Gideon

Gideon Treurnich has always been passionate about creative innovation. He knew that he wanted to do big things in his career and would never settle for stagnancy.

“I wanted to be creative, to see what I can generate and create to make a difference.”

That is exactly what Gideon did when he joined Royal HaskoningDHV ten years ago. As the company’s Leading Professional Partnerships, and Governance and Strategic Business Development Manager, Gideon prides himself on being an enabler for many of his colleagues.

“My two roles complement each other perfectly to assist my colleagues in their ventures. For example, when someone gets an opportunity with a complex international tender, I can look at what’s required, look at the partnership database, and connect staff members accordingly. From here, we collaborate, sign agreements, and tender together as a team.”

What attracted you to RHDHV?

“Back when it was still SSI, the agency contacted me with an opening. Although I wasn’t really in the market to switch, the fact that the company is a local company with massive global support and knowledge really attracted me.”

Although Gideon has the mindset, passion, and perseverance to make a difference in his work, he credits two people for his advancement at Royal HaskoningDHV: former Director of Strategic Business Development, Manfred Uken, and former Head of Transport, Duncan Mason.

“When I joined Royal HaskoningDHV, I fulfilled quite an important role with one of our large clients, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport. Manfred spotted me early on, and I worked under his wing for the next four years. He picked me up and saw my potential for strategic business development. The day Manfred connected with me is when I realised, I am in the right place.”

“Duncan was the head of our transport division, and he gave me the freedom and opportunity to express myself in my work. He made me feel comfortable coming up with new ideas, especially in my current role.”

Favourite work memory?

“In 2017, we had the South Africa Unity Awards with an open vote system by staff. I was present in all team categories that won, and I won two individual awards: the Brand Ambassador Award and Best Achievement Award. For me, that was a really proud moment.”

One of the most significant changes Gideon experienced within the company was going from core technical work to strategic business development. “That was quite a big thing for me at the time,” he says, “but I must say that I’ve been guided very well toward the strategy side of things.”

Where many people are uncomfortable being outside of their comfort zones, that’s where Gideon thrives.

“I read a lot about the future and how the world is changing. For example, when electric mobility was still a new concept in South Africa, I pushed forward and bought an electric car. With innovation and the push for change, you need to be ready for the future, get pushed out of your comfort zone, and persevere to succeed.”