From a phone call on a scooter to the IMA stage in London

TL;DR — In 30 seconds

• A quick phone call from CEO Pascal on his scooter led to a spot on a panel on the IMA stage in London, right next to Big Ben.

• The panel discussed working with Gen Z: what motivates them and what this means for the incentive market.

• The feedback was positive and resulted in new contacts and interesting conversations with industry peers.

• The sequel: a role as a Committee Member of the IMA Rising Stars — a European community of young professionals.

When I had been working at Giffy for less than a year, I got a phone call on my way home on my scooter from our CEO, Pascal. He asked: do you want to go to London for the IMA? I didn't have to think about that for long. My answer was: YES. Not knowing what I had actually said yes to.

💡 Why Giffy is writing this

Giffy builds gift card infrastructure for businesses. But behind the platform are people. This is a personal story about the opportunities that working at a growing company in the incentive market can bring.

A stage in London

The next day, I was told that I would be on a panel with young professionals. We would address a number of statements about working with Gen Zers. The idea was to give IMA members insight into how to deal with a younger generation, what motivates them, and what it means for their market.

Together with three other young professionals from the same sector, I suddenly found myself on a stage in London, right next to Big Ben. My role was to provide a counter-perspective — to say something slightly different from the rest. That was my actual opinion, just slightly more emphasised.

The reactions

After the tension and the preparation came the reactions. From companies and people I had never spoken to before. Positive — about how we had done and about our story. What followed next were questions, contacts, and enjoyable conversations with industry peers.

To be fair: who says no to London? Even though being on stage was incredibly nerve-wracking, it was one of the most enjoyable things I have ever been able to do.

From panel to Committee Member

A few days later, I was sent a form with which I could apply as a Committee Member for the IMA Rising Stars. Without hesitation, I signed up. I then received the message that I would be welcomed with open arms.

What our CEO is to the IMA Board, I am now to the young professionals within the Rising Stars. We share knowledge, prepare meetings, and organise digital events. This community includes young professionals from all over Europe who want to become the leaders of the future.

Who would have thought it. From a quick call on a scooter to a great experience and a wonderful role as a Committee Member.

🔐 Working at Giffy?

Giffy is growing fast and gives people the space to build things and seize opportunities. Curious about the team and open positions? → Check out Giffy: https://getgiffy.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the IMA?

The IMA (Incentive Marketing Association) is the international trade association for the incentive market. Giffy is a member and makes an active contribution through the IMA Board and the Rising Stars.

What are the IMA Rising Stars?

The IMA Rising Stars is a European community of young professionals in the incentive market who share knowledge, prepare meetings, and organise digital events.

What does this story say about working at Giffy?

That a growing company in the incentive market provides the space to seize opportunities and be visible in the industry — all the way to an international stage.

Related articles

• What makes our approach in the incentive market unique: https://getgiffy.com/blog/giffy-aanpak-incentivemarkt

• Working at Giffy: the team, the culture, and the ping-pong table: https://getgiffy.com/blog/werken-bij-giffy-team-cultuur

About the author

Giffy is the Dutch platform for digital gift cards that allows businesses to distribute value safely, quickly, and on-brand — to customers, partners, and