Rodolfo Elshoff

Current company: Kamps de Wild B.V. (Reesink Farming and Handling Netherlands)
Position held: Finance Director
Worked at PwC until: 2016
Service line: Assurance
Quote: "Follow your instinct. You can always follow others"
LinkedIn: Rodolfo Elshoff | LinkedIn

Can you briefly tell us about your journey from when you joined the firm to where you are now?

I joined PwC in 2010 and started in the banking industry, which aligned with my economics background. As I gained experience, I sought opportunities in other sectors to broaden my perspective and develop a well-rounded understanding of how organizations operate. This approach allowed me to grow as a professional and prepare for greater responsibilities.

After six incredible years at PwC, I felt the need to step into a role where I could influence decisions and shape outcomes, rather than just advising. That’s when I transitioned to a Controller role in Investment Banking—an industry I’ve always been passionate about.

In 2017, I moved to the Netherlands for family reasons. It was a significant life change and a professional challenge. Starting over in a new country meant proving myself in a different culture and rebuilding my network. Although I was born in the Netherlands, my language skills weren’t at the professional level I needed, so I worked hard to improve them. My PwC background, coupled with a strong recommendation letter, helped open doors and give me credibility in the market.

Fast forward to today: in seven years, I’ve grown from Business/Finance Controller to Finance Manager and now Finance Director. At Kamps de Wild, I lead a team of 15 FTE (Finance, Admin, and BI/IT) for a group generating over €100M in revenue and employing more than 200 people. It’s been an incredible journey of growth, learning, and collaboration.

What were the most important decisions you made in your career, and how did they influence your success?
The most pivotal decision has been to embrace change and challenges wholeheartedly. Taking risks—whether transitioning to a new industry, moving countries, or stepping into leadership roles—has always led to personal and professional growth.

What skills do you consider crucial to advancing in your professional career?
Soft skills are the foundation of leadership. The ability to communicate effectively, connect with people, and present ideas clearly is crucial for building relationships and gaining trust. In management, success often depends on understanding the full picture before making judgments. Listening, empathy, and collaboration have been key to building strong teams and driving results.

What challenges have you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
Moving to the Netherlands was undoubtedly my biggest challenge. I had to start over, with no local business connections, limited experience in the market, and a language barrier to overcome. It was humbling but also motivating. I took Dutch classes, immersed myself in learning about the local business environment, and sought advice from those around me. Hard work, resilience, and staying open to new ideas made all the difference.

Did you have mentors throughout your career? How did they influence your professional development?
Absolutely, and I’m incredibly grateful for their guidance. Fabián Mendy, an Assurance Partner at PwC, was instrumental in my early career. He gave me my first opportunity and supported me by involving me in key projects, like creating proposals for the Central Bank of DR or being involved in the country’s first Media Studio audit project.

On a more day-to-day level, Aneurys de los Santos was my manager and a true mentor. He taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, technical skills, and teamwork. PwC was an amazing environment for growth, and I had the privilege of learning from many talented professionals like Raquel Bourguet, Gacel Concepción, Winston Alcántara, and others who became lifelong friends. Shout out to Dyan Geraldino and Bladimir Díaz!

How important do you think it is to build a network of contacts for professional growth?
A strong network is everything. At PwC, I experienced firsthand the power of collaboration and connection. The relationships you build with colleagues often extend far beyond the workplace, opening doors and creating opportunities. A good network doesn’t just amplify your professional reach—it also serves as a source of inspiration and support throughout your career.

What are the current trends in your field that new professionals should be aware of?
Data is the driving force of today’s business world. From Business Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence to automation and data science, leveraging data effectively is key. Another major trend is ESG and CSRD compliance, which is becoming increasingly important for companies of all sizes, not just large players.

What advice would you give to recent graduates who aspire to have a successful career?
Be curious, stay humble, and never be afraid to ask questions. Respect everyone you encounter—you can learn something valuable from every person and experience. Most importantly, trust your instincts while remaining open to advice from others.

What are your next professional goals, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Initially, my vision was to become a CFO by 35. However, as I’ve become more involved in strategy, people management, IT, and marketing, I’ve found myself drawn to a broader role. I’m passionate about making an impact that goes beyond the numbers.

My plan is simple: remain hands-on, continue to seek efficiencies, and finish what I start. I believe staying close to daily operations is essential for truly understanding a business and its people. At the end of the day, leadership is about creating an environment where people can thrive and succeed together.