Behind the facts, there’s always a human story
Research Partner, Economist & Writer
My entire career revolves around one deep fascination: what moves the person behind the facts? Whether I was working as an economic advisor at the US Mission to the EU or as a consultant at Deloitte, I saw time and again that success isn’t determined by data and processes alone, but by the quality of human character and collaboration.
This search for the human story is the common thread in everything I do. As a researcher and writer, I focus on the complex world of leadership and collaboration. I want to understand why some plans lead to concrete results, while others get stuck. The insights I gain form the basis for books on subjects that intrigue me: from political history and biographies to the essence of leadership. In my book ‘The 50 Days that Changed Europe’ (read the Wall Street Journal review here) I tried to capture exactly that: the human dynamics behind historical achievements, turning points and failures. My book ‘Abraham Lincoln, About Myself’ (in Dutch), which imagines Lincoln narrating his life, received acclaim for its historical precision and creative approach. Writing, for me, is about connecting research with lived experience, so that the story breathes and matters (more about my books).
My curiosity extends beyond the Western world. In recent years, I have dived deep into Chinese history and philosophy. I study ancient, nature-based ways of thinking and am learning Mandarin (I’m currently preparing for my HSK4 exam). This journey teaches me different ways of looking at the world and at ourselves – an invaluable enrichment, both professionally and personally.
Do you have a complex research question, or would you like to hear how I could help you bring your thinking to a larger audience (I do sometimes write books for others)? I would love to hear from you.
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