Top sports community live! 2025
Top Sports Community Live! Top sports, science and business in one
Team HeadFirst Group
What happens when sports, science and business come together? Well ... exactly what we at Team HeadFirst Group like to see: energy, inspiration and new ideas that you want to work with immediately. In a packed AFAS Theater in Leusden 750 visitors were ready for an evening that was completely dedicated to the annual theme of 2025: Focus. With Peter Heerschop talking with humor and flair, as only he can.
Heroes on stage
The evening started surprisingly quiet. Writer Arthur van den Boogaard read a passage from Waterfeeling and immediately set the tone: attention, concentration, being completely in the moment. Then professor of brain science Erik Scherder took over. With his familiar energy and clarity, he explained how our brains deal with focus and why that is the key to top performance, both in sports and in the workplace.
Coaches Evangelos Doudesis, Eelco Meenhorst and Laurens ten Dam then showed how they take teams to the top: with clear goals, crystal clear communication and an eye for the individual. Exactly the way we also work together within Team HeadFirst Group. Musician Tim Knol then provided goose bump moments with his own songs and some classics.
From stress to focus
Noortje and Bregje de Brouwer (Olympic bronze in synchronized swimming) allowed the audience a glimpse into their world of timing, strength and perfect cooperation. While Scherder explained how to turn stress into focus, Femke Heemskerk, Marit Bouwmeester and Duco Telgenkamp shared concrete examples from their careers. Recognizable, honest and above all: super inspiring.
The finale was for none other than Ireen Wüst, the most successful Dutch Olympian of all time. Her secret? Daring to look again every four years at what drove her and adjusting that drive each time. Always learning, always improving. A mindset we at HeadFirst Group can only appreciate.
Become part of a team that wants to get better every day, just like in elite sports.
Challenge accepted: make local talent global
Challenge Accepted: make local talent global
Team HeadFirst Group
How do you really help talent grow? That was the central question during the Topsport Community Challenge, in the iconic Omnisport Apeldoorn, and coincidentally also a question that we at HeadFirst Group deal with every day.
Omnisport is no ordinary venue. It is a place where track cyclists like Harry Lavreysen train hard for gold and where athletes like Lieke Klaver and Femke Bol push their limits. That top sports mentality, always wanting to improve and going for the best result together, comes to life there. That ideal setting and exactly what appeals to us at HeadFirst Group.
The right ingredients
During the Challenge, the partners of the Topsport Community came together to explore how to recruit, retain and develop talent. Because let's face it: that is one of the biggest challenges of our time. No organization is the same; culture, leadership and personal drives all play a role. So there is no blueprint, but there are ingredients that work.
From HeadFirst Group, Claudia, Martijn, Britt and Rogier from our People & Culture team went to work with one common learning objective: how can we make talent development within our organization even stronger? Guided by former top athletes and coaches, they discovered new insights about leadership, cooperation and growth. Together with the other partners, they presented their plans, received honest feedback and immediately translated that into concrete action.
Develop yourself at HeadFirst Group
For us, talent development goes beyond a nice word on paper. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to grow - in knowledge, in skills, but also as people. Just like in top sports, it's about setting goals, daring to ask for feedback, challenging each other and celebrating successes.
At HeadFirst Group, you get plenty of room for that. Whether you're a recruiter, marketer or data analyst. We challenge you to keep improving yourself. We offer education and training, but also space to learn in practice: by working with inspiring colleagues, taking responsibility and experimenting with new ideas.
Growing together
The Topsport Community Challenge gave us an additional sense of why we think this is so important. Talent only really grows when you invest in the right environment: a place where trust, ambition and fun come together. We left Omnisport with concrete plans and a clear goal: to support our colleagues even better in their development. Because growing talent, locally and internationally, is top sport. And we at HeadFirst Group are proud of that every day.
Do you also want to work in an environment where growth, energy and team spirit are key?
