About
I call Oudewater, the Netherlands, home. I've been living here with my family since 2006.
Pronouns: He/Him Languages: Dutch is my native language, but I use English daily for work through speaking and writing. Time zone: Amsterdam, The Netherlands (CET)
Camiel at work
I am a product and technology enthusiast working with a global product team out of the Netherlands.
People who work with me describe me as an energetic leader who guides teams into the future and sets an example by leading the way. I am a culture builder and a driver of change who performs best in a technology-savvy environment.
It's perplexing how many people believe that once we have the same products as our competition, all will be good.
As a leader, I'm proud when people look back at my legacy and describe me as someone who delivered on their promises. This is what I stand for, and the culture I want to leave behind with any team I work with today and in the future.
This is a brief overview of my personality, strengths, and values. Its purpose is to help others understand me better and maximize the benefits of our interactions.
One fun fact about me
Personal interests and traits
- I like Lego Technic and jigsaw puzzles. I often buy either or both during longer holiday periods.
- I love tinkering with software and hardware. My current side projects involve experimenting with Home Assistant and exploring modern web technologies. I also enjoy anything that involves electrical engineering and networking. I'm a collector of Unifi products.
- I enjoy reading crime novels and biographies about interesting people in politics, product, and technology.
- I love a good, strong coffee. My go-to brews are double espresso and flat whites, depending on the time of day.
- I'm a photography enthusiast, and every now and then I try to capture some decent pictures myself.
- I believe that the more I give, the more I receive in return. I try to live by that every day, and giving comes naturally to me.
- My strength lies in energizing and inspiring others to make the most of what they already have. I aim to bring out their best and help them move closer to their purpose and goals.
- I'm persistent and resourceful, always thinking about who I can connect with to solve a challenge or breathe life into something that seems stuck. I don't give up easily.
How I like to do my work
- I prefer working in an environment where others are also working. As my job requires it, I can work from anywhere and across multiple time zones. That said, I prefer an office environment to working from home. I enjoy running into people by chance and having a conversation about work without scheduling a meeting.
- I structure my workdays around time blocks, each with its own purpose: preparation blocks, meeting hours, email blocks, and 20% spare time every day.
- I would rather receive an email than a chat message in Webex, Teams, or Slack. If you do send me a chat message, please follow the No Hello guideline.
Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.
— Jim Rohn
I add value to my team by
I bring energy into the room, and people tell me I'm good at providing a balcony perspective during discussions that go deep or don't reach a conclusion. I'm usually the one who asks: "What is the first step we can take to validate our approach?" I need structure to work effectively, and when it's missing, I often create it to help others move forward or organize their ideas. I ensure everyone on the team is included in discussions and that silent voices are heard at the table.
I do my best work when
The goals are clear and when there is urgency to solve a problem. Never waste a good crisis.