International entrepreneurship. It suits Jean Stephens perfectly. She has been CEO of RSM since 2006 and is at the helm of an organization with 51,000 employees worldwide. Not always easy as an American in London and as a woman in a male-dominated professional field. But she sees an opportunity like no other to draw strength from differences.

Jean: “RSM has offices in 120 countries worldwide. Our strategy is to be located where there are companies that can use our services both locally and globally. The goal is therefore not to be in as many countries as possible, but to be present where there is a need for our services. Furthermore, RSM is built on quality. Networks and relationships are of great importance. That starts internally. We do everything we can to connect the RSM people around the world. By doing so everyone can use the expertise of colleagues in all other countries to serve clients. To me, that is the key strength of the way we do business at RSM International. Because it allows us to confidently tell clients - wherever they are in the world - that we can assist them to achieve their goals.”

What makes RSM successful internationally?
“I think RSM’s culture is what makes us successful. We are professional and focused on quality. But we’re also nice people who want to do the right thing, for the right reasons, and in the right way. And we’re not arrogant. We take the time to listen, learn and understand our clients - to build relationships based on trust. I firmly believe that’s the best way to do business. And what you see is that our customers share the same principles.”

NEW OPPORTUNITIES
What role does RSM’s Dutch branch play in this?
“As in all other countries, RSM Netherlands is an independent company that has chosen to be part of our global Network. This choice actually arises within all Firms from the demand of their clients. Because when you have cross border questions, it’s good to have colleagues anywhere in the world who can help you. When RSM Netherlands joined us, the company was still young and really in a start-up phase. I have seen it transform into a professional and innovative organization that has really benefited from being part of a wider RSM global community. It was good for the business, for the reputation and offered new opportunities.” And then she laughingly explains, “On top of that, I really like the Netherlands. If I wasn’t an American in Great Britain, I would live in the Netherlands. You guys are straightforward, open, know what you want, and you always know what to expect. You also have a good work-life balance. The Dutch are serious about their work, but they also enjoy life.”

“Regarding Ukraine RSM should be a protective, safe place”

LISTENING WELL
Jean strongly believes in using cultural differences in international business. In her opinion, how does that contribute to the development of an international business? “Differences are everywhere and I enjoy that. I am convinced that within RSM these differences and our diversity that make us stronger. Our strength is listening well and therefore understanding each other well. This applies to our clients, and also to our employees. It is important to understand what their needs are or where their challenges lie. Only then can we talk to each other, build a relationship and solve things. That is not possible if you do it from your own experience or your own point of view. You have to be open to the other because cultural differences add color in the world and enrich our experiences; I’m really convinced of that."

After the corona pandemic, we are facing a war in Europe. It’s not an easy time to do international business. How do you deal with that?
“Of course, I’ve been in this business for a while and because of that I know that we are resilient. It’s moving forward with business, whether there is an economic recession, a pandemic or a war. There are always new companies emerging that take advantage of the situation in the world or in a country, and they always need advisors to assist them with their growth. The same applies to existing companies that are capable of adapting to the circumstances in which they operate. Of course, the corona pandemic had an effect on our work. Everyone retreated, we had to close down, protect our people... Now that we are starting up again, of course things have changed. That’s not a bad thing because we are flexible, we find new ways and also see new opportunities. In doing so, it’s important to keep investing in people. That’s the only way to deal with this kind of change.” “The situation in Ukraine is of course still very uncertain. How long will the war continue, will it stay within the country’s borders and what will be the impact if it doesn’t? At RSM, communication is very important right now. Staying in touch and supporting each other, as if we were family. The Network should be a protective, safe place where you feel you can face the challenges together. And I mean together as colleagues, but also together with our clients. Of course, they have other questions and other problems because of this kind of situation. But here again, if we listen to each other respectfully and openly, start the conversation and understand each other, we will work it out.”

RSM ACADEMY
Employee development is high on the agenda at RSM. Jean herself was one of the initiators of the RSM Academy, a leadership program for future managers where they can develop their international skills. Why is this so important to you?
“When I started in this position in 2006, there was nothing within the Network in the area of people. Because I think people development is important, we started this intensive one-week program for future leaders. All of our Members themselves select the people they want to have at the helm in the future. Before corona, between 45 and 60 people came together in Eindhoven for a week to talk about culture, internationalization, leadership and of course RSM and what we are. Last year we did that online and 300 people participated. So that was very successful! RSM is nothing without our people. They are our greatest asset. That’s why it’s important to invest in them.”

“Business as usual, in spite of economic recession, war of pandemic”

CHANGE
What is actually your own drive to work for such a large international company?
“When I was young, I wanted to live abroad for two years. I got a job in London with RSM, left California and never returned. I think that happened because every day is different in this job. I have contact with people from all over the world. That gives me a lot of satisfaction and it is always challenging. Of course, I am in a privileged position because I am involved in helping set the course for RSM. And I realize that this suits me because I love change. I’m always looking for the next step or what else is possible. I feel privileged to work with all RSM Members as we always consider what more we can accomplish together. “

As a woman, what is it like to hold this position?
“I get this question often; it’s a fact that I work in a man’s world. Globally, we are making progress - slowly but surely things are changing. By the way, my team is fifty-fifty. But I actually find it quite difficult to answer this question because I have been doing this for so long now. I don’t have the feeling that the people I sit around the table with see me as a woman. Maybe that’s a little naive, because of course there are differences and I face challenges from time to time because of this. Perhaps it also helps that I’m a CEO. It makes a big difference whether you have that title. In any case, I think it’s important that the subject of diversity is discussed as much as possible so that we are aware of any prejudices and we do all we can to bring diversity of thought and action into everything we do. As long as we realize this at the top in terms of leadership and treat everyone respectfully, we can contribute by setting the proper tone.”

Why is the focus in this training so much on international skills?
“I, myself, am from the United States and work for an international company. That means I know what I know, but - and this is much more dangerous - I don’t know what I don’t know. The only way to address this is to learn. The world is big and complicated. That means I can do something that works well in England but have to be aware that it might not work in the Netherlands, for example. It’s like peeling an onion. You go one layer deeper each time. What does it mean that your vision does not work in the Netherlands? What do I need to learn? Understanding each other is a prerequisite for international success. That’s why we try to open up the world in this training. This is good for the personal development of the employees, but also for RSM because it will ultimately enable them to serve our clients better.”

 

auteur SIMONE LENSINK

fotograaf RSM INTERNATIONAL

Dit artikel verscheen in het RSMagazine (Uitgave 22), een magazine dat twee keer per jaar in heel Nederland wordt verspreid onder cliënten, relaties en andere geïnteresseerden. Ontvangt u het magazine nog niet, maar wel geïnteresseerd? Neem dan contact op met Angelique Timmer-Weisscher via [email protected]. Dan krijgt u het magazine voortaan ook kosteloos toegezonden!