Professional moderator

After my studies in public administration and jobs in politics, local government and NGO's, I discovered that I feel more in place asking the questions than answering them. I became a full time, professional moderator. I was classically trained at the Dutch Debating Institute before registering as an independent. I moderate about 100 events annually: be it large or small, in depth discussion or a slick show, for business, NGO's or governments. On any possible topic. Like a chameleon I adjust to the topic, setting and audience. I always operate with the goal of my assignment in mind.

13 years EU experience

When I was 18 I discovered the European Union as policy & political Valhalla. I focused my studies on it (my thesis is about how the EC reacts to protests (spoiler: they don't really knew how to handle it)) and I became the Dutch EU youth representative. The EU never seized to fascinate me. I moderate many debates about European topics, moderate European events and interview dutch MEPS regularly. I also co-founded Brussels Bubbles. The monthly talkshow where EU insiders tell their stories from the Brussels Bubble, in an attempt to make EU policy making more accessible and juicy.

I founded moderating EU because most events in the EU bubbles are so incredibly boring. With long monologues, off topic discussions and taking long out of courtesy. That can be made so much better. Faster, in topic, sharp and fun. And much more result oriented. Thereby, By combining my 'Dutch way of working' with "European sensitivity' I hope to contribute to a better Europe.

A little roguish, but always a gentleman

My style is direct, with humor, and fast. I have very little patience for conventions, beating about the bush and 'lets give that person a key note because he is important'. But i have a lot of respect for the audience, sensitivities and reaching your goals. I like to ask the questions everybody wants but does not dare to ask. I do not fully understand how, but i do not only manage to get away with it, I often manage to get people moving.

Never a dull moment

Besides my offices in Rotterdam and Brussels I also have an office in Kampala, Uganda. I can be hired for free to do charity auctions (may way of contributing, but mainly because i get to wear my tuxedo).  I also chair a NGO that strives for more effective sanctions instead of the current prison system. I live in Rotterdam.