When “how” becomes as important as “what” - with Jan Thomas Hiemstra

Jan Thomas Hiemstra – When “how” becomes as important as “what”.Early in his career at UNDP, Jan Thomas Hiemstra noticed something uncomfortable.In crisis settings, the organisation was strong on designing programmes. The “what” was clear. Employment schemes, reconstruction plans, recovery frameworks. But when it came to implementation, the “how” often fell short.Country offices were expected to deliver in fragile environments without the systems, surge capacity, or operational support to do so.What began as a small internal observation became a defining shift in his career. Jan Thomas realised that credibility in crisis work does not rest on good ideas alone, but on the ability to deliver them reliably.In this episode, he reflects on how focusing on the “how” reshaped his understanding of responsibility, legitimacy, and impact.When strong intentions are not matched by operational readiness, trust erodes quietly. Jan Thomas’ moment shows what happens when preparedness becomes a responsibility rather than an afterthought.