ENTSOG Annual Report 2015

MARK WIEKENS Secondee from Gasunie Transport Services, Netherlands

Mark Wiekens Adviser, Market from 2013 to 2015

I found that working in foreign languages made me a better listener in my native language, which en- riches my life both as a private person and a professional.

I worked with ENTSOG from June 2013 to June 2015 as Subject Manager for Capacity.

My duties focused on Network Codes in their different stages: setting up Implementation Monitoring for CAM and CMP, writing the Incremental Capacity Proposal, and initiating a process to ensure the functionality of Network Codes in practice. I learned a lot about the inner workings of Brussels but also about how to organise multi-year projects in which support and consensus of members and stakeholders are essential. Contributing to the balance of interests between TSOs, NRAs, EC and stakeholders was at times challenging but, in the end, a rewarding pro- cess. The resulting network of international contacts is proof of that. Above all, I greatly enjoyed working with and learning from all the ENTSOG colleagues. The opportunity to be part of such a diverse team is unique. It offered me inside knowledge and understanding of various companies’ and countries’ perspectives. One ENTSOG takeaway I would like to share is that when working in foreign languages, one has to make more effort to listen in order to understand the other person. I found that working in foreign languages made me a better listener in my native language, which enriches my life both as a private person and a profes- sional. Therefore, I can conclude that working at ENTSOG was an inspi- rational experience which made a lasting impact on me.

PANAGIOTIS PANOUSOS Secondee from DESFA, Greece

I was lucky enough to participate in this tremendous experience almost from the very beginning.

Panagiotis Panousos Business Area Manager,

System Operation from 2010 to 2015

Establishing an organisation with a motto “fair partner to all”, trying to persuade people, internally and externally, that this is how things should work, living and handling situations in a pluralistic and multi-cultural environment were great challenges. But, the most valuable takeaway was the experience of team spirit developed internally, among people who understood that their engagement with ENTSOG was temporary. We believed in our targets, cooperated, and there was no antagonism. It’s not easy to transfer this back home. People without similar experiences see things differently. But, at least I have changed in the way I cope with everyday duties, organise my time, set and meet deadlines, and lead my team. My colleagues obviously notice this change after my five-year ENTSOG experience, but I‘m not sure they’ll like it. I still try to follow the motto and be “FAIR” to all.

The most valuable takeaway was the experience of team spirit developed internally.

ENTSOG Annual Report 2015 |

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