“Representation matters, because it shapes who feels able to contribute, grow, and lead”
Christina van Zanten – Global Head of Talent Management & DEI, Rabobank.
What does it actually take to build a diverse leadership pipeline inside a leading organisation? In this interview, Christina van Zanten, Global Head of Talent Management & DEI at Rabobank, speaks about what drove the decision to partner with Roots Inspire and what the collaboration has delivered so far.
What value does Roots Inspire add to your talent strategy?
At Rabobank, representation matters because it shapes who feels able to contribute, grow, and lead. We aim to reflect the diversity of the societies and clients we serve, we recognize that ethnically-culturally diverse talent is still underrepresented in leadership across our sector. Having visible role models in leadership matters, because it helps people see that progression is possible, and that their background does not have to be a barrier to growth. This reinforces the importance of continuously striving to create equal opportunities and access to the resources, networks, and visibility that enable talent to progress at key career moments.
Roots Inspire adds meaningful value by contributing on two levels. On the one hand, the programme empowers individuals through targeted personal development, sponsorship and visibility, and by unlocking access to a strong network of senior leaders and peers that broadens perspectives and creates opportunity for progression. On the other hand, the partnership helps us further strengthen our work environment by deepening awareness of inclusive leadership and the role of sponsorship and systems in enabling progression. In this way, Roots Inspire supports both individual growth and organizational development, and strongly aligns with our DE&I strategy, which focuses on inclusive collaboration; enabling for collaboration in which everyone feels seen, valued and can contribute based on their unique talents.
How did you get started and what results are you already seeing?
We entered the partnership from a shared conviction that development and progression are not only individual responsibilities; they are shaped by systems, leadership behaviour and access to networks. Rabobank’s DE&I strategy therefore places strong emphasis on equitable opportunities; fairness, consistency and reducing bias in how opportunities are created and allocated.
Roots Inspire brings this to life through a structured programme that combines leadership development, culturally aware coaching and active sponsorship. Participants gain practical tools, confidence and access to role models who understand their lived experience, while organizations gain insight into how inclusive leadership and sponsorship accelerate impact.
We are already seeing encouraging signals, participants report greater clarity on their career direction and increased confidence in navigating complex organizational environments. At the same time, the partnership challenges us as an organization to continuously reflect on our own practices and ensure our systems truly enable diverse talent to thrive.
What does this partnership mean to you personally?
On a personal level, I know from experience how important it is to have role models and trusted people around you, people you look up to, who believe in you, and who offer perspective when you feel unsure or hesitant to take the next step. Everyone needs that support at different moments in their career. So, Talent and DE&I are closely connected: people thrive when they feel seen, supported and can use their unique talents and perspectives to contribute. The partnership with Roots Inspire truly embodies this.
Roots inspire makes the importance of representation tangible. Seeing ethnically-culturally diverse professionals supported through sponsorship, trusted networks and visible leadership reinforces how intentional inclusion can change career trajectories. The programme creates a safe space where people can ask questions, share doubts, and gain confidence, knowing that they are not navigating their career on their own. It is a strong reminder that representation does not happen by chance. It is the outcome of deliberate choices and sustained commitment.
