Writings

The rise of integrated tech and the decline of platforms

Platforms ruled the past, connecting people and transactions. But integrated tech is the future—a seamless loop of services enhancing each other. Europe risks missing out if it doesn’t adapt.

The agency model is under pressure

Agencies are little factories, and have been for nearly three centuries. Creative hubs that produce campaigns, videos, advertisements, websites, webshops and all sorts of other things. Over time agencies have grown into a serious industry. But one that, underneath the ‘artistic’ still operates like an 18th century factory. How viable

The leadership miracle inside IBM

Inside IBM, a maverick team built the first PC, defying the corporate machine.

Bandit’s brilliant marketing reframe

Bandit’s unmarked apparel gave successful Olympic athletes a chance to signal they were open to new sponsorships, flipping the traditional model on its head and building deep brand loyalty in the process.

Think! Make? Perfect.

Creating is an infinite loop of thinking, making, perfecting.

Sudoku strategy

Crafting strategy is like solving a sudoku. The objective is to mindfully and correctly place the numbers at the beginning, so that the rest will fill in itself

Europe, don’t regulate yourself to the dark ages

The EU prides itself on being the global shepherd of big tech. The reasoning is that European regulations make technologies and products worldwide better, safer, and fairer. But reasoning is based on the assumption that there is one technology used for all products worldwide. But what if this

The problem-solution paradox

I'm in love with solving problems. From one to the next. But what do you do when you have a solution already? Redefine, reconnect with the problem.

The human-machine paradox

The Human-Machine Paradox reveals our struggle: we build machines for efficiency but crave human connection. The answer lies in balance—integrating empathy with digital convenience.

The AI illusion

Artificial intelligence as a new technology has captured our imaginations, made us marvel and dream. But AI as a magician, and AI as a technology, are two very different things.

On product thinking

"Producting" is different from prototyping. "Producting" is about creating ever tighter constraints, and allowing a value and method of consistently delivering that value, to emerge.

On my publishing

I write to think, to capture snippets of thought. I publish to concretise, to become clearer, and to create a record of how my thinking and observations evolve over time

On branding

Branding is about designing meaning. A tool elevate what is, to what it could become. And with that, a tool binds a shared identity. For startups, businesses and teams. Thus becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Take pride in simplifying things

I used to take pride in complexity. I still do. But i take more pride in simplifying complex situations. Bringing calmth and action, and a feeling of satisfaction

Aesthetic as truth

Trust your intuition to recognise beauty, and point you to be on the right path to solving a problem.

Define the problem

Don't forget to draft a problem statement and brief before starting

On strategy

Strategy is an agreed upon goal, and a set of limitation to achieve that goal. Strategy is about stakeholder management. Setting a goal, and aligning on it.

Satisfaction vs happiness

Happiness are the moments of joy that will not give their original spark as you repeat them. Seek out satisfaction instead

Expense or investment

Expenses are things you must pay regardless, investments is the upgrade that leads to more value. Seperate the two and you make your life a lot easier.

Iterate your way round a problem

I phrase, I architect, I design. Those are three modes of thinking I try and adopt, for basically every problem I want to tackle.

Sparkle of success

Social media thrives on the illusion of seamless success, enticing us with distant and relatable triumphs alike. Nietzsche saw jealousy as a compass, guiding desires. Amid life's chaos, others' victories offer solace and inspiration, yet can also evoke a pang of inadequacy.

Soapy handle

People can be aggressive in imposing opinions. The more aggressively an opinion is forced The higher the insecurity of the person who forces it

Four languages

I describe four language we speak. Not to communicate amongst each other. But to provide the grammar of our thinking

Optimism of perspectives

Conservatives find optimism in proven systems, while progressives seek flaws and alternatives. Their differing worldviews shape how they prioritize problems and solutions, highlighting the importance of understanding values in shaping perceptions of reality.

Good actors and the mirror of our emotions

We admire actors for their ability to transport us into different worlds and to express emotions, offering a reflection of our own humanity and providing guidance on dealing with emotions.

Logos - value of words

Engineers, adept with images and numbers, often overlook the power of words. Yet, to effect change, ideas must be communicated convincingly. Storytelling frames concepts, engaging emotions alongside logic for impactful presentations.