In the fast-paced world of sustainability and innovation, the path from starting a career to making a lasting impact can be both challenging and rewarding. At Smartvatten, a company dedicated to the responsible use of water, we are lucky to have leaders who not only work with skill but with genuine heart. One such leader is Raymond Tieman, whose journey from Account Manager to Vice President of Sales captures what it means to grow with integrity, support the team’s success, and lead with purpose.

In this story, we’ll look at Raymond’s career path, the leadership values he embodies, and the words of wisdom he shares with those eager to grow in their own careers. His story is an example of how, at Smartvatten, we believe in lifting others, creating a workplace where people can thrive, and working together for a sustainable future.

When Raymond joined Smartvatten four years ago, his drive for results and natural collaboration made him a perfect fit. Starting as an Account Manager in the Netherlands, he was part of a small, new team that was still finding its footing. But together, Raymond and achieved notable growth in the early days, setting the stage for even greater success.

His dedication and consistency soon earned him a promotion to Team Lead for the Benelux region, where he continued to exceed expectations. With a clear strategy and a lot of hard work, Raymond led the team to double its revenue, helping to solidify Smartvatten’s presence in the region. Each step in his journey has been marked by a combination of skill, resilience, and an unwavering focus on building something bigger than himself.

Leading with Values: Collaboration, Expertise, and Enthusiasm

Raymond’s leadership isn’t about titles or hierarchies—it’s about creating a space where everyone can contribute, grow, and feel valued. His approach reflects Smartvatten’s core values, especially collaboration, which he views as a way to get the best from everyone.

1. Collaboration: Building a Supportive Team

Raymond understands the power of teamwork. He’s built a culture where ideas are shared openly, where mistakes are treated as learning experiences, and where people feel safe taking risks. By prioritizing psychological safety, he’s fostered a space where people know they can be themselves and support each other.

One of Raymond’s favorite success stories is that of Gökhan, a talented team member who grew significantly under Raymond’s mentorship. With Raymond’s guidance and encouragement, Gökhan moved up into a leadership position, serving as an example of how the right support can truly help people reach new heights.

2. Expertise: Cultivating a “Learn-it-All” Approach

Raymond believes in the power of curiosity. To him, expertise isn’t about knowing it all—it’s about staying open to new ideas, being willing to grow, and fostering a learning culture within the team. He encourages a “learn-it-all” mindset, a way of working that keeps the team constantly evolving and ready for the next challenge.

He has created an open environment where team members can easily come to him with questions or feedback. If someone is particularly skilled in a certain area, Raymond encourages them to lead a discussion or workshop, allowing them to share their knowledge and strengthen the team’s collective expertise.

“If you stay curious and move from a ‘know-it-all’ to a ‘learn-it-all’ mindset, you unlock doors to growth and innovation.”

3. Enthusiasm: Bringing Energy to Purposeful Work

Raymond’s passion for Smartvatten’s mission is clear. From his early days at the company, he has channeled this energy into every aspect of his work, from setting ambitious goals to inspiring the team to make a difference. For him, Smartvatten’s mission of sustainability is personal, and he encourages everyone to adopt habits that support this shared vision.

His enthusiasm doesn’t stop with his team—it extends to conversations across the company. He often talks about simple but impactful ways to be mindful of water use in daily life, something he believes can ripple out into positive change.

Empowering the Team: Raymond’s Approach to Leadership

Raymond’s style of leadership is nurturing, supportive, and centered on growth. He genuinely enjoys helping others succeed, whether by offering constructive feedback, acting as a mentor, or simply giving team members the space to build their skills and confidence at their own pace.

His mantra is to let people learn by doing, even if it means allowing them to make mistakes along the way. This approach has helped shape a resilient, skilled team that’s unafraid to tackle challenges, knowing they have a leader who trusts and believes in them.

“If someone has a new idea, I encourage them to explore it. They may stumble, but that’s part of learning. In the end, it’s about fostering a supportive environment where growth can happen naturally.”

Advice from Raymond: Keys to Career Growth and Success

For those hoping to advance in their careers, Raymond offers simple but effective advice drawn from his own experiences:

These insights reflect Raymond’s belief that career growth is about balancing personal drive with the support and connections found in teamwork and collaboration.

Aligning with Smartvatten’s Mission of Sustainability

Raymond’s career journey and leadership approach resonate deeply with Smartvatten’s mission. By creating a collaborative, purpose-driven team, he plays a key role in advancing our vision for a more sustainable world. Raymond frequently reminds his team that sustainability isn’t just a company goal—it’s a personal mission for all of us.

“If each of us commits to making sustainable choices, we create a ripple effect that can impact communities, companies, and eventually, the planet.”

Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders

Raymond Tieman’s journey from Account Manager to Vice President is a story of integrity, collaboration, and purpose. Through his leadership, he has shown that true growth comes from lifting others, staying curious, and remaining committed to a shared mission. His story reflects the best of Smartvatten: a place where people are encouraged to grow, where innovation is valued, and where everyone is part of a collective mission.

As Raymond wisely puts it: “We cannot win this fight alone. We will win this fight together.”

If you’re looking to be part of a company that values sustainability, innovation, and personal growth, consider joining Smartvatten. We’re not just building careers; we’re building a better world.

Are you ready to make a difference with us? Explore career opportunities at Smartvatten and become part of a team that’s committed to creating a sustainable future.