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Inside Talent Management with Els Roesems
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Consulting works best when people feel connected and free to be themselves.
Our expert
Who is Els?
Behind every successful consultant stands more than just a project. There is guidance. There is follow up. And above all, there is a human connection. At Pauwels Consulting, Talent Managers play a crucial role in shaping the experience of our consultants. We are the bridge between people and projects, between Pauwels and our clients, between ambition and growth.
I am one of those Talent Managers. My name is Els, and I have been fulfilling this role for almost four years. I live in Groot-Bijgaarden with my three children and try to make the most of every moment to be truly present in their lives. Outside of work, I find peace and inspiration in nature, whether I am walking, running, or riding a horse. I enjoy both the small and meaningful moments with friends and family.
Below, you can read what Talent Management truly means to me, why it is so important, and how we practice it every day at Pauwels Consulting.
Why Talent Management is essential in consulting
Consulting has a unique dynamic. Our consultants work for and at our clients, often on site and for extended periods of time. They naturally integrate into the client environment, which is a strength. At the same time, it is essential that they remain connected to Pauwels Consulting as their employer. Talent Management ensures that connection. I act as a stable point of contact between consultant, client and Pauwels Consulting, supporting both practical matters and personal development.
Guiding consultants from day one
My involvement starts even before a consultant’s first day. I reach out personally to introduce myself, explain my role and answer any remaining questions. The first weeks focus on onboarding, making sure people feel welcome, informed and supported. Consultants learn about our values, culture and ways of working, and what they can expect from me as their Talent Manager.
Follow up is continuous. I check in quarterly with every consultant to discuss how the project is going, whether expectations are met and how collaboration with the client feels. At least once a year, we organise a formal evaluation together with the client team lead. These moments create space for feedback, alignment and development planning. And if something comes up in between, consultants know they can reach out immediately. They do not have to wait.
Most Talent Managers at Pauwels Consulting are certified coaches. This allows us to support consultants through dedicated coaching when deeper topics arise, such as career direction, stress, confidence or communication. When coaching is needed, it is often done by a coach who is not the direct Talent Manager, ensuring neutrality and focus.
“My goal is simple. I want our consultants to feel that Pauwels is present, accessible and genuinely involved in how they are doing, not only in the results they deliver.”
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From criminology to people development
My career did not start in HR. I studied Criminology and spent more than ten years in the pharmaceutical sector as a medical representative. Although it was a commercial role, the core was always about trust, clear communication and supporting professionals in their daily work. Over time, I realised I wanted less selling and more guidance. Less targets and more people. My first step into recruitment confirmed that pure recruitment was not my path, but it opened the door to Talent Management, a role that immediately resonated.
After two years as a Talent Manager in Life Sciences, I joined Pauwels Consulting in 2022. Nearly four years later, that choice still feels right. What drives me is guiding people throughout their journey and being present at key moments. Outside of work, I am a mother of three, I live in Groot Bijgaarden and I value connection, warmth and togetherness. Those values strongly shape how I approach my role every day.
Staying connected while working at client sites
Because our consultants work on location with clients, staying connected requires intention. I stay accessible and proactive, check in regularly and visit consultants on site whenever possible. Presence matters. It builds trust and lowers the threshold to speak openly.
Pauwels Consulting also actively brings consultants together through welcome moments, internal trainings via the Pauwels Academy and company events. These moments reinforce a sense of belonging and make Pauwels tangible as an organisation, beyond the individual project.
Talent Management is never a one person story
Although I am the first point of contact for consultants, Talent Management is never a one person role. I can only do my job well thanks to close collaboration with other internal teams. HR supports us on social legislation and contracts. The commercial team helps identify projects and future opportunities. Other departments, such as fleet and operations, ensure that practical matters are handled smoothly.
Talent Management sits at the intersection of all those teams. It connects people, projects and organisation. And when that collaboration works well, our consultants feel supported from every angle.
What I hope every consultant feels
If there is one thing I hope every consultant experiences at Pauwels Consulting, it is this. You are not alone.
You have someone who listens, who checks in, who is there when things go well and when they become challenging. Someone who walks alongside you, not ahead of you, and not behind you. Consulting works best when people feel supported, connected and free to be themselves.
For me, that is what Talent Management is about. And if that is the kind of environment you are looking for, then Pauwels Consulting might just be the right place to continue your journey.
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