My Profile
As a digital strategist & workshop facilitator, I define direction, clarify goals, and develop practical plans based on analysis and problem-solving.
I provide an overarching framework and clear strategic direction, translating complex situations into actionable steps and daily decisions that align with long-term objectives.
With +15 years of experience as a digital strategist on the agency side, I’ve built a broad track record working with NPO & NGO’s, and B2C and B2B brands.
My work spans from laying the foundation for inspiring content platforms, intuitive business applications, high-performing e-commerce solutions to engaging mobile experiences.
This enables me to quickly understand new contexts and challenges, connect multidisciplinary teams, and achieve tangible results, always validated and rooted in the real world.
Digital Strategist
Strategy is not a goal, strategy is not fluff, strategy is problem-solving. There are many definitions of strategy out there. I like the simplicity of Richard Rumelt’s definition in Good Strategy / Bad Strategy:
“Strategy is a coherent mix of guiding policies and actions designed to overcome a high-stakes challenge.”
A good strategy must identify the challenge to be overcome and design a way to overcome it. To do that, the kernel of a good strategy contains three elements: a diagnosis, a guiding policy, and coherent action.
As a digital strategist enjoy guiding organizations through these three stages with proven and effective frameworks (IDEO and AJ&Smart Strategy Sprint). Just like digital products strategic initiatives need to be validated in the real world first to increase the probability of success. I’m experienced in working together with multidisciplinary teams, B2C & B2B brands, and NGO’s in devising actionable strategies.
Workshop facilitator
Whether it is devising an entirely new strategy or starting strategic initiatives, workshops are a key pillar of my way of working. Workshops are the most efficient and frictionless way to guide a group of people towards achieving a common goal.
I believe that the best ideas come from gathering many ideas. There is a lot untapped creative potential locked away within teams and organizations but it often lacks a clear way to unlock this potential. The loudest voices usually dominate the strategy and ideation process and workshops are the best way to democratize problem-solving, gather multiple ways to tackle challenges and at the same time avoid the ‘not invented here’ syndrome.
I enjoy crafting and facilitating custom workshop programs based on proven design thinking frameworks (AJ&Smart workshop methods) that fit the challenge at hand. By gathering insights, aligning on the key challenges, designing solutions and offering a clear way towards execution I help organizations reach their goals. Next to my facilitation skills I bring a healthy dose of strategic creative input to every workshop.
Trusted advisor
A trusted advisor provides clients with independent guidance regardless of internal dynamics or external pressure. I help teams cut through complexity and make decisions rooted in what truly moves the business forward.
By listening closely and creating space for honest conversation while also challenging thinking when it moves the project forward I provide empathy with backbone.
I connect dots across strategy, design, and audience insight, anticipating risks and opportunities to keep teams and stakeholders aligned and focused on what matters most.
Team leader
I’m not driven by titles but I’m at my best when I can create and guide well-motivated teams.
In an emphatic organization with shared values, I enjoy guiding strategists, designers and marketeers to do their best work. I build teams on trust, independence and transparency, and I believe growth comes from giving people the space to stretch while knowing they’re supported.
Helping others reach their potential and achieving results together is where I do my best work.
“Julien quickly turns complex ideas into clear, actionable direction and keeps teams moving forward with creativity and calm focus. His workshops and strategic guidance bring clarity, alignment, and real progress for both corporates and smaller teams. He is approachable, committed, and consistently drives meaningful results through true ownership and collaboration. You can just feel that he always strives for the best possible outcome, together with you.”
— Roel Kroeks, Lead Value Proposition Innovation ABM/AMRO