Meet the Hiker: Anouk Boetekees

Meet Anouk - Interaction Designer & UX Researcher

Anouk joined Hike One two years ago as an Interaction Designer. Since then she has taken on different roles and responsiblities. Her main focus right now is UX Research. She loves to talk to users and gain insights into their behaviour. This way, we can design even better products. Next to that, she is also actively involed in our culture circle, organizing trips, such as the yearly Weekend Away, and other events to make sure her fellow hikers can connect with each other and get inspired.

"Everyone supports each other in order to grow, that really makes me feel like I am appreciated and that my colleagues are looking out for me."

What makes Hike One special?

I think it is primarily a very open company, where people are really approachable. Everyone supports each other in order to grow, that really makes me feel like I am appreciated and that my colleagues are looking out for me. I remember the first weeks after I started. I was immediately given all kinds of roles and responsibilities, everything was possible. I also remember that I wanted to organise an event and I went to ask everyone's permission. Then I was told: Anouk, just spend the money. It doesn't matter, we trust you. We get a lot of freedom from Hike, they trust us to make the right decisions.

What do you think of the atmosphere on the floor?

In terms of atmosphere, it is just very sociable. For example, during the yearly Weekend Away everyone was super cheerful, really open, and had a lot of great energy. What also makes Hike One special is that they are very focused on the development of people. At Hike you get a lot of budget, time and space for development. A while ago, there were a few people who were not doing so well, who were feeling stressed. That is also taken into account, when you need someone to talk to. They can arrange all that for you, they support you. I have a meeting with my team builder every other week to see how things are going. With myself, but also my development. That's not only good for the company, but also for me.

If you were to tell your friends about Hike One, what would you say?

In terms of attitude, I think everyone is very open, focused on development and anything is possible. That is as long as you indicate what you want: often a way or direction is identified that can benefit both you and Hike One.

Do you have any tips for new colleagues?

I think it is really important that you take initiative yourself. If you like something or want to learn something, share that and just go for it. Hike One is a company where that is really important. It's not all put right in front of you, you have to do it yourself. That is also the case with roles and Holacracy. Just dive in and choose a role. That has helped me a lot.