“At my previous company, I’d often hear, ‘You’re not senior enough for that.’ At Mollie, it’s the opposite — it’s ‘Go for it.’ You’re trusted to take ownership, be creative, and make things happen. That kind of freedom is incredibly motivating.”
Last year, while standing in a wooden tent at Mollie’s 20th Anniversary Festival - gearing up to host a game session - Chris Henke had a moment of reflection. The contrast with his previous job at a more traditional payment provider in Germany couldn’t have been clearer.
At Mollie, we love a story like Chris's, where a leap into the unknown leads to growth, fulfilment, and a sense of purpose. His path is a reminder that careers aren't always linear, and sometimes the right move looks a little unconventional at first.
Name: Chris Henke
Role: Sales Lead DACH
Joined: January, 2020
Career path at Mollie: Business Development Manager - Sales Lead DACH - Agency Lead DACH - Sales Lead DACH
Tell us how your Mollie journey began.
It all started at a digital marketing conference in Germany, where I was representing a more traditional payment provider. That’s where I met a few Mollies, and over a friendly chat (and some ice cream), something just clicked. There was an energy about them that struck.
After the event, I started researching Mollie as if I were a customer, reading reviews, checking out the website, and getting a feel for the company. The more I learned, the more intrigued I became. So I applied.
Not long after, I was invited to Amsterdam for an interview. From the moment I walked into the office, I was hooked - the atmosphere, the people, the city, the ambition. It just felt right. The decision to move to Mollie came easy.
Onboarding in Amsterdam was fast-paced but fantastic. I was challenged from day one, but also supported. Being in the office with my new teammates helped me quickly settle in and feel at home. That sense of belonging came almost immediately.
How would you describe your career path at Mollie?
I joined Mollie as a Business Development Manager, coming from a Key Account Manager role at a German competitor. At first, it felt like a step back, but I quickly realised it was actually a step forward. Sometimes, you need to take a small detour to reach a bigger goal.
Since then, I’ve grown into the role of Sales Lead for the DACH region. I also briefly stepped into the Agency Lead position before returning to Sales Lead. Over time, the team in Germany has evolved, but many of us have been on this journey together for years. This shared experience not only brings me joy each day but also significantly contributes to our stability and success.
Working across these different roles and with such a mix of people has given me valuable insight into how the business works, allowing me to make a meaningful impact on Mollie's mission.
What makes Mollie different from your previous employer?
The cultural shift was huge for me, especially coming from a more structured, traditional environment. Mollie is agile, customer-focused, and truly empowers its people.
At my previous company, I’d often hear, “You’re not senior enough for that.” At Mollie, it’s the opposite - it’s “Go for it.” You’re trusted to take ownership, be creative, and make things happen. That kind of freedom is incredibly motivating.
Customer satisfaction is also at the heart of everything we do. We’re not just processing payments, we’re solving real problems together. That collaborative, purpose-driven approach is something I really value.
Another big difference is the attitude toward mistakes. In the Netherlands, and especially at Mollie, there’s a much healthier culture around learning and experimenting. We’re encouraged to try new things, challenge the status quo, and grow from it. That ambition, combined with a truly open and supportive culture, makes each day feel exciting and meaningful.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when transitioning to Mollie?
Moving to Mollie meant adjusting to a faster-paced, less structured environment, and that was definitely a shift from what I was used to. But it was a positive one. The flexibility and energy here were new to me, and while it took a bit of time to find my rhythm, it’s been incredibly rewarding.
There was also a cultural adjustment. The Dutch working style is more direct and open, which was different at first but quickly became something I really appreciated. That said, as a Northern German, it actually felt quite natural to me—we’re pretty much the same in that regard!
Even though I came in with payments experience, I still had to get up to speed with new tools, terms, and ways of working. But the openness and clarity I found at Mollie made a big difference. Despite the initial uncertainty of joining a fast-moving company, the culture made it easier to settle in and quickly feel part of the team.
Where do you see the biggest growth potential for Mollie? What excites you most?
I see enormous growth potential for Mollie, especially in the wider European market. In the coming years, the development and integration of localised payment options will continue to play a crucial role. These developments and the entry into new markets are incredibly exciting, and offer the opportunity to strengthen our position. In the DACH region in particular, we benefit greatly from being able to offer our customers this range of local payment methods.
I’m excited about the shift towards smart payment solutions, such as the growing popularity of digital wallets and cashless methods like Google Pay and Apple Pay. These advances open up incredible opportunities for us to offer customised payment solutions that really resonate with our customers. By combining localised payment options with the expertise of our Mollies, we can drive innovation, increase customer satisfaction and continue our growth.
And even though we’ve been active in the German market for six years, there’s still plenty of work ahead—especially now that we’ve entered the POS space and are driving the exciting shift from legacy ZVT-connection to an API-first approach. This change is a big step toward truly unifying all omnichannel payments in one seamless solution.
Who’s supported you the most in your career development?
It might sound like a cliché, but honestly, it’s the team. The open, collaborative environment at Mollie has played a big role in my growth, both personally and professionally. Being surrounded by supportive, engaged colleagues and working in a culture that values teamwork has opened a lot of doors for me. It’s motivating to be part of something bigger and to grow together.
What advice would you give to others who aspire to a similar career path?
Be prepared to try new things, and don’t be afraid to take a step back if it helps you move forward in the future. At Mollie, everyone has the opportunity to make a real impact. Not only is performance recognised here, but creativity is also valued during the process. Trust yourself, lean into the freedom you’re given, and use it to succeed, together with your team.
Thanks, Chris, for sharing your story!