A new year a new..

It’s been three years now that I’ve been working as a self employed Consultant. All those years I’ve been working mainly through and with my friends from Coníche. This last year I’ve been involved with Coníche even more being part of their Core-team of Consultants. This past three years have been great for me. I’ve done great and challenging projects and met even greater people.

This last year I was working as an interim manager for Delta Lloyd Group‘s Commercial Division, first in the role of Interim Manager Contact Center and the past four months in the role of Interim Manager Customer Intelligence and Brand Management. The latter being a new function, created because of a heart-felt increased importance of Customer focus, Customer analytics, an orchestrated Customer (branded) experience, all to support Customer value (based) management for Delta Lloyd Group’s direct to consumer financial services activities (OHRA).

It came as a surprise when I was asked by my boss to take on the role as a permanent position, meaning though I had to give up my life as independent self-employed Consultant. A life I’ve been enjoying so much because of the liberty and independence it brings. Despite the caveat I proceeded with the selection process (and I can tell you, they do not take that process lightly..), and was finally put on the spot to say yes (or no).

By that time I’ve gotten to know the organization, its people, its culture and its mindset even better, and I like it! And it also became clear to me that this is one of those opportunities to work in a more structural capacity on the things I’ve been preaching for a while, together with a team of dedicated professionals. I’m also not new to being an employee in a corporate environment, so I made my saying Yes, conditional to one thing: allow me to keep my independent, inquisitive, (service dominant) mindset and sometimes thought provoking expressions.

So now it’s formal. As of January 1st 2012 I am who I was in 2011, but with a new job: Manager Customer Intelligence and Brand Management (OHRA). And, what makes the story even better: I get to continue to work together with Coníche. I will be sitting on the Coníche Board of Inspiration, which is an advisory board for Coníche to bounce their new concepts and ideas for feedback and a think tank that brings together experienced people from different industries and roles.

What that means for my blogging? Time will tell how topics will evolve, but I’m committed to continue to be inspired by you reading, commenting and sharing. And please (continue to) ask me anything you like on a Customer related challenge you have, because I’m also committed to share my views and experience to help you advance in your goals!

Wishing you a Customer inspired 2012 :)