Amsterdam Half Marathon
In action at the Amsterdam half marathon
Team HeadFirst Group
Last Sunday we were at the start of the Half Marathon of Amsterdam with a large group of HeadFirst Group colleagues! One of the most beautiful and popular running events in the Netherlands, with a course that runs right through the city, from the Olympic Stadium to the Amstel River and back again. The atmosphere was fantastic: thousands of runners, enthusiastic spectators along the route and a sun that played along just right.
Top performance
While at the full marathon the Kenyan Kipchumba made history with a new course record, Team HeadFirst Group also put in a top performance. We finished 13th out of 250 participating companies during the half marathon. A result we are extremely proud of! With top times within our ranks, such as an impressive 1 hour and 23 minutes, we showed that perseverance, focus and teamwork also come together perfectly outside the workplace.
At HeadFirst Group we strongly believe in the importance of vitality. Not only because sports is good for your body, but also because it contributes to your mental fitness and energy at work. Playing sports together also strengthens the bond between colleagues, something we clearly felt this weekend. Along the route it was one big party of colleagues encouraging each other, laughing together and helping each other through the difficult kilometers. That closeness is exactly what makes our culture so special.
One step better every day
And as with any athletic challenge, we learned something new. About perseverance, how to deal with a dip halfway through or how far you can get if you keep motivating each other. Because in the end that is what it is all about: growing together, making each other better, step by step. Learn Everyday in optima forma.
The muscle pain has now set in. Some walked down the stairs on Monday a little stiffer than usual, but the feeling of pride prevails. Proud of our team, of the performance, of the cooperation and energy that we put down together. This experience shows that vitality is not just something we find important, but something we really live at HeadFirst Group. It tastes like more, on to the next sportive challenge with Team HeadFirst Group!
Become part of Team HeadFirst Group and run with us next year!
Premier Padel
Colleagues pick up wins at Premier Padel!
Team HeadFirst Group
At HeadFirst Group, we do love a challenge. Therefore, together with the partners of the Topsport Community, we were on the court during Premier Padel Rotterdam, the biggest padel tournament in the Netherlands. Here the best players in the world compete for the title. While the world's best were preparing for their matches in Ahoy, we played our own tournament on a court next door. A unique experience, right in the middle of the atmosphere of top sport. Because just like on the work floor at HeadFirst Group, it's all about cooperation, connecting and getting a little better every day.
In addition to the world's top
While on center court the world's top players, such as Federico Chingotto & Alejandro Galán and Agustín Tapia & Arturo Coello (who eventually went home with the win), were getting ready for matches, we played our own tournament. The atmosphere was there right away: fanatical rallies, lots of smiling faces and plenty of energy on the court. You can tell that the Topsport Community partners have the same mindset as we do at HeadFirst Group.
The finals of our own competition provided spectacle, and it was extra nice to see our colleagues win prizes. They went home with a personalized racket. After playing sports, we had dinner together, laughed and talked afterwards with sports icons such as Pieter van den Hoogenband, Marit Bouwmeester, John van Lottum and Fatima Moreiro de Melo. A perfect mix of sports, connection and fun, just the way we like to see it at Team HeadFirst Group.
Shared elite sports mentality
What made this evening extra special was the top sports mentality that was palpable everywhere. By standing among such inspiring athletes, you realize how important focus, discipline and cooperation are. Values that also make the difference for us. In the aftermovie, our colleague Duco beautifully explains how this top-class sports mentality fits in seamlessly with our growth ambition: getting better together, continuing to learn and taking on new challenges with courage. Whether on the work floor or on the padel court, at HeadFirst Group you always go for the win!
Become part of a team that wants to get better every day, just like in elite sports.
Martijn Wolf
"We want people to feel welcome from day one. The lines are short, the barriers low. You can literally walk into anyone's house.''
Martijn Wolf | Learning & Development specialist
Martijn Wolf (28) has been working at HeadFirst Group as a Learning & Development Specialist for almost two years now. His route to this role began while studying Applied Psychology, where he quickly discovered that his passion lies in training and coaching people within organizations.
