Dear reader,

My name is Noa Widdershoven, former chairman of the 100th executive board of Sefa. I studied Business Administration and Business Strategy at the University of Amsterdam and later worked at a consultancy boutique and a Private Equity firm, both with a strong focus on the Food & Agri sector. It was during this time that I realized how profound the challenges in the Dutch food and agriculture sector are: climate change, nitrogen emissions, biodiversity loss, and water pollution, to name just a few. This realization led me to my current role as Director & Consultant at The Robin Food Coalition, a non-profit that brings together sustainable frontrunners. We help these companies collaborate, make impact measurable, innovate, and develop new business models. Alongside direct consultancy, we also drive system change through large-scale studies with partners like Deloitte and PwC, using the outcomes to lobby for a more sustainable food and agriculture system.

Looking back on my Sefa board year, I learned invaluable lessons, most importantly how to motivate people not through financial incentives, but through intrinsic motivation and shared purpose. In our year, this overarching purpose was clear: celebrating 100 years of Sefa with the 20th Lustrum and a year full of events.

Before my board year, I was Commercial Officer for the Amsterdam Career Days and part of the AGAN committee. Now in my role in the supervisory board, I hope to contribute by keeping Sefa traditions alive whilst keeping the long-term vision sharp. If you are ever in doubt about whether to climb the corporate ladder or start your own impact-driven venture or non-profit, feel free to reach out. I would be happy to share some insights.