The faces behind G-Nius: Muriel

Since June 2023, Muriel has been a part of G-Nius, enhancing our marketing team with her expertise. Time to get to know her better, so we asked her some questions. Such as what she likes to complain about or what makes her laugh. If you want to know the answers to these and other questions, please read the interview below.

You are a marketing specialist at G-Nius, could you tell us more about your role?
I handle everything related to the website, content, and social media. My goal is to ensure that G-Nius’ website ranks well on search engines and that the right content is displayed. I use content to showcase who G-Nius is and what G-Nius does with the right image. Additionally, I focus on employer branding.

It’s actually quite a broad role, which is what makes it so enjoyable.

You’ve been with G-Nius for three months now. What does your ideal workday look like?
On an ideal workday, I arrive at the office well-rested after a good night’s sleep. I start my computer and make myself a cup of tea. Then, I check my schedule for the day, which I usually prepare the day before. This gives me an immediate overview of what I want to accomplish that day, and I can get started right away. On an ideal workday, I manage to check off as many items from my to-do list as possible by the end of the day.

I also value having fun with colleagues during the day. It creates a positive atmosphere. A bit of stress in the workplace can be good too. Some pressure helps me meet my goals and feel satisfied with the results.

Your role requires a lot of creativity. Where do you draw inspiration for your work?
I often find inspiration from other websites or other companies and organizations, even those in completely different industries, such as online stores. I also gain inspiration from what I see on social media or read in newsletters. I like to actively search for new ideas, keeping an eye on news and trends and thinking about how to adapt them for G-Nius.

What did you want to be as a child?
I wanted to be a stewardess for a long time. When I was younger, I used to go to Zuiderpark in Den Bosch, where there are 6 or 7 airplane climbing frames, and I would play there with my cousins. Ever since then, I always wanted to be a stewardess. I held onto that dream for quite a while, especially the idea of traveling appealed to me. But ultimately, I ended up pursuing very different things.

Have you ever lived in a place other than the Netherlands?
After high school, I lived in the United States as an exchange student in Kansas City. I stayed with a host family and attended a high school there. During my college years, I also did a marketing minor in Málaga. I studied there for 5 months.

What do you usually complain about?
I often complain about my busy family life. Sometimes, it’s so nice to vent and complain with friends or colleagues who also have young children. Just sharing that it was (again) a tough day or a short night can be therapeutic. It reminds you that everyone goes through similar challenges, which can be comforting.

I also complain about myself. I feel like I should exercise more, but I keep procrastinating and then end up nagging at myself.

What little things in life make you very happy?
My children. Seeing my children truly enjoying themselves, like when they sing along loudly to a song or dance without inhibitions, brings tears of joy to my eyes. It’s incredibly touching.

You have young children and a demanding job. What do you do to prevent stress?
When I notice that I’m really stressed, I try to take time for myself. With two young children and a busy family life, I make an effort to step back and recharge. It could be taking a bath, going for a walk, or running. I ensure that I have some alone time, and it can take various forms. Sometimes, I love going to bed early and watching a series with a face mask on. Just truly being alone without social media distractions, only with a book or music; that’s what helps me the most.

If you could choose a hobby that doesn’t require time or money, what would it be?
Once, when I lived in Málaga, I took a surfing course. I think it would be amazing to become really good at surfing. It’s challenging because we don’t live near the sea, but I would love to grab a surfboard and hit the waves after work. So, if I had all the time and money in the world and could choose my location, that would be my hobby. It sounds truly fantastic.

Is there something you’ve wanted to do for years but still haven’t done?
I’ve always wanted to take a long world trip. Before I had kids, I used to say, “I’ll just take the kids with me.” But it never happened. During my college years, I didn’t have much money for such an adventure. And when I started working and enjoyed my job, I didn’t want to leave it behind immediately.

Maybe it will happen someday when the kids are older. But I don’t see it happening in the near future, and I’ve accepted that.

Lastly, what makes you laugh the hardest?
I find videos of people falling down to be really funny. When it comes to office settings, I can laugh a lot at the playful competition among colleagues, especially among the men. We women often watch from the sidelines, but I still find it hilarious.

If you’d like to learn more about Muriel, you can reach out to her by sending a message to mvanholt@g-nius.nl. Or by checking out her LinkedIn profile. This is a great way to connect with her and find out more about her professional background and interests.