Product Samurai
Xebia

Biography

I am an innovator. My passion and drive have always gravitated to the creation, development and introduction of innovative products or services.

I come from a broad background in both technology and business. This allows me to quickly see opportunities, threats and accelerators. Typically this means operating on board level, but I am also tech savvy enough to live and breath every aspect of the product.

My career focused at high tech companies such as Thales (Defense), Saab (Maritime and Aviation) and TomTom (Product Management US).
I’ve also worked at a string of startups like Service2Media (Red Hearing, Fast 500), Be Informed, Obroni and many others. Some utterly failed, some became multi-million Internationals. Since 2014 I’m part of the Xebia group and fathering the Innovation Business, coaching and teaching in the ways of Continuous Innovation.

My Samurai skills involve a blue belt in Judo, orange in Jūjutsu. I’ve trained Tai Chi in Hong Kong and Brazillian Jiu Jitsu at Gracies in the US. I also trained in Aikido, Karate, Kenpo, Kobudo, Pencak Silat, Jeet Kun Do and Krav Maga.

Having experienced many styles I mainly realize that there is much that I still need to learn. Perhaps my only developed Samurai skill is a willingness to make mistakes and learn. I am very grateful for my teachers that patiently guide me on this path.

Professionally I am usually the teacher or coach and find that in the teaching there is a lot to be learned. The secret is in doing amazing stuff, which generally attracts the next amazing challenge. Each challenge makes us stronger, more agile and a better Product Samurai.

Abstract

• How to become a Product Samurai
• Keynote: Judo Strategy