direction.
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Send applicationVitality and Connection
Good performance starts with feeling good about yourself. That’s why we invest not only in technology and development, but also in well-being and connection. With Team HeadFirst Group , we bring colleagues together around elite sports—from physical activities and inspiring guest speakers to sporting events.
We believe that strong teams are built by working together and sharing memorable moments. For us, celebrating successes, motivating one another, and having fun are just as much a part of work as writing code or delivering projects. There’s so much more going on at Team HeadFirst Group—curious to see what it’s all about?
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News and activities
Stay up to date with our latest developments, great projects and the latest activities within HeadFirst Group. From innovations and growth to milestones and successes, you'll find it all here.
JINC: Tomorrow's Leaders
At HeadFirst Group, we welcomed the “Bosses of Tomorrow” through our partner JINC for a fun and educational day. The children were given a…
HeadFirst Group Padel Tournament 2026
The third edition of the internal padel tournament brought together colleagues from across the organization at PadelPoint Hoofddorp. With three…
Walk & Talk 2026
The HeadFirst Group team took part in the Topsport Community’s Walk & Talk event at Parc Broekhuizen, where participants walked in one-on-one conversations…
Diversity & Inclusion Summit
Diversity & Inclusion Summit
IN.CLUDE
Together with Global People , we organized IN.CLUDE, the Diversity & Inclusion Summit: a day when clients, suppliers, HR professionals, and leaders came together to address one key question:How do you truly put intentions and ambitions into practice?
IN.CLUDE brings organizations together to look beyond mere intentions. By engaging in dialogue and sharing knowledge, we create opportunities to learn from one another and to translate our ambitions for diversity and inclusion into concrete actions and lasting change.
Why Diversity and Inclusion Go Beyond Good Intentions
With a packed house and strong engagement from various organizations and sectors, it quickly became clear that this is a topic of great interest. Not just within HR, but across the entire organization. After all, diversity and inclusion directly impact leadership, collaboration, decision-making, culture, and talent development.
Keynotes, panel discussions, and open conversations among participants created opportunities for candid discussions about everyday practice. While virtually every organization recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion, translating that into behavior, processes, and culture often proves to be a complex challenge.
Different perspectives make organizations stronger
During his keynote, Joris Luyendijk demonstrated that diversity and inclusion are not just about representation, but primarily about the quality of collaboration and decision-making. According to him, organizations that lack sufficient diversity often struggle to properly identify talent. As a result, potential remains untapped, and blind spots emerge within teams and leadership.
“Well-managed mixed teams simply achieve much better results.”
He also emphasized that organizations often believe they are acting objectively, while unconscious biases and existing systems still have a significant influence on who is given opportunities.
Culture is reflected in everyday behavior
Zoe Papaikonomou’s keynote also resonated deeply with the audience. She spoke about the influence of behavior and organizational culture on what is communicated and accepted within teams. Inclusion is found precisely in the small, everyday moments: in who is given space, who feels safe to speak up, and what behaviors leaders—consciously or unconsciously—allow.
“Your good intentions say little about the impact on others.”
How to Make Inclusion a Core Part of Your Organization
During the panel discussion, which included representatives from the KNVB, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, the police, and Sky10, among others, it became clear once again that many organizations face similar challenges. The discussions focused not only on policy or objectives, but primarily on practical implementation:
- How do you create psychological safety?
- How do you ensure that different perspectives are truly heard?
- And how do you make inclusion an integral part of leadership and culture rather than a standalone initiative?
It was precisely the openness and sense of connection among participants that made the event so valuable. Many attendees noted that sustainable change can only be achieved when organizations make structural decisions about how they collaborate, lead, and identify and develop talent.
Diversity is a key focus at HeadFirst Group
At HeadFirst Group, we believe that diverse perspectives make organizations stronger. Not as a standalone topic or project, but as an integral part of how we collaborate, learn, and grow. That’s why we believe it’s important to keep this conversation going—not just at events like this one, but especially in our day-to-day work. Because inclusion isn’t something that happens on paper; it’s about behavior, choices, and culture.
The high level of engagement during the summit demonstrated that more and more organizations are actively seeking ways to take concrete steps in this area. And that is precisely why it is so important to keep this conversation going.
Join an organization that embraces inclusivity
HeadFirst Group - Best of Champions 2026
This was The Dutch Masters 2026
Team HeadFirst Group
On Thursday evening, the HeadFirst Group – Best of Champions event took place once again in front of a packed crowd at the Brabanthallen. As the main sponsor of The Dutch Masters , we were proud to welcome colleagues, freelancers, suppliers, and other business associates to our HeadFirst Group Lounge. Everyone caught up, laughed, and thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere, even before the horses entered the arena.
