‘Cooperation and unity, so Dutch people grow together’

When asked to move to Amsterdam, Aaron Linnane accepted without blinking. Beachhut PR sought to establish its presence in the Dutch capital and offered him the opportunity to move from his home city, Dublin. Nearly a year later, he enjoys his position and life in the Netherlands.

Beachhut PR is a pan-European PR agency that assists tech companies in spreading their message. After working for Ryanair’s communication department, Aaron wanted to work in tech again, so joining the agency and moving to a new country sounded like the challenge he was looking for.

Dutch Diaries

Getting a job opportunity, moving to a new country, and settling in are three moments every expat has experienced. But how does the Netherlands look in the eyes of the foreigners who move here for work? In our new series, Dutch Diaries, we bring the stories of expats who moved to the Netherlands to work in the tech and innovation sectors. Why did they decide to come here? What do they like the most about the Netherlands? What would they change?

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What impressed you the most about your early days in Amsterdam?

“What shocked me was the ease of transportation for cycling infrastructure and the public transit network. One thing I noticed about Amsterdam is that people are very efficient at work, but having such infrastructure at one’s disposal also leads to efficiency in one's personal life. Additionally, the sheer number of expats in the city makes it easy to meet new, like-minded people within this industry. Everyone is open to sit for a cup of coffee or a beer. That’s a sign of a growing city that wants to keep doing so.”

What do you like the most about living in the Netherlands?

“I grew up along the sea, so I don’t really like being too far away from water, so I love the canals. Having every amenity I need within walking distance is another pro to living in Amsterdam. I can think of the most random things I can walk to. In Dublin I couldn’t do that.”

What is your take on the Dutch working environment?

“As a person who hates being late, I love how well Dutch people are on time. They are not a minute late or early. There are no surprises or curveballs, making things easier when working. This relates to what I mentioned about efficiency: everything is planned, and people attend their meetings on time.

At the same time, I notice a sense of unity and willingness to grow the tech ecosystem together, to meet new people and learn from each other’s work.”

‘Living in the Netherlands is boring—but in a good way’

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How do you compare the tech scenes of Amsterdam and Dublin?

“There are many similarities between Amsterdam and Dublin’s tech environments, as they are both thriving. There are many startups, lots of creativity, and good government support. In fact, at a recent event, I could easily spot the Amsterdam homologues of key figures of Dublin’s ecosystem.

Dublin’s tech ecosystem grew massively after giant multinationals like Google came in 20 years ago. In a way, it inspired new innovators to found new companies. Similarly, I see a good mix of homegrown unicorns and multinational companies setting foot in Amsterdam.”

What habit or practice would you bring from Ireland?

“Sport gardens. In Ireland, sports are massive and bring us together. Once there is a bit of sun, everyone will be outside here, too. However, pubs here only show Dutch football. I miss the big outside areas in Ireland.”

What is your goal as a professional living in the Netherlands?

“I aim to be as central as possible to the Dutch tech ecosystem, helping companies achieve their strategic targets. Another thing that I would like to do–replicating something Beachhut does in other countries–is becoming a catalyst for conversation. I want people attending our events to leave having gotten something out of them, a connection with someone they didn’t know before, for instance.”

Do you see yourself living here for a long time?

“I see myself living here in the foreseeable future. There are many opportunities and a lot of appetite to replicate what Beachhut has done in other countries.”

‘Fast feedback loop and flat hierarchies: the Dutch working environment fits my style’