What did you do before you came to WesselinkVanZijst

Most of my working life I have been active as an external consultant for organizations with significant collaboration challenges. For example, I graduated from Basis & Beleid with a thesis on the liberalization of the energy sector and the quality of corporate governance. After my studies, I stayed on during a very interesting period. Scandals like Enron and World Online dominated the news and became symbols of deception, distrust, and failed oversight. That had to change. My research therefore focused on a shift from a focus on shareholder value to a broader stakeholder perspective.

Next, I worked at Twynstra Gudde for almost 10 years. I joined when SOM was being developed, and it was pioneering in many aspects of the field. Working on large projects like the A4 Delft Schiedam, the Offshore Wind projects, the Regional Energy Strategy, and Leiding over Noord taught me a lot about what stakeholder-oriented collaboration requires. In the stubborn reality, I learned what SOM demands from organizations, teams, and professionals.

This sparked a desire in me to not only do the work myself but also to advance the field and help other professionals. The combination of projects, professional development, and teaching groups proved valuable right away. By working as a trainer for SOM training programs, a guest lecturer at universities of applied sciences, and manager of a consulting group, I was able to further develop my skills in working with and for groups. Something that is very useful in this job.

What do you mainly focus on at WesselinkVanZijst?

I've been working at WesselinkVanZijst for eight years now. Collaborating with passionate colleagues who share a passion for the same profession helps me immensely. My work has changed over the years. The issues have become tougher, and I often act as an independent process facilitator between or above parties. I am now mainly involved in complex, stuck issues. For example, it's quite common for my projects to be in the news. These are often situations with many professional parties, NGOs, and residents' groups, with diverging interests, significant political involvement, and media attention. It might sound strange, but I perform best in those kinds of situations. 

In addition, I have been involved with the organization of WesselinkVanZijst for quite some years now. First from the management team and for the past two years as director. In this role, I am responsible for the advisory branch of our firm. I also take care of knowledge development, preferably by supporting my colleagues. I get a lot of energy from helping them achieve their best and then sharing this with the outside world. For example, I contribute to new developments, quality improvements, and urgent issues. This way, new, creative knowledge products are constantly being created.

What drives you in your work?

Every day that I am involved in solving societal issues and improving approaches to them, I consider myself fortunate. I most enjoy understanding a problem, bringing together the main stakeholders and owners, and collaboratively arriving at valued outcomes. It doesn't matter to me whether I'm dealing with resident groups, activists, management, or professors. When I commit to an issue, I do my best for all interests.

Additionally, I would like to help others in our company with their next step. This field is challenging and the context changes regularly. Being there for my colleagues at important moments is a priority for me.

What do you like to do most when you're not at work?

Balance is very important to me. I achieve that balance by exercising and spending time with family and friends. I prefer to combine it all: mountain biking with my children, going out to dinner with my girlfriend, or going on a cycling weekend with friends. My mind is often racing during the week, which is why I like to escape the daily hustle and bustle this way. My children are usually not interested in boring office matters and notice immediately if I'm not present. That also helps me to leave work behind and do fun things together. I enjoy playing games, reading aloud, or playing football with them.