A CEO’s Journey: Bridging Cultures and Driving Innovation in the Netherlands

An Inspiring Feature in Rabo&Co Magazine

Sisar BV’s CEO, Rajaraman Santhanam, was recently featured in Rabo&Co magazine, where he shared his remarkable journey as an expat entrepreneur in the Netherlands. Over the past two decades, Rajaraman has built a life and business that bridges cultures, embodies community values, and drives innovation.

This feature offers a glimpse into Rajaraman’s story—his transition from India to the Netherlands, the cultural lessons he has learned along the way, and the profound role that Rabobank has played in supporting his entrepreneurial and philanthropic pursuits.

A Journey Across Borders

Twenty years ago, Rajaraman moved from India to the Netherlands to work closer to customers for an IT company. His wife, also working in the tech sector, joined him, and together they made Amstelveen their home. Over time, Rajaraman evolved from an IT professional to a successful entrepreneur, now heading multiple IT companies both in the Netherlands and abroad.

Reflecting on the move, he shared:

“In the early years, I had to get used to the cultural differences, particularly when it came to money. In India, saving for future generations is deeply ingrained, while in the Netherlands, there’s a focus on enjoying the present and finding balance in life.”

The Power of Community and Cooperation

Rajaraman’s connection with Rabobank began in 2014, when he was setting up a foundation. As a cooperative bank committed to making a social impact, Rabobank’s mission aligned perfectly with his foundation’s goals. He recalls his first interaction with Rabobank Amstelveen:

“I felt welcome from the very first moment. They asked the right questions and truly wanted to help.”

Today, his foundation supports initiatives such as Cooking Together, Eating Together, a program that brings people together every Saturday to cook and dine, fostering a sense of belonging in the community.

Cultural Insights and Lifelong Lessons

Through his experiences in the Netherlands, Rajaraman has gained a new perspective on money, work, and life. He admires the Dutch approach to finding balance and enjoying the moment, a lesson he describes as vital for a healthy and happy life.

From navigating differences in dining customs to embracing the Dutch way of prioritizing work-life balance, Rajaraman’s journey has been one of growth and adaptation.

Aligned Values: Rabobank and Sisar BV

Rabobank’s commitment to sustainability, collaboration, and empowering local communities resonates deeply with Sisar’s mission. As a leader in IT services and tech talent recruitment, Sisar strives to deliver impactful solutions that benefit businesses and individuals while fostering innovation and diversity.

This feature is a testament to the power of community, cooperation, and shared values.

Explore More

We invite you to read the full article in Rabo&Co magazine to learn more about Rajaraman Santhanam’s inspiring journey and Rabobank’s impactful initiatives:
Read the article here.

About Sisar BV

Sisar BV specializes in delivering cybersecurity, IAM, and AI security solutions that empower businesses to thrive in a fast-evolving digital landscape. Learn more about our innovative approach and community-driven values here.