Hello, I’m Robin Lindhout, and I’m thrilled to be joining the Madaster Netherlands team as a Sales Executive. As I begin this new chapter, I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about my background, my journey so far, and why I’m so excited to be part of Madaster’s mission.
A lifelong dedication to water polo
My path to where I am today has been anything but conventional. For much of my life, my focus was on a very different kind of competition—one that took place in the water rather than the boardroom. From around 2006, water polo was more than just a sport to me; it was my full-time occupation and my passion. My goal was clear: to compete at the highest levels, with the ultimate dream of participating in the Olympics.
Over the years, I had the privilege of travelling across Europe, competing in some of the world’s most prestigious leagues. It was an incredible journey, filled with countless hours of training, fierce competition, and the constant pursuit of excellence. While my team and I came heartbreakingly close to qualifying for the Olympics, we just missed out. Nevertheless, the experience taught me valuable lessons about dedication, resilience, and the importance of preparation—lessons that I carry with me to this day.
Transitioning from sport to business
After retiring from professional water polo in 2021, I knew it was time to start a new chapter in my life. Transitioning from the world of sports to the corporate world wasn’t easy, but I was ready for the challenge. I started my career in sales and later worked as a Sales Executive in the social housing sector, where I was responsible for developing sales propositions for ERP software. This software played a crucial role in helping housing associations manage their real estate portfolios and maintenance operations.
My job was to capture the attention of potential clients and communicate the value our software could bring to their organisations. It was a role that required a lot of the same skills I had honed as an athlete—strategic thinking, persistence, and the ability to perform under pressure. However, as much as I enjoyed the work, I found myself searching for something more. I wanted to find a role where I could make a difference, not just in terms of sales, but in a way that aligned with my personal values and beliefs.
Why Madaster? Finding purpose beyond profit
That search for purpose is what ultimately led me to Madaster. As someone who cares deeply about the future of our planet, I was drawn to Madaster’s mission of promoting a circular economy and reducing waste. The opportunity to contribute to something greater than just financial success—to actually help make the world a better place—was something I couldn’t pass up.
At Madaster, I’m excited to play a key role in expanding our platform’s reach, particularly within the Dutch market. I see tremendous growth potential here, especially as sustainability becomes an increasingly urgent global issue. With legislation evolving and more organisations recognising the importance of sustainable practices, I believe Madaster is perfectly positioned to lead the way.
One of the aspects of Madaster’s platform that I find most inspiring is its ability to give materials a second, third, or even fourth life. The idea of eliminating waste entirely and moving towards a truly circular economy is not just a vision—it’s something we can achieve, and I’m eager to be part of that journey.
Balancing passion, career, and family
While my professional life has shifted, my love for water polo hasn’t diminished. I still compete at the highest level in the Dutch leagues, which keeps me connected to the sport that has shaped so much of who I am. Balancing my career, my commitment to sport, and my responsibilities as a father of two daughters is certainly challenging, but it’s a challenge I embrace.
The discipline and time management skills I developed as a professional athlete have been crucial in helping me navigate this balance. Whether it’s in the pool or in the office, I’ve always believed in giving my best effort and staying committed to my goals.
As I settle into my new role at Madaster, I’m filled with a sense of purpose and excitement. I’m looking forward to working with my new colleagues, contributing to the company’s growth, and, most importantly, helping to drive forward the mission of creating a waste-free world. The journey from the pool to the pitch has been an incredible one, and I’m excited to see where this next chapter with Madaster will take me.
Looking ahead
Thank you for welcoming me into the Madaster family—I’m eager to get started and make a meaningful impact.
