Creative, energetic and experienced communications strategist. Frequent speaker on digital diplomacy and social media.
My specialities include press communications, digital and social strategy development and change management. For the last 6 years, I have been working at the Council of the European Union, where I play a leading role in bringing new and innovative ways of communicating into our organisation. Before that, I worked for the Dutch government for 4 years, as well as in the Japanese corporate world.
I hold an MA degree in history and have been trained in international relations, Japanese language and business studies, and participatory leadership (art of hosting).
In addition to my professional activities I am a certified yoga teacher, training to be a mindfulness teacher. I also run two women's networks in Brussels, and am a trained amateur classical singer.
With over 10 years of experience, I am a frequent speaker and trainer in a variety of settings, including tech conferences such as South By South West Interactive, the Social Media World Forum, the Social Media Strategies Summit, EuroAkad's seminar on Crisis Communication and other events on digital diplomacy and social media. I frequently lecture at the College of Europe and train communication teams of the rotating Council presidencies.
I am also an experienced chair and panel leader, and have interviewed speakers on stage, most recently the Dutch bilateral ambassador to Belgium.
Media experience includes working with Dutch and international press on background, and speaking on the record on Dutch TV, newspapers and radio.