“Intrapreneur? That’s totally fine by me!”
By Kurt Meers – Made in Limburg – Het Belang van Limburg – July 10, 2021
Some still know her as one of the thriving forces behind the “Grenslandhallen”. Thousands of Limburg entrepreneurs had the time of their lives at the events she organized for Voka Limburg (Chamber of Commerce). But today, Ingrid Eyckmans is the inspirer of OT-Pro, a start-up that markets a software package for occupational therapists. “Starting out with a completely white sheet, and filling in all of the business as you see fit: that’s my thing,” says the ever-entrepreneurial and good-humored intrapreneur.
“Did you know that I used to have my own wholesale charcuterie business? So, entrepreneurship does run in my blood,” so Ingrid begins the story. “But as a single mother with two children growing up, I could no longer take the risks, and I enthusiastically started working for entrepreneurial people.
First at a law firm, followed by a job as an organizer of events at the “Grenslandhallen”. A wonderful period, in which we set up wonderful concerts, fairs, and other happenings with a close-knit team. There was something special about being a small, independent organization but competing with far bigger players such as “Sportpaleis” or “Vorst Nationaal”. Various assignments, full of dynamics and adrenaline. Work hard, play hard. That’s what I’m made of.”
She found the same spirit at Voka Chamber of Commerce, where she managed, among the entrepreneurs, to promote connectivity between the members. Senior Coordinator Partnerships and Community Real Estate, her business card stated. “That too was a job with a lot of variety and daily meetings with inspirational people.
Organizing things, making sure everything was okay. Bringing entrepreneurs together around various themes, letting them enjoy the offer, and making sure they could meet with other interesting people. A wonderful playground, where I have been able to indulge myself immensely. Otherwise, I would not have stayed there for 12 years…”
But when you are amid entrepreneurs on a daily basis, opportunities inevitably come along to change the direction of your career. “Etienne Custermans from Q-Top was part of the “Voka Fietst”-network as an entrepreneur,” so Ingrid explains. “That’s how I got to know him and his company. I became fascinated with the subject matter: ground-breaking software to simplify the work of healthcare professionals. Until he asked me the question: Isn’t that something for you?
And yes, that’s how I ended up in a completely different world a year ago. IT and the healthcare sector: I hadn’t done that yet… I tried to make up for the lack of knowledge on the subject matter as quickly as possible by reading and studying a lot. The fact that I had no prior knowledge also turned out to be an advantage, because I could look at the existing structures and applications with a fresh view.”
Bye bye Excel
More concretely, Ingrid was given responsibility for a completely new company: OT-Pro. “Etienne’s company has been making leading software for physiotherapists for a long time and was also going to launch a new package for occupational therapists. A new company, but one that could rely on the experience and resources of an established company. From the start, I was trusted with ‘carte blanche’ to build up OT-Pro, with all the aspects that a start-up has to offer. A very nice challenge that I took on with enthusiasm.”
The product Ingrid is marketing is the software that allows occupational therapists to elaborate and follow up on their treatments in a scientifically based way. “Based on the parameters that are being entered about the patient, the program generates an output that determines the therapy and interventions. Whereas occupational therapists used to work with Word, Excel, or their own templates, they now have a professional tool that allows them to work more efficiently and cost-effectively, and moreover helps their patients in a better way. By optimizing treatments, those in need of care can continue to live at home for a longer period, which also reduces social security costs. So, everyone is a winner, and that makes it beautiful to be involved in.”
Partners in crime
Partners in crime
In the year since Ingrid got OT-Pro up and running, a lot has already changed. “I’ve been able to put a lot in motion already,” she says. “Not only for the company but also for the interests of the occupational therapists. In our academy, we offer them training, and together with the trade association, we lobby for a reimbursement scheme. We also manifest ourselves internationally, for example by giving lectures at conferences. We think of our customers as real partners, with whom we tackle problems and work out opportunities, together. The experience from my previous jobs shows that such partnerships produce the best results.”
The new professional activities do have an impact on Ingrid’s private life. “At Voka, my schedule was always filled with evening activities, and that’s a bit different now,” so she says. “A bit more free time with the family or to play sports, that’s a real breath of fresh air. Especially now that I’ve discovered padel tennis, it’s great to be able to get away from it all in the evening. But the different daily schedule is only a small part of the positive evaluation I make of my first year at OT-Pro. The joy of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and sinking one’s teeth into a totally new adventure, that’s what really gives me a boost. Also, the confidence of the owner, the cooperation with the team, and the step-by-step progress for the benefit of all parties, really makes it worthwhile. Yes, embarking on a new challenge in this way, is something I can warmly recommend to everyone…”