We are pleased to introduce you to our Business Development Director, Erik Jan Hengstmengel. Erik Jan has a lot of experience managing Data and AI companies across Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. With his extensive international background, particularly in Germany, he brings visionary expertise to Mediaan Conclusion, guiding us on our exciting growth journey. Let’s get to know him better in this blog interview!
Q: Could you please start by telling us a bit about yourself and your background?
Erik Jan: My name is Erik Jan Hengstmengel, and I am a Dutch native who has lived in Munich for over 23 years. Working in international, multicultural teams has always given me a boost of energy. Over the past decade, I have worked in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium for various Data and AI companies. Each location presented unique challenges and learning experiences, significantly contributing to my career growth. On a personal level, I enjoy hiking in the mountains, cross-country skiing and meeting friends in the Biergarten.
Q: You recently wrote a management book on Data called “Data de Baas” (Mastering Data). Can you tell us more about it and what inspired you to write this book?
Erik Jan: In short, „Data de Baas“ (Mastering Data) highlights the knowledge that directors and managers must have to successfully make the transition to a data-driven organization.
The book covers relevant themes such as AI, cyber security and privacy. What do managers need to know about these topics? What questions should they ask the organization? What are the choices that need to be made?
My primary motivation for writing this book was to help businesses and leaders understand the immense potential of data. I wanted to provide a practical guide on leveraging data to drive business success and innovation.
Q: What do you think is the right approach to apply Mediaan’s technical innovation power to our customers?
Erik Jan: Our approach should center on understanding the unique needs and challenges of each customer. It’s about identifying specific pain points and exploring how innovative technologies can address them. I believe in a collaborative process, working closely with customers to uncover opportunities where data and AI can create value. We have to help our customer to understand these chances. It’s not just about the technology but about how it can be applied effectively to achieve tangible business outcomes.
Q: As Mediaan Conclusion aims to grow, particularly in Germany, what challenges do you expect to face?
Erik Jan: First, we must ensure that our customers understand what we stand for as a company; that we specialize in providing innovative, end-to-end solutions in Data and AI. This message must be consistent across all our communication, whether on our website, during a sales pitch or when our experts interact with our customers.
As an international company, Mediaan Conclusion must maintain a coherent marketing and sales strategy across different regions. One of our strengths is our international experience, but we have to tailor the message to the local customer expectations.
As we expand our business in Germany, it is crucial that we integrate different strategies for effective communication to become more visible as one of the top providers offering services in Data and AI.
Q: Any final thoughts you would like to share?
I am impressed with all the innovative projects Mediaan Conclusion has done over the past few years and I am very excited to be part of this growth phase ahead.
