We are talking to Data Advisor Fred Dijk.
Well, no two days are really the same. And that has always been the case in the more than 30 years that I have been working in the data world. I have had various roles, the common thread being the improvement of data processes to ensure that the customer can extract true value from data. The essence of my role as a Data Advisor is to apply my knowledge and skills to serve the customer. At the moment, I have assignments for three different customers, each with three different questions. I always start with the question behind the question. Asking follow-up questions is key, because customers are not always fully aware of the real problem or challenge. As an advisor, it is my job to uncover what will truly help the customer, offer a fresh perspective, and identify the outcome that will really make them happy. Once that is clear, I work backwards to plan the activities needed, and I check in at least once a week to make sure we are still heading in the right direction together.
A good example of the diversity of my work is a current assignment at a large municipality, where I am helping to develop a structural vision on the purpose and necessity of Open Data. Of course, a lot of thinking has already been done in this area, so my first step is to uncover what is already there and investigate why it has not yet been structurally implemented within the organization. To answer that question, I look at it from multiple angles: What does the governance look like? Where does it sit on the agenda? Who owns it? And most importantly: why should we do it? To sharpen that last point, I challenge the customer by flipping the perspective: what if we do nothing, what risks are we taking then? I also bring in the viewpoint of the data consumers: who are they, how often is the data used, and for what purpose? In short, I shift the discussion from a supply-driven to a demand-driven perspective. It is a content-rich challenge, and the success largely depends on the customer’s openness and mindset. Co-creation is the key word here.
A second example is more technical: transforming a relational data model into a dimensional one, to make the standard reporting environment more user-friendly for advanced report builders. This allows them to focus more on the why behind the data, rather than spending time figuring out what they are seeing on the dashboard.
What I enjoy in all my projects is not just contributing my own ideas, but also inspiring and challenging the people I work with, encouraging them to think for themselves and grow. As a Data Advisor, I often refer to the DAMA knowledge wheel as a guiding framework.
That focus on people development was also a key part of a previous assignment at a large public service agency. I started as a Knowledge & Data Modeler, but later became responsible for learning & development within the data team. It was a great opportunity to embed knowledge into the organization in a meaningful way.
About six and a half years ago, I joined Scamander, now part of Enable U, as a Senior Data Consultant. My first assignment was at Heineken International in Amsterdam, where I was responsible for delivering a Canonical Data Model as a Data Modeler. The goal was to ensure that, in an international context, everyone would quite literally speak the same language, one that is also independent of any specific application.
My previous role was Senior Consultant at a start-up. In addition to my billable work for customers, I supported the company during its pioneering phase and mentored young new colleagues to become fully-fledged consultants.
I started working in the field of data when it was still in its early days. My first job was at a market research agency, where we conducted quantitative research for the retail sector. At that time, one of our customers was one of the first companies to start using barcode scanners at the checkout. The goal was operational efficiency, working faster and reducing errors, but it also led to the collection of large volumes of data. The only problem: nothing was done with that data. That is when we came up with the idea to start using it to create reports for individual entrepreneurs, allowing them to monitor their weekly revenue and benchmark against comparable supermarkets. That was my first hands-on experience with databases and transforming data into insights. From there, I grew into the broader world of Business Intelligence, across its full spectrum and in various roles.
My mantra has always been: realize that data produced at the source, so-called production data, is never created with reporting in mind. That is why I always flip the perspective when working with an organization: what information do you need to manage the business, optimize operations, or shape policy? And what data are you missing? From there, you can work your way back: what needs to happen to make the data usable? I have noticed that for many organizations, Business Intelligence tends to get stuck on the what, questions about what is happening at that moment. But it should be much more about te why, understanding the underlying drivers through context variables and deep knowledge of the business in which you work. That is where you can truly add value.
I love the diversity of my work. And what truly makes me happy is a satisfied customer, a customer who trusts me and for whom I am a Trusted Advisor. I also get a lot of energy from working with people and collaborating with colleagues. That is one of the main reasons I have never chosen to be self-employed, working together on a project is something I really value.
One principle I always apply, both in my role and in how I work with others, is do not make problems bigger than they are. A situation only becomes a real problem when it is causing issues and there is absolutely nothing you can do to address it.
An important part of working together is sharing knowledge. In that spirit, I would like to share a few key lessons I have learned over time.
By looking for assignments that include something I have never done before. That way, I can combine applying my knowledge with diving into something new. For me, that is the perfect way to stay up to date.
I also keep my radar on for what is happening in our field of expertise, by reading, staying active on LinkedIn, having conversations during assignments, and sparring with colleagues.
As a company that believes in the potential of its employees. Initiative is encouraged and activated, which allows you to grow together. Almost all of my colleagues are driven and incredibly supportive, it is a great environment to work in.
Restoring old motorcycles in my own workshop. I am a huge fan of all things technical, especially hands-on mechanics. That curiosity for how things work started early. As a kid, I used to pick up old tube radios from the dump just to figure out why they no longer worked. I also love nature. I live in a beautiful, green area with my wife Josien and our young white shepherd. We spend a lot of time outdoors with our dog. One of the great things about getting older is that I have learned to only worry about what truly matters. I am grateful for every day, content with life, and feel like a privileged person.
Let’s create something wonderful together!
