“What’s the point of innovation if it doesn’t make people happier?”

“I was invited to the ceremony, and what struck me was how closely this vision aligns with what we believe in at TMC - and what motivates me personally,” he says. “Innovation isn’t the goal in itself. It’s a tool. It should make life easier, and people happier. That’s what really matters.” 

Three years ago, Guido took the lead in opening TMC’s office at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Geleen. “I really wanted to build something here,” he says. The region’s focus on innovation was a big reason, but also its location - right where the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium meet. “It’s an international hotspot, and many of our clients are based in this area. For us, it was a logical next step.” 

From entrepreneur to intrapreneur

With a background in chemical engineering, Guido previously ran his own packaging startup - also located at Brightlands. “I always dreamed of creating a place where people felt good about their work. Where they had room to grow and were proud of what they contributed. A workplace shaped by my own ideas about leadership and culture.” 

Eventually, he had to close the company. “That was tough. Letting go of that dream wasn’t easy. But looking back, it led me to where I needed to be: TMC.” And he brought his ambition to be a good and inspiring employer with him. 

He joined TMC in 2018 as a Junior Business Manager and quickly progressed to Business Manager, then Business Unit Manager - and, as of 2025, Director. “Everything I wanted to build as an entrepreneur, I found here. Freedom, trust, ownership… but now with the backing of a strong organization. It still feels like I’m running my own business, just with more reach and momentum.” 

Creating a place people want to be part of

For Guido, being a good employer means more than offering a job. “I try to be a meaningful and impactful employer, someone who helps people feel connected to their work,” he says. “In my view, it’s that sense of belonging - to the team, the mission, the bigger picture - that makes people want to stay.” 

His approach to leadership follows the same line of thought. “It’s not about titles or hierarchies. For me, it’s about the role you can play in someone’s journey - at work, and beyond. When people feel supported, trusted and heard, they give that energy back. That’s how you build something that lasts.” 

Big, but still personal

TMC Chemical now has over fifty employeneurs working from Geleen and Eindhoven. Guido’s goal is to keep the culture personal. “That’s what makes TMC strong,” he says. “Yes, we’re a large company - over 1,000 people in the Netherlands, 3,000 globally - and we offer all the things you’d expect: coaching, training, exciting projects. But because of our cell structure, it still feels small and agile. More like a dynamic SME than a big corporate.” 

That structure allows for quick, human-scale decision-making. “If someone shares a concern or an idea, I can often respond the same day - whether it’s about a project, a learning opportunity, or something personal. There’s no endless approval chain.” 

For Guido, being present and available is part of what makes a difference. “Every conversation with a colleague adds value. Not just to that person, but to the quality of what we deliver as a team. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. When they feel good, the work improves. And clients notice that too.” 

He continues: “It all starts with a genuine question: how are you really doing? Not because it’s a box to tick, but because you care. You listen - to what’s going on at work and at home - and you support them in where they want to go.” 

And that kind of attention lasts. “The first three people I ever hired at TMC? They’re still here. For me, that’s the greatest compliment you can get.” 

Work happiness comes first

At TMC Chemical, work happiness isn’t a bonus - it’s the foundation. Guido believes that when people feel good about their work, everything else follows. “The chemical industry can be challenging, but we’re not here to react to every bump in the road. We’re here to build something long-term - for our people, and with our clients. When you take work happiness seriously, you create loyalty, stability and better results. For everyone involved.” 

He knows how powerful that kind of support can be, because he’s experienced it himself. “My first year at TMC was a difficult one personally. But the company stood by me. They gave me space, checked in, and helped me get back on track. That kind of loyalty stays with you - and makes you want to pass it on.” 

Brightlands as a catalyst

For Guido, the Smart21 nomination is proof that the region is on the rise. “Brightlands has four campuses, each with its own innovation focus. It’s international, cross-border, constantly moving. There’s a great energy here, it’s an inspiring place to work.” 

And for TMC, it’s the ideal home base. “We want to keep growing in Limburg - not just as a tech partner, but as an employer that helps people grow. Because in the end… what’s the point of innovation if it doesn’t make people’s lives better?”