Own development
After college, he started as a recruiter to gain experience. Not much later he got the chance to train customer service employees for a year and a half, under the guidance of Marelle Beune, now Recruitment Director at HeadFirst Group. When she transferred to HeadFirst and was looking for someone in the field of Learning & Development, she immediately thought of Martijn. His experience in both recruitment and training proved to be a perfect match.
As a Learning & Development specialist, Martijn is responsible for everything around learning and development within HeadFirst Group. "When I started, there was very little in place. That gave me the chance to build something from the ground up." One of his first projects was revamping Onboarding, but his work goes much further. Martijn gives a lot of internal training himself, with communication as a major theme. This topic is now extra in the spotlight because of the organization-wide implementation of a new communication system. Within this project, Martijn is responsible for the communication part. How do you have a good conversation, with customers, but also with colleagues? His communication trainings play a central role in this. From giving feedback to having a good job interview, Martijn has developed a whole series of practical trainings. Each training starts with a need. "Sometimes it's about new implementation of laws and regulations. Then I gather knowledge from colleagues and translate that into practical work forms, such as a role-play." His goal is always that people not only understand something, but actually apply it in their work. "For me, that's the only measuring tool that counts: if I see it reflected in behavior, then I know the training has been effective."
Learn every day
For Martijn, Learn Everyday is much more than just a fancy term. It is a way of thinking and working. "Technology and the world around us are changing at lightning speed. If you don't keep learning, you will fall behind," he says. For him, it's about constantly improving, whether it's something small or big." Whether it's major technological developments, new legislation or just a better way of customer contact, every bit of development counts within the organization." That's why he focuses on performance-based learning that makes a real difference in everyday work.
Onboarding as the foundation of success
Onboarding at HeadFirst Group is not just an introduction. It is an extension of the culture and core values. Martijn completely revamped the process into a five-week interactive program centered on core values such as Learn Everyday, Connecting People and Customer First.
On the central introduction day, all HeadFirst Group labels come together at the head office in Hoofddorp. New colleagues get acquainted, exchange experiences and immediately build their internal network. This fits perfectly with the core value Connecting People. In addition, new employees learn through sessions and presentations how the organization works and where the key areas of expertise lie. The Onboarding is carried by eight different workshop leaders, each with their own specialty and story. Not only do they share their knowledge, but they also talk enthusiastically about their role within the organization and what you can approach them for. This makes the program personal and ensures a warm welcome. New colleagues immediately experience how accessible and committed the people at HeadFirst are.
Furthermore, each starter is assigned a buddy so there is room for personal guidance from the field. That peer-to-peer guidance fits well with the learning-oriented nature of the organization."When you're just starting out, you need someone who has time, knows your work well and is really there for you." This makes Learn Everyday not just something we say, but something you experience directly.
The content workshops include customer satisfaction, security, sustainability, diversity and laws and regulations. Everything is in line with what HeadFirst stands for: quality, an eye for people and society. In short: Customer First, and really knowing what's going on. Martijn sums it up powerfully: "We want people to feel welcome and prepared from day one. But also that they immediately experience how learning, improvement and collaboration are intertwined."
Open culture
Martijn describes the culture of the organization as professional, but at the same time open and approachable. "We are now over 400 colleagues, but everyone was immediately open to my ideas on training. You don't often see that on this scale." That openness starts at the top. CEO Marion van Happen personally takes the time for each new colleague to get acquainted and hear who they are and what they bring to the organization. "That typifies our organization. The lines are short, the barriers low. You can literally walk into anyone's house.'' It's exactly what appeals to Martijn so much: "We connect organizations with each other, but also consciously seek that connection internally."
"Change is a constant with us. If you are someone who is energized by improvement, by collaboration, by growth, then you are a perfect fit here. You don't have to be able to do everything already. What we are looking for are people who are curious, who want to learn and show themselves. If you bring that, you'll get all the room you need here."
