Upgazet: Seeing through your children's eyes

Nine years ago, Lennart started as a graphic designer at Upgrade Estate. He gradually worked his way up to Brand Director, where he manages campaigns and monitors the visual consistency between brands. For this edition, he lets his two daughters, Liesel and Josefien, take a look behind the scenes for one day.

How was it for you to bring your two daughters to work today? How did they experience it?

To quote their words afterwards: ‘I enjoyed everything and I want to come back again!’ We started on the office floor and descended via the drag pods and, of course, the trampolines. As the icing on the cake, they got a surprise. Free Willy was shown on the big screen in The Plectrum building. This reinforced the idea that dad works in a kind of playground. 

The fact that they will be featured in a newspaper with a photo of their father's work makes it even more special. It was a complete experience that they will talk about for a long time to come. They were completely at ease. 

By experiencing the company through their eyes, I realised once again what a special place this actually is, knowing that I started nine years ago at a temporary desk on two trestles.

How do they feel about you working here? Do they have any idea what you do here?

My daughters are four and six. They know that I work here, but it's difficult to explain exactly what I do. The oldest used to think that I mainly drew pictures, and that's still kind of how she sees it (laughs). 

During the visit, I tried to explain that people here design things and that those things are then actually built. But they were mainly interested in the number of floors and how many people work here. The big numbers, in other words. Apparently, that appeals to their imagination more than Daddy's job. 

You have been working here for nine years and started without children. How did you experience the transition to becoming a young father as an employee?

I have always been a great believer. Work was constantly on my mind. Suddenly, that first child arrives, and everything changes. I found that quite confronting. She was a difficult sleeper, and my rhythm was completely disrupted. 

To this day, I often wake up around five in the morning. That's when I usually start working on creative ideas. You don't choose when to be creative; there's no on/off switch. When it comes, it has to come out. I work from home one day a week, but I really enjoy coming to the office. It's just the best here.

Are there things that you consciously take with you from here? Values that you also pass on to your children through your upbringing?

Working here has made me even more aware of the importance of sustainability and a people-oriented vision. I already believed in these values, but they have been further reinforced here. It has helped me grow, both as a colleague and as a father. Leadership also plays a role. The collaboration with my manager Nils still impresses me. His maturity transcends his age, and I learn a lot from him. 

As a starting graphic designer, I did everything myself. Now, I mainly provide direction and appreciation. That switch from executive to inspirational was not easy at first. I try to outline the bigger picture and the goal, and then let go. I learned that if you give people trust and appreciation, they give you the same in return. That applies just as much in a professional team as it does with children. Showing appreciation and giving space really makes a difference. Oh yes, and for me, there are no problems, only solutions (laughs).