Stan Gunia can often be found in the gym. In his free time, but also twice a week at CSE. Giving it his all to become fitter every day. That mindset defines him: he works on himself, learns from what doesn’t succeed right away, and grows stronger step by step, even if that sometimes means taking a step back first.
Stan works at CSE in Born, lives in Landgraaf, and is the father of a young daughter. He started at CSE in 2021 as a forklift driver. “After that, things moved quickly,” Stan says. “Within three months, I already had a permanent contract. Not long after, I became lead forklift driver, and soon after that I was offered a team leader role. I was still quite young at the time, really just a rookie. That’s why I decided not to take on that role back then. Now, the timing feels right.”
More Mature
Recently, Stan stepped back into the team leader role. He reflects on the decision he made three years ago. “I really wanted to do it right,” he says. “For myself, and for the guys on the warehouse floor. But at that time, it just wasn’t possible.” Instead of forcing it, he chose calm and clarity. That period helped him grow more mature. “I consciously observed Herman Arends. How does he handle things as a team leader? How does he interact with colleagues? And what does he do when things don’t go as planned? Herman also gives me a lot of tips. He’s kind of a mentor to me.”
“It’s amazing that we have our own gym”
Staying Calm
The most important lesson Stan has learned is to always stay calm. “Unexpected things happen all the time, like extra transport runs that suddenly come in,” he explains. “I then need to find a solution that works for everyone. When that succeeds, it naturally feels great. What I also really enjoy about being a team leader is that I gain more and more insight into what’s going on within CSE, and why certain decisions are made.”
Everyone to the Gym
As a team leader, Stan also focuses on the fitness of his colleagues. “We have a fairly sedentary job,” he says. “That makes it extra important to get on the treadmill, hop on a bike, or do some strength training. It’s great that we have our own gym for that. I take it into account in the planning, so everyone gets the chance to use it, and they really do. I keep going myself too. And the best part is, by working out here, I have more time at home for my daughter. It doesn’t get better than that.”
