For many young colleagues, working on societal issues is an important reason to choose PwC, Sander explains. Eva (25) agrees. “That really matters to me. Inclusivity as well. This is my first job. PwC’s values align well with that. But I didn’t know beforehand that you could also directly contribute to socially relevant projects.”
From reward questions to a water project
Both Sander and Eva work in the Executive Reward team, where they advise on strategic remuneration issues for top executives. A water project in Africa doesn’t seem like an obvious fit.
Yet that was exactly where the request landed. “PwC has a partnership with Element15. They asked us to think along about the legal and tax structure of a cooperation and participation agreement for someone from South Africa who is responsible for Element15’s operations across Africa,” Sander explains. “The partner receives shares to strengthen his commitment. That’s how we became involved.”
For Eva, this was one of the first projects she was involved in from the very beginning. “As a starter, it’s special to be entrusted with an assignment like this. You’re given room to learn and to contribute. That felt like trust.”
‘As a starter, it’s special to be entrusted with an assignment like this. You’re given room to learn and to contribute. That felt like trust.’
Eva VaelDifferent from a regular assignment
Although it was ‘business as usual’ in terms of their work, the meaning felt different. Eva explains: “That’s due to the contact with the client and his stories. That makes an impression.”
Sander recognizes this. “We treat a community project just as professionally as any other assignment. At the same time, you meet people you wouldn’t normally encounter. It gives you a different perspective on the world. The beauty and scale of initiatives like this really move me. And at the same time, it remains an enterprise with growth ambitions.”
Not revenue, but litters of clean water
During the project, the focus gradually shifted. “It wasn’t just about numbers,” Eva says. “When defining performance targets for the new partner, it was about litters of clean water. Not revenue, but impact.”
Sander adds: “Access to clean water reduces health risks and creates opportunities for local business. Water changes lives. That realization comes very close here.”
Growth that goes beyond work
Did this project change the way Sander and Eva look at their work? Eva: “In terms of content, everything was new. Precisely because of that, I grew quickly. And I noticed that I could really contribute from day one. Element15’s story is inspiring. Setting up a collaboration abroad, with all that entails—you don’t learn that at university.”
Sander (44) reflects from a different stage of life. “The longer you work, the more you reflect on the meaning of what you do. What we do can genuinely make a positive difference—and that gives a sense of fulfilment.”
“The longer you work, the more you reflect on the meaning of what you do: what we do can genuinely make a positive difference, and that gives a sense of fulfilment.”
Sander Schouten
Practicing what you preach
Many organizations talk about sustainability and social responsibility. “At PwC, it doesn’t stop at words,” says Sander. “It’s embedded in our culture. You see it reflected in everyday practice.”
According to Eva, that combination is what makes it special. “You work in a commercial environment and at the same time contribute to socially relevant projects. An initiative like Element15 shows that it truly is possible.”
Sander smiles. “Talking about it like this, I immediately feel that sense of fulfilment again.”
About Element15
Millions of people still lack access to safe drinking water. Element15 is changing this with an innovative filter technology that provides villages with clean water quickly and sustainably. With support from PwC, the organization is building an economically sustainable model to ensure that its impact continues to grow—from reduced disease and emissions to greater opportunities for local communities.