1. Tell us about your journey

I have quite an unusual background for what I do. Computers have always been natural for me, but before my professional career in IT, I was roaming around the world for several years just learning about life and people. When I got back home I worked first for ISP and then data security while landing in the software business. I still consider myself primarily a salesperson though management of operations takes a big chunk of my time.

2. What are the key ingredients to achieve success?

Defining success would require a lot of space, but the people who I look up to have one thing in common: they are able to think things from the standpoint of other people. It sounds simple but turns out to be the most difficult skill out there. This is of help in almost every aspect of (work)life. On top of that, you need to have motivation and perseverance. That’s it. Simple, isn’t it?

3. How do you handle failures?

I have tried to create a culture that makes failing OK. Because if failing is not allowed you cannot expect people to push for new things. But, making the same mistakes again is not good. The point is to learn from your mistakes so that you will not do the same mistake again.

4. What’s the one word or phrase that defines your identity?

Always be kind and helpful to people without selfish motivation. One day you will be in need of help yourself.

5. Is the search for excellence utopian or is it for real?

Most of the time “good enough” will do the job. There are certain tasks where excellence is required but many times not. The trick is to be able to spot when to invest time time and effort to reach excellence.

6. How would you mentor / advise people struggling in their lives?

Many times people are struggling because they are not clear with their priorities/values. They may have targets but they are not ready to execute to meet them. If your target is to have a big house, you may have to move to the countryside. If your priority is family, do not take a job that requires 24/7 attention. If you want a lot of money you may need to take risks. If you want easygoing life with a lot of free time, making money should not be your (short-term) target. Select the right targets for you, make a plan, and then execute.

7. What’s the one quote that defines your approach to life?

“Are we doing it like this only because it was always done like this?”