Just when she was hitting her stride at Nomilk2day Asia in Kuala Lumpur, family plans changed. A few months later, Lis Briët is back in America, ready to kick off Nomilk2day USA. “Looking back on a fantastic first year, where I've been able to make both candidates and clients truly happy.”
Lis Briët on 1 year at Nomilk2day USA
It's January 2024 when Lis Briët officially launches Nomilk2day USA, but her adventure started much earlier. With a rich background in recruitment in the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Southeast Asia, the move to the US was a wonderful opportunity to serve Nomilk2day clients in the Americas.
What's it like starting a business in America?
“Starting a new recruitment branch is something I've done several times, it's the common thread in my extensive recruitment experience. Many entrepreneurs and salespeople will recognize the feeling of creating something out of nothing, of following your passion and building. An exciting, but incredibly enjoyable experience! Jaap ten Have and I successfully established Nomilk2day Asia, and following the same path, I began in America.”
Now that you've been at it for a year, what have been your biggest successes and where do you see opportunities?
“I look back on a fantastic first year where I've truly been able to help both candidates and clients. My global network in agtech, sales, IT, quality, finance, supply chain, plant-based, and trading ingredients like cocoa, cotton, and dairy has led to successful placements.
In agtech, for example, I see huge opportunities for Dutch companies in the US, especially in the field of robotics in the agrifood sector. The extensive Dutch knowledge aligns perfectly with the rapid developments here. I look forward to building more bridges between Europe and America and seeing companies grow through the right matches.”
How do you approach an international search process?
“To find the right candidate, I need to understand what's happening within the company. I talk to business leaders about the challenges they face on the road to success. Building an international team is an interesting but also nerve-wracking step for a CEO and CCO in the company's growth.
Often, the job description is not yet clearly defined, and that's where my market expertise can make the difference. Together, we determine the essential criteria for the candidate. And that's when the real search begins.”
What are the biggest challenges in recruiting across borders and how do you address them?
“You see, we believe we have many similarities on the two continents, but beneath the surface, there are significant differences. I listen, make cultural differences discussable, and together we identify who has the x-factor to make it a success. This isn't listed on a CV or someone's LinkedIn profile. It requires in-depth conversations about ambitions, motivations, and experiences. But that's not all.”
What do you mean? What else is needed for a successful process?
“The international recruitment process requires more than just finding the right candidate. Some companies don't have an office yet or have a small office but lack an HR handbook or HR guidelines. I have a lot of experience in this area, but I also have a vast network of lawyers who can assist. I often get questions about salary levels, bonus systems, and even 401K plans.
Another concrete example is how often the candidate will be paid per month. Uncertainty about these contractual points can lead to disappointment or confusion. These need to be discussed thoroughly and in a timely manner. That's where my added value lies: finding the right candidates and strategically guiding companies with my market and cultural knowledge.”
And what about the competitiveness for which the American market is known?
“I certainly feel it, but I believe in my strength. Fueled by enthusiasm, I'm willing to go the extra mile and have an intrinsic drive to help European companies find the best talent for them. That's what makes me happy. That's where I make a difference.”
Do you have an example of a mediation where you made a difference?
"There was a moment when everything came together: a contact from Malaysia mentioned my name to the CCO of a Dutch company looking for someone in Houston, where I used to live. I found the perfect candidate there, with a Scottish background, where I also lived. It felt like a puzzle that fit perfectly together. Moments like these make my work unique."
You can't make this up!
"Exactly! This is what makes Nomilk2day unique: we provide tailor-made solutions, think outside the box, and work across time zones. Moreover, we are flexible in our financial system and can easily invoice from the Netherlands in euros."
Your first year was a success. What is the most important thing you have learned?
"I have not only experienced how valuable it is to follow your passion and truly commit to it, but also learned how to manage the business side of Nomilk2day in the US, from marketing to finances."
How do you see the future of Nomilk2day USA?
"My biggest ambition is to help as many Dutch companies as possible to succeed in the US with the best talent! After all, it is the land of opportunities."