How Open Communication Shapes High-Performing Teams at Forvis Mazars

Forvis Mazars and Becky build strong teams through open feedback and collaboration. Learn how feedback shapes high-performing international teams.

April 01, 2025

Post by Milica Mrdja

Fostering Collaboration Across Borders: A Conversation with Rik Nijhuis from Forvis Mazars in the Netherlands

In today’s interconnected world, it is a challenge for companies to build teams that work well together across borders. Forvis Mazars, a leading global accounting firm, has embraced this challenge by collaborating with Becky. This partnership has allowed them to tap into Balkan’s incredible talent pool while fostering a shared sense of connection and purpose across different countries and cultures.

We had the privilege of speaking with Rik Nijhuis, junior manager Global compliance and reporting at Forvis Mazars in the Netherlands, to learn more about their journey in building a strong and successful partnership with Becky. His reflections provide insight into the challenges, successes and the importance of teamwork in bridging two different worlds.

Building a Global Team: The Start of the Becky Collaboration

Rik, could you share a bit about Forvis Mazars and what led to the collaboration with Becky?

Absolutely! Forvis Mazars is a global accounting firm that provides services like audits, payroll, and HR consultancy. We’re one of the top 10 firms worldwide, with over 50,000 employees, but what really sets us apart is our commitment to quality and, more importantly, to maintaining a human touch in everything we do.

Even though I’ve been with the company for almost 10 years, I’ve never felt like just another employee. That’s something that really stands out about Forvis Mazars - our people-centred culture. It’s not just about the processes or output; it’s about making everyone feel valued and supported.

When the collaboration with Becky came about, it was perfect timing. In the Netherlands, the demand for skilled financial professionals is very high, but the local labour market is quite tight. Becky gave us access to an exceptional pool of highly qualified Serbian professionals.

From the beginning, it wasn’t just about technical skills—although that’s certainly a priority. We were focused on finding personalities that fit our culture. You can teach someone the technical side, like reconciling trial balances, but you can’t teach them how to collaborate naturally or how to speak up in meetings. That’s what made this partnership so exciting.

What qualities did you focus on when selecting Becky team members?

We wanted individuals who were not only skilled, but also proactive and communicative. When you’re building a new team, especially remotely, you need people who are comfortable speaking up and addressing issues as they arise. This ensures smoother communication and better collaboration from the start. For example: One candidate we had an interview with was technically very strong, but a bit less assertive. While they had great potential, we felt that someone more comfortable with open communication would be a better fit for our first hire, to build the foundation.

Building Relationships Face-to-Face

It sounds like building personal relationships was key. How did you approach this?

Absolutely! For us, it was all about personal connections. After the Becky team completed their training at the Becky Academy, we invited them to the Netherlands. So they could meet our team in person, see how we work, and take part in bonding activities, like a boat tour through Amsterdam.

It wasn’t all business—we made sure there were plenty of chances to chat, share laughs, and simply connect. Shortly after that, we visited Serbia to understand their work environment and culture. This wasn’t just about logistics; it was about showing that we are one team, regardless of where we are based. Meeting face-to-face makes all the difference. It removes formal barriers and allows you to see each other as people, not just colleagues on a screen.

Creating a Culture of Open Communication

How have you fostered open communication in your international team? Open communication has been essential in making this partnership work. We set up daily check-ins for the first six months to make sure everyone stayed aligned and felt supported. These check-ins were not just about work—they were also an opportunity to discuss any personal or professional challenges. One principle I live by is: “I’ll let you swim, but I won’t let you drown.” Our team knows they can come to me if they face a problem. If they don’t reach out, I make sure to check in with them. Mistakes are part of the process, but the worst mistake is trying to solve things alone. We’ve also built a culture of continuous feedback. In addition to the daily check-ins, we have biannual appraisals where we reflect on performance, set goals, and identify growth opportunities. These sessions are as much about listening as they are about providing constructive feedback.

Overcoming Cultural Gaps (and Finding Common Ground)

Have you noticed any cultural differences between your Dutch and Serbian teams?

Yes, of course, there are differences. But what really surprised me is how much we actually have in common. Both teams value hard work, quality, and having a little fun along the way. One cultural difference we’ve had to adjust to is how feedback is perceived. In the Netherlands, we tend to assume that no news is good news, but in Serbia, employees appreciate more explicit recognition for their efforts. Another difference is our approach to problem-solving. In Serbia, there’s sometimes a tendency to work independently. We’ve worked hard to encourage our Becky team to view us as collaborators—they don’t have to carry the load alone.

The Role of Feedback in Growth

How do you approach feedback within your Becky team? Feedback is an ongoing process for us. In the beginning, we had daily meetings to address challenges and provide immediate support. Over time, we’ve moved to more structured feedback sessions, including biannual appraisals. During these appraisals, we encourage Becky team members to reflect on their strengths, challenges, and goals. Interestingly, we’ve noticed that some team members find it difficult to talk about their strengths. This is something we actively work on because recognizing your strengths is crucial to making the most of them. We also use these sessions to identify training needs, whether in technical areas like payroll or soft skills like communication. We make sure to offer the right resources to help them grow.

The Impact of Personal Connections

How have face-to-face interactions influenced the team dynamic?

The face-to-face meetings have been transformative. It’s one thing to collaborate through Teams, but being in the same room makes a huge difference. When the Becky team visited the Netherlands, they bonded with our colleagues over shared meals and activities. Similarly, our visit to Serbia helped us understand their culture and work environment in a deeper way. These interactions have made the Becky team feel like an integral part of Forvis Mazars. They’re not just remote workers—they are true colleagues. This sense of belonging has been key in building a strong and cohesive team.

Words of Wisdom for Other Companies

What advice would you give to other companies looking to build international teams?

My biggest piece of advice is to invest in relationships. Don’t treat your international team members as third-party providers—treat them like colleagues. Whenever possible, meet in person, whether that means bringing them to your office or visiting theirs. Also, prioritise open communication. Create a space where people feel comfortable sharing thoughts and challenges. This builds trust and respect, which leads to better collaboration. Finally, focus on hiring people who align with your company’s values. Skills can be taught, but it’s much harder to teach someone to embody your culture.

A Testament to Collaboration

What has been the biggest benefit of working with Becky?

The biggest benefit has been access to a talented pool of professionals. The quality of work from the Becky team has exceeded our expectations. While efficiency improves with experience, their foundational work has been excellent. This collaboration has also strengthened our team culture. The Becky team brings fresh perspectives and a strong work ethic, which complements our existing team dynamics.

Thank You Rik and Cheers to Collaboration!

A huge thank you to Rik for sharing his experiences and insights. It’s clear that the partnership between Forvis Mazars and Becky is about so much more than just work - it’s about building lasting relationships, fostering growth and creating a shared vision for the future. To the team at Forvis Mazars, your dedication to openness, collaboration, and mutual respect is truly inspiring. Here’s to continuing this amazing partnership and to all the exciting things to come!