We talk a lot about our values of empathy, humanity, trust, and love here at Rocket Software. Those values help us keep our customers at the leading edge of their digital transformation and modernization journeys. However, that success is only possible because of the Rocketeers, who are “All In” on those core values, bringing their passion and industry-leading expertise to every challenge that comes their way.
Our next Rocketeer to step into the spotlight is Distinguished Engineer Herman Rensink. Herman spends most of his days researching and developing new products and features that Rocket brings to market. He also organizes Rocket’s annual hackathon, Rocket.Build, and manages the Rocket Dordrecht community in the Netherlands, looking after its Rocketeers.
Join us as we get to know Herman.
Fast Facts
One word to describe the Rocket culture? Human
Coffee or tea? Coffee, anytime
Proud Moment? Completing my sixth marathon
Favorite Rocket Software value? Empathy
Bucket List Destination? Nepal
What interested you in Rocket Software?
I originally worked for a company called Seagull Software before it was acquired by Rocket Software in 2007. I found this job while looking for a place within cycling distance from my house. I had very small kids at the time and wanted to be close to home to spend as much time as possible with them. I had a background in software, so it was the right fit.
When the acquisition happened, Rocket Software had maybe 300 employees, and Seagull was just a small software company in Dordrecht, the Netherlands—but it was a significant acquisition at the time.
This was 17 years ago now, and I’ve been with Rocket Software ever since. Being a part of this company brought with it countless opportunities for me to grow not just professionally, but personally as well.
What is one of your proudest moments during your time at Rocket Software?
One of my proudest moments at work was being part of the Rocket Band. I had the opportunity to perform with my saxophone at some incredible venues, but one of the most unforgettable experiences was playing at the House of Blues in Las Vegas during an IBM conference Rocket Software was sponsoring. Sharing the stage with incredibly talented colleagues from all over the world, such as our founder Andy Youniss, while getting to play for conference attendees and our own company was truly epic.
Making music together with colleagues was incredibly special to me; it is a reminder of the power of music to bring people together, even in unexpected environments like a corporate setting. Although the Rocket Band is currently no longer active, memories of those performances still fill me with pride. It was an honor to participate and contribute my saxophone skills and I look forward to seeing the band resurrected and creating more unforgettable moments together.
Do you think Rocket Software’s core values of Empathy, Humanity, Trust and Love are unique from other companies? And how do you live by these in your day-to-day role?
Our core values have evolved over time to reflect a deeper commitment to empathy, humanity, trust and love. These values are not just words on paper; they are ingrained in the very fabric of our company culture, guiding us in every decision and action we take.
What sets Rocket Software’s values apart is the profound focus on empathy. Empathy is much more than a buzzword and serves as a guiding principle that shapes how we interact with our partners, customers and fellow Rocketeers from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Regardless of our backgrounds, we all strive to understand and empathize with their experiences, feelings and perspectives to create a true sense of belonging for everyone.
In a post-COVID era, with fewer in-person interactions and more reliance on virtual meetings, embodying these values has become more challenging. We’re all deeply committed to upholding them, even if it's less tangible in a world where face-to-face connections are limited. These values are not just about what we do, they're about who we are as people, actively engaging with the world around us beyond the confines of a desk or a screen.
Rocket Software inspires an environment where diversity is celebrated and respected, people are valued for their unique contributions, and each Rocketeer feels a sense of belonging. The Rocket Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (RIDE) Program helps foster these beliefs. Tell us why you think DEI in the workplace is so important today. If you’ve participated in any RIDE initiatives previously, please share!
I've been actively involved in RIDE initiatives at Rocket Software since their inception. As a RIDE ambassador, I've championed the importance of adopting a global lens within our company, illuminating the diverse experiences and cultural nuances of our international colleagues. Additionally, I've advocated for fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued, especially in global meetings where cultural differences in communication styles may influence participation.
By actively soliciting input from colleagues from diverse backgrounds and encouraging inclusive practices, we can harness the collective wisdom and perspectives of our global team to drive meaningful change. Recognizing and respecting the cultural diversity within our company is crucial for us to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to contribute.
