About XpertyS
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The Story Behind XpertyS
Once upon a time, there was an Industrial Engineer in Electromechanics who graduated in 1994 from the Catholic Industrial University College of Ostend with high distinction. She completed both an internship and her thesis at Bekaert Engineering in Zwevegem, almost in the backyard of her home in Vichte. With that thesis, she also won an industrial award.
The professional world seemed to lie at her feet… but nothing is ever quite as it seems. She very much wanted to join the Engineering Department at Bekaert, a division where 60 people (all men) were employed and where, according to the HR manager at the time, there was no place for a woman.
“But I am an engineer, sir — not just a woman.”
It did not help. It was 1994. The industry was facing a downturn, and there were around 100 candidates competing for one vacancy in the field. After several unsuccessful applications, she decided to pursue an additional year of studies in Leuven: Industrial Policy (BaSSC), offering deeper insight into industrial economics, strategy, and policy.
While studying in Leuven, she continued applying for jobs and came across a newspaper vacancy at DuPont de Nemours in Mechelen for a Project Engineer. That marked the beginning of a remarkable story.
For the first time in years, DuPont had to organize selection tests due to the overwhelming number of applications — 400 candidates for 4 vacancies. Mercury Urval administered the tests — known to be demanding and challenging — but those too were successfully conquered. Interestingly, the four positions were allocated to three women and one man. DuPont was ahead of its time in inclusive HR policies, recognizing early on that a well-balanced team significantly enhances productivity. And so, on May 1st, 1995, a beautiful career began — one that would last 29 years.
She was given every opportunity to develop broadly and deeply:
- Project Engineering
- Customer Services Management
- Logistics Management (warehousing & transport)
- Supply Chain Planning Certification & Management (APICS)
- Six Sigma Black Belt Certification
- Marketing Management
- Account Management
Strategic Global Account ManagementThe company itself evolved considerably — though not through expansion, but rather through a series of “narrowings.”
A Turning Point
A Strategic New Beginning
In 2012, DuPont de Nemours announced that the Coatings Industry would no longer fit within its future vision (focused on specialized materials), and the business was sold to private equity firm The Carlyle Group. In 2013, Axalta Coating Systems was born (AXTA on the NYSE).
A long series of reorganizations followed. She weathered every storm — until one day her name and position appeared in an Excel file with the warning: “next to cut out.” At that very moment, she was fully engaged in planning sustainable future development projects for customers. The shock was great — not only for her, but for them as well.
On September 13th, 2024, during an unusual visit from her manager from Basel — who had scheduled a sudden trip to Mechelen for this purpose — she received the news. With tears in his eyes and a trembling voice, he informed her.
Her ears rang instantly. She had feared this moment before — but never truly believed it would happen. Her first thought went to the many wonderful colleagues, both internal and external (customers), with whom collaboration would abruptly end. That hurt deeply. Her second thought, however, was liberation. It meant detaching from a company that no longer resembled the one she had chosen in
1995. The decision taken on May 4th, 2018 to close the Mechelen production site — one of the more efficient and flexible sites — had already left a mark. It no longer felt like the same company. In the six years following 2018, management changed repeatedly. The focus shifted increasingly away from the product and more toward financial results. The cultural transformation was clear.
And so, the second thought became clear: this was an opportunity. An opportunity to explore new paths. To do something that would bring deeper fulfillment.
She was 120% certain that the decision was not related to her competence or performance, but to corporate economic restructuring. On Sunday evening, she began sending invitations to communicate the news internally and externally. On September 30th, 2024, she closed the door behind her at Axalta. The closure was serene and respectful. She was offered a high-quality outplacement program through RiseSmart and organized a farewell dinner attended by many international colleagues — conveniently coinciding with an international meeting in Mechelen. She prepared a personal thank-you message for everyone. She could not have concluded those 29 years more beautifully. Through RiseSmart, clarity came quickly about the next chapter: she wanted to share hernexperience with organizations that need it.
A true win-win:
- Clients benefit from proven experience.
- She gains exposure to diverse sectors and roles.
She decided to become an Interim Executive Manager, operating as a freelancer under the name XpertyS. The name was created in three minutes while applying for her VAT number — without much reflection. Later she considered changing it, but over time it became clear: the name perfectly reflects what she stands for — experience, proven expertise, sharing. And so, in Q4 of 2024, XpertyS was born.
XpertyS Expertise
What XpertyS Stands For
XpertyS guarantees seasoned, lived experience across multiple domains, with specialization in:
Supply Chain Management
Strategic Account Management
The DNA of XpertyS
An entrepreneurial personality with a lifelong learning mindset.
Passionate about improving products, services, and processes — also known as continuous improvement — always questioning the status quo to ensure sustainable use of time and resources.
Her expertise lies primarily in Supply Chain Management and Strategic Account Management. The world is her domain. Value creation through an inclusive cultural approach is key. Her broad language skills make international collaboration seamless.
Beyond that, XpertyS is experienced in:
- Capital investment projects (construction & start-up of new production units)
- Marketing and business plan development
- Due diligence trajectories for mergers and acquisitions
XpertyS operates with a true CAN DO mindset. The driving force is the challenge: creating and delivering the right value within a short timeframe.
On an interim basis, XpertyS temporarily assumes executive responsibility until a permanent successor is appointed.
Value statement
Creating sustainable results through experience and execution
XpertyS operates where strategy meets reality.
We translate complexity into structure, and ambition into measurable results — always with respect for people, processes, and timing.
Why Choose XpertyS?
How XpertyS Creates Value
Strategic leadership that listens first, aligns teams, and delivers measurable, data-driven results.
A New-School Approach
Listening before selling. Understanding the real needs of the client instead of pushing predefined solutions. Asking the right questions — and being comfortable with silence while waiting for the answers.
Not a One-Woman Show
XpertyS works as a coach within expert teams that need a broader, external perspective — ensuring that priorities are clear and projects are delivered within agreed timelines and budgets.
Data-Driven Execution
Ideas and intuition can take you far. But data ultimately determines whether initiatives truly deliver the intended results.
- No empty promises.
- Real deliverables.
- Prioritized and measurable