Gilbert Kruidenier

WHY UQPN?

I joined UQPN because I want to help create a great work experience for my colleagues of all levels, areas and backgrounds while we work together at UQ. We spend a lot of time together, so we should try to make the most of it and leverage each other’s strengths.

I am a strong believer in the power of community and connecting people who, at first glance, might not have anything in common, to then find out that they have the same interests and could make great things happen together. The potential for collaboration and creation is nearly limitless at UQ, bound only by our imagination and willingness to contribute to the whole.

To me, UQPN is the best option for staff wanting to be part of a community that is both personable, professional and inclusive. It still amazes me how much a group of motivated volunteers can accomplish for a bit of appreciation and involvement and I am proud to be part of that.

EXPERIENCE

I have worked in all kinds of organisations and sector for the past 20 years. Started my career as a project manager, then a process improvement consultant and the last 10 or so years as a change manager. I’ve always had a strong interest in why people do what they do, both good and bad and my work as a change manager allows me to make good things happen for people and organisations.

I also teach change management to MBA and post-grad students at Deakin University, wrote a book about change (Bad Change), created tools for people to find their inner change Manager and have all sorts of qualifications that prove I am skilled in some things, including the AICD Directors Course.

Originally from Rotterdam, the best city of the Netherlands, my partner of 25 years and I started our Australian adventure in Canberra in 2014, lived in Melbourne from 2016 to 2022 and have recently moved to Springfield Lakes where we live with Dash, our 5-year old rescue greyhound who is the bestest boy.

The best part about my work is that I get to talk to all kinds of people about problems, solutions and opportunities and get to work with them to make it happen with advice, tips and guidance where required. It’s my mission in life to make people live up to their own potential and expectations. Seeing them grow and amaze themselves simply never gets old.

My personal goals for UQPN are:

1. Bring good ideas to life by taking action
2. Add value for members in ways that matter to them
3. Engage all parts of the organisation to contribute to the professional community