Life At Protiviti

Caring for Clients and Colleagues

Johana ten Hove

Senior Manager, Switzerland

Johana was working with a law firm in Zurich as a senior IT and information security project manager when the opportunity to work at Protiviti came up. The leadership team was keen on extending Protiviti Zurich’s offerings to include privacy and security expertise, and needed someone to build and lead their new technology consulting practice. Johana was the perfect person for the job. Tasked with expanding the practice to meet client needs, and establishing herself locally as a cyber security and privacy expert, while mentoring colleagues, Johana stepped up to care for and propel the success of her clients and colleagues.

 

"She passionately believes in encouraging diversity and empowering women and is well supported in this by Protiviti Switzerland, which is led by a woman and has achieved gender parity among its employees."

 

Expanding the Practice to Meet Client Needs

Tasked initially with devising the client offering and building project and client portfolios, Johana recollects it was similar to starting her own business. The only technology consultant in the office for several months, she singlehandedly expanded the practice to meet client needs. She also prioritised creating a global network of contacts within Protiviti and an external network of clients and industry leaders. She says all her current team members boast an entrepreneurial mindset – open–minded, excited by challenges, and willing to take ownership of their work.

Pursuing Excellence through Diversity

Johana’s proud that Protiviti Switzerland’s technology consulting practice currently has more women than men – not a regular representation of the technology industry. She passionately believes in encouraging diversity and empowering women and is well supported in this by Protiviti Switzerland, which is led by a woman and has achieved gender parity among its employees. In 2022, to help care for and support the women on her team, Johana established the Switzerland branch of GET IT, a Protiviti employee networking group that began in the U.S. with the goal of creating greater gender diversity in technology and IT fields. GET IT enables her team to connect regularly with their colleagues working in technology consulting in the U.S. and elsewhere, and expand their networks within and outside the firm.

Johana also believes in the value of mentoring, and has enrolled her team into the Protiviti international programme. She’s a mentor to Protiviti colleagues in other countries and is herself a mentee to a senior Protiviti leader based in the U.K.

Extending her Care Beyond the Office

While Johana has a full plate at work, she still finds time to volunteer with organisations such as ISACA and the Project Management Institute. She believes it’s a way of giving back to the profession and keeping her networks current.

All in all, it’s been a hectic few years, but she doesn’t regret her decision to join Protiviti for a moment. “The opportunities are endless,” she says. “You’ve got to be comfortable with being uncomfortable at times, and you need plenty of drive to make it happen. But I don’t see how I would be able to do so much anywhere else, with this level of support.”

By going out of her way to care for her clients, colleagues and practice, Johana’s story is a shining example of Life At Protiviti.

More stories of our people

Trish Finnemore: Protiviti’s senior global marketing director coordinates APAC and Europe teams from Australia, meeting with U.S., Asia, and Europe to collaborate globally and leverage digital trends in marketing.
Sofia Palacios: Originally from Venezuela, found consulting through a Protiviti mentorship, which led to an internship and a successful full-time role. Her dedication to learning, growth, and team support exemplifies Life at Protiviti.
Aimee Bhakthavachalam: Aimee journey at Protiviti showcases her relentless drive for growth and innovation, tackling client data challenges, embracing new skills, and committing to continuous learning, problem-solving, and excellence.
Lindsey Higgins: Since transitioning from a contractor to a full-time employee, Lindsey has thrived at Protiviti. “Everyone has taken me under their wing and genuinely supported me,” she says. “I’ve never felt that way in a company before.”
Bart Bradley: Bart's journey at Protiviti exemplifies visionary leadership and innovation. Tasked with creating the Americas Delivery Center, he embraced new ideas, built a strong foundation, and cultivated a team that delivers consistent excellence.
Nick Ciafardini: Nick combined his passion for sports and data analytics to help develop an app that improved golfer Matt Fitzpatrick's game. This project showcased how technology and collaboration can drive success in sports performance.
Champaigne Powell: As a senior recruiter on Protiviti’s recruiting team, Champaigne spends a lot of her time working closely with students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Hendrik Sadie: Hendrik joined Protiviti in 2013, and thrives despite Treacher Collins Syndrome and severe hearing loss. Originally from South Africa, he finds support at Protiviti, where the firm's inclusivity efforts have enabled his success.
Chintan Thakkar: Chintan’s journey from teen immigrant to Managing Director in Dallas embodies the essence of collaboration at Protiviti. His story of bridging gaps and uniting diverse perspectives showcases how collaboration drives our success.
Joshua Cloud: Manager Joshua excels in cybersecurity at Protiviti while leading diversity efforts through BEING Men, fostering a culture of inclusivity.
Rupert Fischer: A graduate consultant in the Protiviti London office, Rupert bridges his passion for consulting and client service with his commitment to the British Army Reserve.
Brittany Parker: Brittany Parker drives recognition programmes that elevate employee morale and client experiences, fostering a culture of gratitude and innovation across the global team.
Loading...