Talent Room
In addition to the lounge, the main program took place in the HeadFirst Group – Talent Room. Pieter van den Hoogenband spoke about his journey to the top and his current role as chef de mission, in which collaboration is crucial. Jesse Dercksen (sports psychologist at PSV) took the audience inside the minds of elite athletes, while Anky van Grunsven shared her insights on the similarities and differences between humans and horses. Jan Roelfs served as the day’s moderator and brought all these stories together into an inspiring whole about talent development, collaboration, and adaptability.
Back-to-back for Willem Greve
Then it was time for the main act: HeadFirst Group – Best of Champions. In this spectacular event, riders ride each other’s horses and have only a few minutes to get a feel for the course and the horse. Willem Greve once again proved he is the master, completing four clear rounds and thereby defending his title, while Richard Vogel, Julien Epaillard and Gilles Thomas provided an exciting battle.
The best part of the evening? Colleagues, partners, and clients all together, chatting in the lounge, and the enthusiasm with which top athletes shared their experiences and demonstrated how teamwork, adaptability, and talent development work.
At HeadFirst Group, we view our daily work as a top-level sport. Inspiring stories, craftsmanship that leaves a lasting impression, and energy that could be felt in every corner of the Brabanthallen. From casual conversations over drinks to the adrenaline rush of the Best of Champions competition, this was an evening that demonstrated why sports and HeadFirst Group are such a perfect match.
Become part of a team that wants to get better every day, just like in elite sports.
Tamara Boeff
“HeadFirst Group gives me the freedom to combine sports and work"
Tamara Boeff | Account Manager
Tamara (33) has been working at HeadFirst Group for six years and has been an account manager for three years. In those six years, she has taken various steps within the organization. She started with the Relations team, then moved on to Supplier Manager and finally Account Manager. That development characterizes her, but also the organization. She started out as the only woman in a team of men, but quickly felt at home there. "It was actually a lot of fun," she says.
Personal customer contact
Building personal relationships with customers is essential for Tamara. She believes in openness and honesty within partnerships and therefore discusses issues directly when something is going on. This transparent approach ensures trust and lasting partnerships. At the same time, she continues to challenge herself and consciously steps out of her comfort zone.
If something does not go according to plan, Tamara takes charge and works hard to find a suitable solution together. She first listens carefully, asks in-depth questions, and investigates where the problem really lies. Only then does she come up with solutions. For her, every good result starts with understanding and comprehending the need.
Collaborating and motivating
As an account manager, Tamara works closely with various departments, such as recruitment, contracting, and finance. Although she is ultimately responsible for her clients, she never does this alone. Every two weeks, there is a joint meeting for each client, during which everyone shares how things are going and makes adjustments where necessary.
For Tamara, collaboration is essential in this regard. As she says herself: "You can never achieve success alone. I am ultimately responsible for my clients, but we really do it together. By continuously liaising with recruitment, contracting, and finance, we know exactly where we stand and can make quick adjustments. My background in sports has given me a real winner's mentality: when I set my mind to something, I go for it wholeheartedly and I like to take my team with me."
“I am given a lot of responsibility and trust. That motivates me to get the best out of myself every day.”
Change as an opportunity
What appeals to Tamara about HeadFirst Group is that the organization is constantly evolving. That dynamic suits her way of working: looking ahead, improving, and continuing to learn. She doesn't see change as something stressful, but as an opportunity to grow and gain new insights.
With her renewed client portfolio, she is embarking on a new phase in which she can further build and deepen relationships. Contact with various organizations and identifying new opportunities energize her. It is precisely the combination of responsibility, development, and collaboration that makes her work varied and challenging. She is taking this next step with focus, commitment, and confidence.
Combining work and sports
Tamara is a true sportswoman and regularly incorporates elements from the world of sports into her work. These include discipline, perseverance, and a strong team mentality.
Tamara exercises an average of ten to fifteen hours per week. The ability to combine her athletic life with her work is one of the reasons why HeadFirst Group is such a good fit for her. "Thanks to the flexible working hours, I can organize my day myself. Sometimes I start a little later and exercise in the morning, or I put on my running shoes during my lunch break, whatever suits me best. Exercise is not a hobby for me, but an essential part of my life."
In addition to her regular work, Tamara is active within Team HeadFirst Group, our elite sports program in which we approach our work as elite sports and promote this both internally and externally through sporting events, inspirational sessions, and joint initiatives. In this role, she is responsible for organizing internal sporting events. This allows her to convey her passion for sports to colleagues and contribute to the active and energetic culture within HeadFirst Group.
Will you become Tamara's new colleague?
Most Influential Recruiter 2025
Most Influential Recruiter
2025
Last week, we attended Recruiters United's Most Influential Recruiter 2025 award ceremony in Mereveld, Utrecht. As a partner of the event and because Marelle Beune represented us on the professional jury. Every year, the awards show how the recruitment profession is developing. More than 10,000 votes were cast, but that's not all. Nominees are also assessed on their merits by an independent jury. They answer in-depth questions about their vision, their approach, and how they are advancing the profession. That makes these awards different from a standard public award.
