Women@Work | Britta Claes, Business Manager at TOPIC

In the series TOPIC Women@Work we highlight some of our female colleagues, focusing on their expertise, vision, and the unique advantages they bring as women in their work field. 

In this edition, we talk with Britta Claes, Business Manager at TOPIC. She shares how she supports a team of 35 engineers, builds strong client relationships, and balances work and family life. All while navigating the tech world from a non-technical background.

What does your role as Business Manager involve? 
As a Business Manager, my role is versatile and people-focused. I primarily coach and guide our engineers in their personal development, helping them take meaningful steps in their careers. In addition, I manage our client relationships. From regular evaluations and feedback sessions, to identifying new opportunities and projects, and supporting sales efforts.

As Business Management team, we’re also closely involved in the recruitment process, believing that early engagement helps us quickly match candidates’ strengths and interests with the right projects. This helps ensuring a strong fit from the start.

What do you like most in your role? 
I get so much energy from connecting with colleagues. It is great to support colleagues in their growth, watch them discover and develop their talents, and contribute to their career paths. Seeing them grow is incredibly rewarding, but also the strong collaboration within the team makes my work especially meaningful.

What skills are essential to have?
A genuine interest in people, clear communication, and empathy are key. This mix, together with  my problem solving skills, help me understand situations quickly and to connect the dots easily. Also being well-organized is something that helps me stay on top of things in this dynamic environment.  

You come from a non-technical background, has that ever posed a challenge while working in a tech company?
It can definitely bring challenges, especially in a tech-driven environment. But I’ve learned to lean into my strengths and be honest about where I need support. That self-awareness helps me work more effectively. I focus on connecting the right people, asking the right questions, and staying curious. Because that’s how I continue to learn and grow.

How do you manage work-life balance, especially in a leading role?
I have a strong support network around me, which is especially important with a toddler at home. Balancing work and personal life can be challenging at times, but I genuinely gain energy from my work so it rarely feels out of balance. I manage my own schedule, allowing me to plan work hours as needed, and I really appreciate the trust and support I receive from TOPIC in that regard.

What are you most excited about looking ahead?
I’m excited about TOPIC’s plan for growth in the coming years, and how we will achieve this together as a team. One of the key aspects for me is keeping strong connections, with our people and our clients, as we grow.

Curious to discover more TOPIC Women@Work? Read the previous blog where Thati Almeida, Project Lead and Scrum Master at TOPIC, shares her experiences on managing complex high-tech projects: Thati | Women@Work | TOPIC Embedded Systems (TOPIC / Engels / News) [Nieuwsbericht]