From desk to obstacle course: colleagues brave Mud Masters
From desk to obstacle course: colleagues brave Mud Masters
Mud Masters 2025 | Haarlemmermeer
Together through the mud: this is how we do it at Team HeadFirst Group
A temperature of 30 degrees, gallons of mud and dozens of obstacles - that may sound like hard work, but for us it was mostly enjoyment. With 37 colleagues from HeadFirst Group we were at the start of Mud Masters Haarlemmermeer 2025. Spread over 6 and 12 kilometers, we braved slippery slopes, crawl tunnels, ice baths and rope constructions. Together. Because at Team HeadFirst Group you don't push boundaries on your own.
Collaborate
This day was about more than just physical challenge. It was about helping, motivating and encouraging each other - exactly what Connecting People, one of our core values, is all about. In our striking Team HeadFirst Group shirts, we dragged each other through the toughest parts. Not for nothing do we say: we dare to win.
Top sportsmanship on and off the job
Besides the sweat and sore muscles, this day provided a lot of energy above all. Energy that we also put into our work. Because within HeadFirst Group we believe that the power of sports - perseverance, team spirit, focus - fits perfectly with the way we work and grow. That is also why we Team HeadFirst Group created: a program that connects colleagues through sports, health and shared experiences.
Also part of HeadFirst Group?
Davy van den Berg at HeadFirst Group on top sports and Ramadan
Davy van den Berg on top sports, faith and Ramadan at HeadFirst Group
At HeadFirst Group, we believe in the power of diversity and the importance of understanding different cultures and traditions. Seeing the world through the eyes of others expands your perspective, strengthens our interconnectedness and creates an inclusive work environment.
With this in mind, we organized an Iftar March 13, where colleagues came together to break the fast during Ramadan. Davy van den Berg, captain of premier league club PEC-Zwolle was present to give his insight on top sports and Ramadan.
PEC Zwolle captain Davy van den Berg shares his experience
As an elite athlete, Ramadan requires extra discipline and adaptability. Davy van den Berg shared his personal experience about his conversion to Islam and how he deals with fasting as a professional soccer player. He explained how he maintains his energy level and how his club supports him in this. A unique insight into the combination of top sports and faith, where physical and mental strength go hand in hand.
In addition to Davy's inspiring words, Imam Mohamed Abdulahi gave an engaging explanation of the meaning of Ramadan and the core values within Islam. Colleagues then tested their knowledge in an interactive Ramadan quiz, with the winner going home with an autographed shirt from Davy van den Berg.
After the inspiring stories, it was time to enjoy a traditional Iftar meal together. Top sport is all about teamwork, and this evening was no different. Colleagues - even from Belgium - came together, shared experiences and learned more about each other's backgrounds.
"Society is changing, and there is now more attention to athletes participating in Ramadan. At PEC Zwolle, fasting players can sleep longer and retire, while for the past two years the KNVB has stopped matches briefly at sunset so players can eat and drink."
Be part of HeadFirst Group?
This initiative came directly from our colleagues and was enthusiastically supported by the DE&I task force. A great example of how we at HeadFirst Group bring our core values of Learn everyday and Connecting people to life!
At HeadFirst Group, working is not only about performance, but also about growing together, connecting and gaining new experiences. Initiatives like this Iftar show that we are an organization where everyone can be themselves and where there is room for diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Would you also like to work at an organization where inclusiveness and connection are key? Take a look at our vacancies and become part of our team!
HeadFirst Group is a Best Workplace™ for Women
HeadFirst Group is a Best Workplace™ for Women
Great Place To Work publishes list of best employers for women for the second time
Following the success of 2024, Great Place To Work has added to its annual list of best employers in the Netherlands the Best Workplaces for Women 2025 announced. This list is unique in the Netherlands and we are proud to share that HeadFirst Group ended up in 4th place in the Mid Large category. A great recognition for our work environment in which we give women room to grow and develop.
