​​Nicolette van den Eijkel never shy's away from a challenge.

From overseeing new building projects to ensuring students have access to the facilities they need to succeed, van den Eijkel plays a key role in the day-to-day running of SU. The Chief Director of Facilities Management, van den Eijkel has extensive experience in the facilities management sector and has held top positions in the private and public sector.  

As part of Women's Month celebrations at SU, the Corporate Communication Division spoke to van den Eijkel about her career success.

You have had a successful career. You were the Chairperson of the South African Facilities Management Association and held various positions in the public and private sector.  To what do you attribute your success?

I have had many different roles throughout my career and was fortunate to have challenging positions, which always excited and motivated me. Because of my varied background I've been able to bring a different view to the teams that I have led and I think that is what made for success.

What motivates you?

I don't believe in being mediocre. Every day I try to do my best.   

I am also motivated by the fact that through facility management I can make a positive difference in the lives of students and staff. If I do my job well then students and staff will have a better work or study experience.

Who inspires you and why?

Very early on in my career I had a male boss who was probably ahead of his time. It was the 1980s and he encouraged coaching and mentoring. He led from the front and showed us that success was about individual effort and not based on race or gender.  He didn't tolerate discrimination and also encouraged me to rise above, disregard sexist behaviour and to achieve what I must. That always stood me in good stead.

I am also inspired by the strong women around me. Ordinary women who create miracles because they don't let anything hold them back or stop them from being a success despite facing all sorts of challenges.   

Do you have any words of advice for young women who want to follow careers in the field of facilities management?

In facilities management we often allow ourselves to be treated as employees who provide support services.  But the reality is that an organisation cannot operate without effective facilities management in place.  We must make sure that we always act as professionals who understand our roles and our contribution to the organisation.  That way there is no space for bosses, colleagues or services providers to treat us as anything other than experienced professionals who know what it takes to get the job done. 

Being a facilities manager requires a lot of skill -  from planning, financial management, change management to people management. These are skills that many women have to offer the workplace.  Be confident, be professional and show what you are made of!