On 1 February, I enthusiastically started as country manager at AQ Roses / Rosa Plaza, responsible for our activities in Ethiopia. Before this, I worked in the tea industry in Malawi for almost ten years. So you could say I went from tea cups to flowers, a fresh step into a totally different, but at least as exciting sector.
As a newcomer to the world of roses, my eyes are wide open. It is an impressive industry, every day we send huge numbers of flowers to the Netherlands, where they find their way directly to consumers. That remains fascinating to see.
What makes the work extra interesting is that roses are surprisingly complex to grow. It is an intensive crop that requires constant attention and skill. From plant protection to quality assurance, from international laws and regulations to meeting increasingly stringent market and customer demands, there is a lot involved. Added to this is the optimisation of internal processes, which makes the whole thing even more challenging. My role focuses on general management: from finance to HR and everything in between. It is precisely this combination of strategic and operational that makes the work dynamic and varied. No day is the same and that is exactly what makes it so fascinating.
What I particularly appreciate about AQ Roses / Roza Plaza is the atmosphere of a family business. The norms and values are palpably different from those of a listed concern. Here it's all about passion, dedication and continuity. The lines are short, decisions are taken quickly and you notice that entrepreneurship is really in the DNA. The team is collegial, knowledgeable and loyal, which makes it a nice environment to work in.
Finally, my favourite rose? That's the Noelle. A special colour and extra special for me because when I signed my contract, I was given a bunch to take home. Hopefully we can continue growing these for many years to come.
I look forward to continuing to build a successful future together with the team!
