MENNO VAN DEN EIJNDEN

Every product development path starts with a precise definition of the goal and a nice plan from A to B. And often something happens that forces the team to deviate from the path. That is exactly what Menno loves about product development management: overcoming the unknown, overcoming issues. Things always go wrong and there are always new insights. To bring this to a successful conclusion together with the team, that’s what makes him enthusiastic. He likes the dynamics of quickly switching between all the different aspects and roles in an innovation project: contract negotiations, communication with the team, and chairing meetings to resolve issues.
“Each solution has pros and cons. You have to be flexible and sometimes learn to look differently.
Sometimes a solution comes up that you didn’t have in mind in the first place. Or there turns out to be a much better solution that no one had considered.”

MENNO’s STRENGTH

Menno is an analytical thinker who keeps an overview and quickly sees the connection between things. When something happens in a project, he can quickly estimate the impact it will have on other parts of the project. By asking relevant questions to the colleagues concerned, he checks his assumptions and adjusts where necessary. By setting a good example, working hard and radiating positivity, Menno creates high-performing teams. “People are the most important asset of a company. To be able to work efficiently and focused together, a good atmosphere is essential.” That is why he communicates carefully. By creating clear expectations and by complimenting and appreciating team members.

MENNO’S EXPERIENCE

Menno was trained as a chemical engineer and has worked as a project and program manager within various companies. In recent years he has worked on the development of medical devices, such as an insulin pen, a COPD inhaler and a device for making diagnoses. With his team, he developed a device based on PCR technology that can quickly and specifically determine where a cancer mutation is located in the gene. With this knowledge, medicines can be used much more effectively.
“It is very motivating to create something new, that has real added value for people.