Closing wage gaps, breaking glass ceilings
Is an award for the "best workplaces for women" anno 2025 still necessary? The answer is: yes, absolutely. Despite the fact that women in the Netherlands are fully participating in the labor market, they (still) more often work part-time, in lower-paid sectors, and unjustifiably receive lower pay within the same sectors and positions.
Companies on the Best Workplaces for Women list are more successful than the national average: 96% of women feel they are treated fairly, compared to 84% nationally. Women also stay employed longer (82% vs. 67%).
This list highlights that gender equality is not an empty concept, but really works. Organizations on the list prove that inclusive policies lead to greater connection, better collaboration and impact.
How did we get on the list and what does it mean for us?
Great Place to Work compiles the list based on several key criteria:
- The number of women within the organization must equal or exceed the CBS industry benchmark.
- At least 33% of executives must be women - in our case it is even 50%!
- There must be at least one woman in senior management.
- Female colleagues must give the organization a Trust Index score of at least 70%.
We are extremely proud of this achievement, but we are not there yet! An inclusive workplace is not a final destination, but an ongoing movement. We remain committed to equal opportunity, diverse leadership and a work environment that always puts talent first.
Thank you to everyone who contributes to this. Together we make HeadFirst Group a place where everyone feels at home!
Also want to be a part of our beautiful organization? We have some great job openings!
First HeadFirst Group - Best of Champions great success!
First HeadFirst Group - Best of Champions great success!
March 13, 2025 was the day: the first edition of the HeadFirst Group - Best of Champions during The Dutch Masters in the Brabanthallen! A unique evening where top sport, networking and our visibility as HeadFirst Group came together.
After more than 10 years of absence, together with The Dutch Masters, we brought back the iconic horse exchange format. Four absolute top riders - Willem Greve, Henrik von Eckermann, Philipp Weishaupt and Maikel van der Vleuten competed not only on their own horses, but also on those of their competitors.
Greve champion, Cupid outstanding
In an exciting final, Willem Greve was crowned the Best of Champions! With a combination of technique, speed and precision, Greve proved his class and earned the coveted title. Also an honorable mention for Cupido, Philipp Weishaupt's horse, who stayed clear all evening under all four riders and did not touch a single beam. A true achievement!
Enjoying together at The Dutch Masters
What makes our work at HeadFirst Group so special? The people! And we brought them together during this event. We were present with a large group of colleagues in the stands to encourage the riders and enjoy the great atmosphere. Striive was also well represented with zzp'ers, strategic partners and suppliers. A perfect opportunity to strengthen relationships and enjoy top sport together at the highest level!
Be part of HeadFirst Group?
At HeadFirst Group, we try to integrate the lessons of sports into our work. The teamwork and mentality found in sports are also essential to our success in the organization. This event is a perfect example of that. Do you also want to be part of an organization where ambition, collaboration and fun go hand in hand?
Check out our vacancies and who knows, maybe next year you will join us at the HeadFirst Group - Best of Champions!
Second Team HeadFirst Group Padel Tournament
Second Team HeadFirst Group Padel Tournament
At HeadFirst Group, we embrace our core value of Connecting People and bring it to life in our daily work. This was evident during our second padel tournament, where over 90 colleagues took to the court together.
From an instructive clinic for the beginners, to intense and fanatical matches between the more advanced players. Everyone could find his or her sporting challenge here. We also bring this mentality of cooperation, fun and getting the best out of yourself back to our organization. As icing on the cake, Thomas Berge closed the day with a smashing performance.
Be part of Team HeadFirst Group?
At HeadFirst Group, we try to integrate the lessons of sports into our work. The dedication, teamwork and mentality found in sports are also essential to our success in the organization. By embracing these values, we create an environment where we can grow together and give our best both in the workplace and beyond. Interested in working at HeadFrist Group? Check out our job openings.