About
Barcelona based Dutchie, obscure electronic music and battle beasts collector. Marathon runner by accident, boxer by choice. Fascinated by people, abstract expressionism and the unknown. Record label owner and world traveller. Cultural navigator, as well as Talent and Chili grower. Also, I love the rain.
In a nutshell
I started my digital career back in 1999 when Director and Shockwave were still around. After some years of exploring the realms of motion design and object oriented programming , I desired a stronger focus on the fundamentals of human centred design and got a degree in Interaction Design.
Since then I have worked as an experience designer on a variety of products in different industries and problem spaces: Fraud & Risk management, Software as a Service, Digital Customer Service, Video on Demand, Enterprise UX and IP-TV. I have been leading and empowering teams since 2008, ranging from on-site and remote to hybrid work environments distributed across Europe.
- I was born in Capelle aan den IJssel, a town near Rotterdam in the Netherlands. I currently live in Alella, a village 15 km from Barcelona, Spain.
- I live there with my partner and my dog, a 13 yrs old rescue pit. If I wasn't in this industry, I would have my own rescue shelter for pitbulls.
- I spent a lot of time in my childhood in video stores and reading comic books. This triggered a deep passion for bad movies, 80's action figures and comics.
- I collect, curate and produce obscure electronic music, and occasionally publish poorly mixed mixes on Radio Kokos.
Things I value
Think of relationships as puzzles. Each of us is a unique piece bringing a treasure of ideas, experiences, and skills. I value deep connections and prioritise building mutual understanding, trust, and respect with others.
Nurture trust
Teaming up with others not only accelerates productivity, it also leads to shared ownership and improved problem solving: Having people with diverse backgrounds and expertise in the same room generates a wider range of ideas and perspectives.
Collaboration is key
Processes and frameworks are fun as long as they don’t paralyse and slow us down from delivering value to both customers and business. Be pragmatic, be flexible, stay focused on that point in the horizon. I have heard it is beautiful over there.
Getting things done
Remember when you were a kid and everything was a big unknown? Exploring those unknowns is how we discovered new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities that we might have missed otherwise. Be like me, never grow up!
Be curious
Being true to myself allows me to live in alignment with my values and aspirations. Secondly, it keeps me grounded and connected with reality. Authenticity creates meaningful connections and collaborations in both my personal and professional life.
Stay true
Time is our scarcest resource, and in the pursuit of productivity, we often overlook the importance of enjoying the moment. So, let's seize the day, embrace the challenges with a positive attitude, and find joy in what we do. It is over before you realise it.
Have fun
My take on leadership
Building the right team isn’t just about meeting targets—it’s about creating an environment where each individual gets the best out of themselves, collectively contributing to their team’s success. Recognizing the value of inclusive teams, I create safe spaces in which individuals can freely share ideas without fear of judgement.
I believe that inclusive, diverse environments, where everyone feels valued and heard, foster creativity, collaboration, and innovation. They empower individuals to push their limits, leading to self-discovery and maximizing their potential.
I prioritise my team’s needs and support their professional and personal growth through the principles of servant leadership – which are close to my core values. It’s it my job to make the team succeed and empower them: By providing continuous support and feedback, removing obstacles along the way and giving high autonomy to work strategically, tactically, and operationally.
I strongly believe in leading by example – demonstrating the behaviours, attitudes, and ethics I expect from others through my own actions.
