Leading with Self-Awareness ā Lessons from Rogier Schoute at Mollie
In the latest episode of OpenUp at the workplace, Rogier Schoute, Chief Product Officer at Mollie, shares his insights on the transformative role of self-awareness in leadership. Joined by OpenUp founder Gijs Coppens, the two dive into what it takes to lead with authenticity while navigating the pressures of professional and personal life. This conversation offers valuable takeaways for leaders at all stages of their journey.
šļø Our HR podcast āOpenUp at the workplaceā is available onSpotify,YouTube, andApple Podcasts.
About our Guest
Prior to Mollie, Rogier led payments product development at Booking.com for two years. Before this, he spent eight and a half years at Klarna, predominantly focused on payment product development, becoming Director of Core Payments in 2015, then VP Product Payments in 2016. Taking over Klarnaās global partnerships organisation in 2017 as VP partnership, Rogier left in January 2019, having helped the company scale to more than US $29bn in gross merchandise volume and US $627 million in operating revenue.
Rogier holds a Masterās degree in International Management-CEMS and in Business administration from Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University. As CPO, Rogier leads the development of the next generation of Mollieās payments and financial services offering.
The Dual Nature of Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is often celebrated as a key to effective leadership, but as Rogier highlights, itās not always comfortable. Reflecting on both strengths and shortcomings requires time, focus, and energy. However, this process is essential to long-term success. Rogier shares, āShort-term, self-awareness can be painful, but long-term, itās critical for personal development and leadership growth.ā
By dedicating time to honest self-reflection, leaders can better understand their values, emotional triggers, and areas for growth, ultimately creating stronger connections with their teams.
From Imposter Syndrome to Authentic Leadership
Even seasoned leaders like Rogier have faced imposter syndromeāthe lingering doubt about whether they truly deserve their success. For him, normalising these feelings has been key. āI remind myself that Iām just a human being like everyone else,ā he explains. This mindset helps Rogier stay grounded, focus on his goals, and lead with humility.
He also shares a vital lesson: leaders must balance transparency with the strategic use of their words and actions. āAs a leader, people look to you for cues. How you communicate impacts their perception of the business and their role in it,ā says Rogier.
Building Thriving Teams
Beyond personal leadership, Rogier stresses the importance of fostering team dynamics that enable everyone to succeed. He encourages leaders to:
- Know Your People: Understand what drives each team member and set them up for success.
- Balance Team Dynamics: Strive for a mix of complementary skills and perspectives.
- Prioritise Relationships: Invest time in meaningful conversations about individual growth, team alignment, and shared goals.
Creating a safe and supportive culture is pivotal. Leaders who model openness and vulnerability inspire their teams to do the same. Rogier recalls how a senior colleague at Mollie candidly shared personal challenges during a review meeting, earning deep respect from the team.
Navigating Challenges with Compassion
Rogier openly discusses how professional and personal pressures have tested his mental well-being. Reflecting on his decision to leave Klarna, he recalls prioritising his happiness over career momentum: āI realised I needed to move back to the Netherlands to maintain my well-being. It was painful, but Iāve never regretted it.ā
For leaders, acknowledging emotions and learning to separate them from decision-making is crucial. Rogier advises, āDonāt act on emotions. Take time to reflect and ensure your actions are grounded in facts.ā
Key Takeaways for Leaders
Whether youāre managing your first team or steering a large organisation, Rogierās experiences provide actionable insights:
- Embrace self-awareness as a tool for growth, even when itās uncomfortable.
- Balance transparency with strategic communication to build trust.
- Foster a culture of safety and openness to encourage reflection and learning.
- Focus on relationshipsāboth within your team and across the organisation.
Listen Now
This episode of our HR podcast OpenUp at the workplace offers an honest and inspiring look at leadership, self-awareness, and team dynamics. Donāt miss Rogierās practical advice and relatable stories, packed with lessons for leaders at every stage.