Content more important than visibility
In a labor market where technology and AI are becoming increasingly prevalent, the quality of the conversation remains decisive. That perspective was central during the judging process. It's not about who shouts the loudest, but who contributes substantively to the development of recruitment.
It is fitting that Marelle was on the jury on our behalf. We believe it is important to actively contribute to the professionalization of the profession. Not from the sidelines, but right at the heart of the matter.
Lale Izmirli named Most Influential Recruiter 2025
The expert jury unanimously named Lale Izmirli Most Influential Recruiter 2025. She received the Bas Westland Award and also won the jury prize in the Corporate Recruiter category. According to the jury, she has emphatically positioned recruitment more strategically within her organization and made themes such as diversity and inclusion concrete.
Since this year, the election has been organized by Recruiters United, with a clear ambition to further enhance the quality of the content. This is a development that we, as a partner, are happy to be associated with.
Building the future of recruitment together
For us, this is more than just an awards night. It is a moment when the profession is taken seriously. Where recruiters keep each other on their toes and where substance carries more weight than visibility alone.
We work together with Recruiters United because we share the same ambition: to further professionalize recruitment and focus on content. As a partner, we actively contribute to this, for example by participating in the jury and by being involved in initiatives that strengthen the profession.
Do you work at HeadFirst Group, you work in an environment where recruitment is seen as a profession. Where we continue to learn and where we take responsibility for the role we play in the labor market.
Become part of our team!
Top-level Sports Community Playground
Topsport Community Playground: out of your routine, into your playing field
Team HeadFirst Group
Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life withTeam HeadFirst Group . Last week, we went on a trip with the Topsport Community Playground into Amsterdam’s iconic Olympic Stadium for an afternoon centered on trying, falling, learning, and growing. Reconnect with your inner child.
Playground is not a standard event; it is an intimate session in which you approach your life as a playing field. A safe space where you can experiment and discover what really suits you, both in your work and beyond.
Small choices, big impact
The meaning of Playground became clear in the stories of Nicolien Sauerbreij, Irene Schouten, and Maarten Meiners. They recounted how their drive developed at a young age: wanting to improve, wanting to be the best, and consciously training differently. By trying out multiple sports and disciplines, playing, and experimenting, they maintained their enjoyment and developed more quickly. It was precisely this differential training that laid the foundation for their growth as top athletes, a mindset in which ambition and play go hand in hand.
Small choices, big impact
Together with Ernst-Jan Pfauth, author of Intentional Living, we delved into making conscious choices. Not grand life plans, but rather the power of small steps. With humor, courage, and room to experiment. Because growth doesn't have to be grand or difficult, as long as you make honest choices.
Then it was time for Full Body Thinking with Wouter de Jong. An approach that combines neuroscience, breathing, systemic work, and schema therapy. Not only understanding why you do what you do, but also really feeling it. Through practical exercises, patterns shifted from "thinking" to "doing," step by step.
Making more conscious choices, every day
Aikido coach Johan Lodder brought East and West together and showed how inner strength, vitality, and authenticity reinforce each other. Less forcing, more moving with the flow. A mindset that works not only in top-level sports, but also in the workplace and in everyday life.
Led by Diana Matroos, it was an afternoon full of insights and practical tools. Tools that you can apply immediately, whether you are a recruiter, manager, or somewhere in between. Because at Team HeadFirst Group, we believe that you become better at your job when you also invest in yourself as a person.
Become part of a team that wants to get better every day, just like in elite sports.
HYROX Utrecht
HYROX Utrecht
Team HeadFirst Group
Sport and pushing boundaries together are deeply ingrained in the DNA of Team HeadFirst Group. We demonstrated this once again during HYROX Utrecht, where colleagues from different parts of the organization took on the challenge together.
What is HYROX?
HYROX is not your standard sporting event. It is a tough combination of running and functional workouts. The format is simple, but anything but easy: 1 kilometer of running, followed by a strenuous exercise. And that eight times in a row. Think of exercises such as the ski erg, sled push and pull, burpee broad jumps, sandbag lunges, and farmers carry. It requires fitness, strength, and mental resilience.
We showed up at the start with four mixed teams, made up of colleagues from different departments. Just the way we like it: training together, pushing ourselves together, and supporting each other through it all, regardless of job title or department.
What made the evening extra special? Colleagues standing on the sidelines to cheer us on. High fives, cheers, and motivational words gave us that little bit of extra energy during the tough moments. This is where team spirit really comes to life.
Pushing boundaries
Our teams went full throttle and showed perseverance, but above all, they had a lot of fun. Colleagues stepped out of their comfort zone and showed what happens when you push boundaries together. It wasn't about times or performance, but about sharing experiences, motivating each other, and being proud of what you achieve together.
And this leaves us wanting more. Keep an eye on us, because there are plenty more sporting and networking events coming up. Hopefully, we will see even more colleagues at the starting line next year. On to the next one!