Tanja Bastens is a Director at Johnson & Johnson, in the Global Treasury Services Center. Barely forty and already built such a brilliant career? “To be honest I didn’t expect it either when I started here twelve years ago”, relates Tanja. “But if you really want to achieve something the opportunities are up for grabs here”.

The Global Treasury Services Center is a division of J.C. General Services CVBA. It acts as an internal bank in conjunction with Johnson & Johnson Corporate. It is responsible, amongst other things, for the financing and cash flow/risk management of the subsidiaries. Our responsibilities also include the global implementation of payments for Johnson & Johnson subsidiaries, within the framework of various shared services initiatives. 

Tanja started her career in the banking industry. When she was looking for a job closer to home she finished up at Johnson & Johnson. “I definitely wanted a job with the same intellectual challenges, preferably with a link to the banking world. And I found it here. My Master of Applied Economic Sciences made it possible for me to start immediately.” In addition to the necessary intellectual and technical skills, Tanja also developed the right soft skills such as those needed to manage and motivate a team. “A very important aspect as team strength greatly outweighs individual strengths.”

In Tanja’s opinion involvement is a deciding factor. “I have conducted many interviews with job applicants and I do think involvement is important. An applicant has to demonstrate an interest in Johnson & Johnson and eagerness to contribute to the company's development. Their rewards will more than match this as we invest heavily in our employees’ development and career planning via job training, instruction and change management. This gives our employees the opportunity to find their ideal position within the global organisation.” 

Twelve years on challenge is still Tanja’s main driving force. “A lot has changed in the company in the meantime. Our department is growing continually – we already have fifty employees. This keeps my job varied and challenging. I really feel that I can make a difference. And that makes me feel good!”