Rik Harink is Tech Lead at Topicus’ Healthcare division. In his role, he combines strategy, technology, and collaboration. “I spend half my time as a developer and half as a tech lead. That combination keeps things varied, and that’s exactly what makes my work so enjoyable. As a hands-on leader, you stay close to the content and to your team.”
That’s why Topicus
As a tech lead, Rik is responsible for his team’s technical roadmap. He maintains the balance between innovation and maintainability, and ensures the platform remains future-proof. “Our software must not only work well now, but also be prepared for what the market demands tomorrow.” Together with the product owner and proposition lead, he works on the technical implementation of the vision and determines the direction of what gets built and by whom. In addition, he coaches team members and helps them grow in their profession. “I think it’s important that people are in the right place and have the right tools to do their jobs well. ”
Rik is active outside his team as well. He participates in the technical steering group, where tech leads from various teams within the Healthcare division come together. “We share knowledge, coordinate, and ensure that we’re moving in the same direction as an organization. That way, we don’t stay on our own little island, but instead actively seek collaboration.”
What appeals to Rik at Topicus is the freedom to contribute ideas and take initiative. “Here, you don’t have to wait for someone to assign you a task. You’re encouraged to get involved, and you’re appreciated when you do.”
This is what I’m proud of
“Everyone on the team is involved in improving processes within healthcare. The social impact of my work gives me a sense of purpose and makes me proud. For example, we build billing platforms for healthcare providers. Billing is often a manual and time-consuming process for them. Our software makes it easier, faster, and more transparent. As a result, healthcare providers have more time for their clients and patients.”
In addition to his daily work, Rik also enjoys contributing to knowledge sharing within Topicus. Every year, he takes the stage at TopiConf (a knowledge festival organized by Topicus employees), where he shares the lessons he’s learned while building new features and platforms. “I enjoy conveying my enthusiasm, inspiring others, and brainstorming creative solutions together. Technology and creativity reinforce each other.”
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