Brabantse Gezelligheid is Something You Have to Experience for Yourself
Nihan Ovat is the perfect host when we visit her at Cargill in Bergen op Zoom. She is highly knowledgeable, passionate and welcoming. Nihan (who now is also Dutch) moved here from Turkey, a culture well-known for its hospitality. So when she praises the Brabantse gezelligheid, she truly knows what she’s talking about.
Gezelligheid always makes the list of words that can’t be fully translated into English. It describes a warm and positive atmosphere that’s cozy and connected at the same time. And in Brabant, there’s plenty of that to go around.
Hi, Nihan. Can you tell us about yourself and your work here?
I am an EMEA Regional Manufacturing Technology Manager at Cargill. It’s a large company with offices in around 70 countries. Cargill’s story in Bergen op Zoom started 40 years ago. In this production facility, we process wheat to produce glucose syrups, industrial wheat starch, vital wheat gluten, animal feed and sustainable bioethanol.
Bergen op Zoom is ideally located for our operations because we receive the wheat by sea and ship our products via the European road network.
What do you think about the general atmosphere or the region?
When I first arrived in the Netherlands I stayed in Bergen op Zoom. I then moved to Breda, where I met amazing people. The friends that I met at international events became my chosen family in the Netherlands. This was possible because there’s a welcoming atmosphere and people are open to diversity and inclusion.
Even though the Netherlands is not a large country, you can see a lot of differences between the regions. I have family who live in North Holland; and when they visit me, they always notice that people are more relaxed in this part of the country. They smile more and greet each other more on the street here. I think this is why we call it Brabantse gezelligheid.
What does the region have to offer to young professionals?
I think young professionals can experience a respectful work environment here. When you deliver good results, you are recognized and valued. As life-work balance is important here, professionals can enjoy quality personal time off to explore the region.
I think they’d also like the work culture. Dutch work culture goes straight to the point. But at the same time, you can enjoy pleasant conversations around the coffee machine or during lunch with your colleagues. I find there’s a good balance between these two aspects.
My generation and younger generations care a lot about sustainability and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion). Companies that not only have goals in these areas, but are also working towards achieving them, will have an advantage in attracting and retaining talent.
What do you like to do in the city on a day off?
My go-to in the region is the city of Breda. I lived there for five years and I like to go back on my days off. I like to meet friends, have a bite at a restaurant around the Grote Markt and a drink at De Haven.
When friends and family come to visit, we like to take them on a boat tour around the city if the weather is nice. Seeing the city from the water is an experience I would recommend to anyone visiting.
Meet internationals in West-Brabant' where diverse and engaging internationals share their personal story who take pride in working and living in the region, sharing their experiences in a welcoming and inviting environment.