How Young Leadership is Making Dreams Possible Worldwide – The Story of Pleun & Parakar
When you’re leading a large international HR company at age 30, it requires vision, perseverance, and a deep understanding of the global labor market. Pleun Opperman, CEO of Parakar, recently shared her experiences and insights in an interview on BNR’s De Top van Nederland. In this interview, she offers a unique glimpse into her journey—from taking over the family business from her father to successfully navigating the challenges of the international labor market.
From Daughter to CEO
In the interview, Pleun explains how she succeeded her father as CEO of Parakar at just 29 years old. It wasn’t just a simple transition: she had already spent seven years working alongside her father and knew the company inside out. However, stepping into the role of leading a scale-up brought new challenges. She shares how young leadership brings a fresh perspective, combined with a strong foundation of knowledge and experience built up over the years.
The Pandemic: A Period of Growth and Transformation
Like many companies worldwide, Parakar felt the impact of COVID-19. While some businesses struggled, Parakar saw opportunities to adapt and even grow. Pleun explains how flexibility and a strong focus on supporting international expansion were crucial to navigating this pandemic as a business. “We had to adapt faster and get creative in how we offered our services to companies suddenly facing new international challenges,” Opperman says.
Turning Dreams into Reality on an International Level
One of Parakar’s core values is helping entrepreneurs realize their international ambitions. Pleun shares how Parakar supports businesses in navigating the complex legal regulations and administrative hurdles that come with expanding into new markets. From providing solutions like Employer of Record (EOR) services to offering local HR advice and payroll solutions, Parakar enables companies to make their international dreams come true without the administrative hassle.
Standing Out in a Competitive Market
Parakar operates in a highly competitive market but distinguishes itself through its client-focused approach and in-depth expertise. In the interview, Pleun emphasizes the importance of thinking beyond standard solutions and truly understanding clients’ needs. This client-first mindset, combined with their international network, has helped Parakar secure a strong position in the HR sector.
How Do You Make an International HR Company Profitable?
Running an international company presents unique challenges, but Pleun and the Parakar team have proven that profitability is achievable through smart growth and adaptability. She explains that finding the right balance between scalability and maintaining a personal approach is the key to Parakar’s success.
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Listen to the full interview with Pleun Opperman on BNR and get inspired (in Dutch)
