KRACHTWERK Academy

There is no ultimate solution that will solve the climate problem. What we need are millions of large and small product and process improvements, behavioral changes, new services/inventions, and changes in regulations. I get energized by contributing to this every day. I can't do this alone, and I enjoy bringing together smart people to work collaboratively within a team, organization, project, or program. The real challenge is often not to make something new work, but to set it up in such a way that it becomes so embedded within an organization that it can truly be used/sold for years to come. This is what I have spent my entire career doing in various roles such as innovation manager, project manager, product manager, and in several leadership positions. I have extensive experience in the world of grid operators, energy markets, flexibility services, and particularly electric vehicle charging, a sector I’ve worked in for twelve years.

The energy transition is urgently needed to slow down climate change as much as possible and to ensure a livable world for everyone. We are already making good progress here in Europe, but further acceleration is crucial. The will is there, the opportunities are there, but so is the complexity. Through the right collaboration, innovative solutions, and decisiveness, I have full confidence that we will succeed. And I am fully committed to making this happen! In recent years, I have worked as a consultant in renewable energy and as a technology consultant, where I have been actively involved with various organizations in the energy sector. I enjoy creating connections, paying attention to detail, and bringing together multiple disciplines. I do this with effective communication and coordination, supported by analytical skills and, above all, with a positive mindset!

I was born and raised in Almere, where wind turbines are part of the horizon. From my bedroom, I could see the rotating blades. When I became aware of sustainability, I quickly asked myself, "If wind turbines are so good for the climate, why aren’t they everywhere?" Today, I understand that sustainability can be very complex. These days, I get excited by the socio-technical complexity of the energy system and have developed skills to tackle complex challenges head-on. I am motivated to contribute to the energy transition to make the Netherlands a more sustainable place.