I started out as a journalist and have been working in communications for over 30 years. Alternating between corporate spokesperson and communications manager, I have worked in very sensitive environments for ministers and CEOs of listed companies. You have to be able to switch gears quickly and work meticulously to effectively influence perceptions.
I’m a script developer. This is especially useful in issue management and crisis situations.
One of my clients once called me the “Goalkeeper”, after the defence system on naval vessels against incoming missiles. That sounds intense, but it gets to the heart of the matter. When an organisation is faced with a problem that could lead to negative publicity, I advise and act quickly to minimise reputational damage. At Van Luyken, I’m available for issue management, crisis communication and interim communication management in challenging situations. I also serve as a guest lecturer for the Senior Spokesperson programme.