The data & integration hero of this interview is Marieke Timmer, Strategic Data Management Advisor at Enable U.
Making sure that not “everything” is connected, but rather “everybody”. Connecting people within organizations, but also across organizational boundaries. Helping them collaborate on a shared data strategy by setting up various data management components and ensuring clear data governance.
As a strategic data management advisor, you bring essential data expertise, but in most cases, my work is mainly about change management, organizational challenges, and improving an organization’s learning ability. This requires strong communication skills—explaining at all levels of the organization how working with data in the right way benefits them in their daily work.
The business often feels that Data Management is only relevant for data colleagues—and maybe for IT—but mostly they do not fully understand what it means and what it offers. They also speak a completely different language. So, I try to be the bridge between these two extremes, translating the ways of thinking for both sides.
I joined Scamander, a Data Management specialist and now part of Enable U, just over a year ago. From day one, I felt right at home at Scamander. Over the last year, I have learned a lot about Data Management in municipalities. Before I joined Scamander, I have worked in various roles in healthcare, and I have to say—I do miss it. But I believe that municipalities and healthcare organizations face the same fundamental data challenges. And I’m convinced that together, we can truly make a difference for both of them.
I held a strategic advisory position at a large healthcare organization, in the field of innovation and data. When I started there a few years ago, data-driven working was still in its infancy. Since then, significant progress has been made.
The biggest challenge was bringing together and aligning the different stakeholders—especially where healthcare meets municipalities, within the Social Domain. Even though they deal with the same issues, they often don’t speak the same ‘data’ language. And on both sides, Data Management and Data Governance are not well organized.
When I started looking for a way to engage employees and convince them of the importance and necessity of proper Data Management, I came across Datapoly—the serious business game by Scamander. And also, an interesting job opening. We started talking, and now, I run Datapoly sessions myself.
Most definitely the part of bringing different parties together and explaining to them the added value of data—what it takes to unlock its full potential. As I have experience in both Data Management and a background in change management and communication, I am able to bridge the gap between the tech experts and the rest of the organization.
I love brainstorming and working with different people and customers. It offers me the opportunity to see what it going on behind-the-scenes at various companies. Stepping in, quickly assessing and analyzing the situation— this is something I really enjoy. As an outsider, you have the chance to observe what’s happening in an organization, both above and below the surface. It’s incredibly interesting and a great learning experience!
Sparring with others, reading, and listening to podcasts—preferably from and with professionals who have a slightly different perspective on Data Management, challenging me to think differently.
For example, I really enjoy listening to Egge van der Poel. Egge is a scientist with a philosophical edge: he has a PhD in experimental particle physics, works as a data scientist, and also holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. He contributes to various executive education programs for healthcare leaders, focusing on AI, Big Data, and Data Science, and he is a sought-after speaker and moderator on topics such as (Big) Data, Artificial Intelligence, Complexity, and Innovation.
I also have quite a broad CV, with various educational paths that, through a few detours, have all come together in what I now love doing every day. Lifelong learning is essential—otherwise, you risk becoming stagnant! A while ago, I completed the Chief Data Officer program, earned an Executive MBA in Business Innovation for Healthcare, and was recently certified as a Certified Data Management Professional by DAMA.
Additionally, within the Scamander division of Enable U, we work with Guilds. These Guilds are an initiative by and for colleagues, focusing on acquiring and sharing (professional) knowledge. One of these Guilds is Data Management Advisory—and no surprise here – that is the one I’m part of!
As Scamander, we haven’t been part of Enable U for very long, so I can tell you more about Scamander than about Enable U. We help clients extract value from their data, supporting them from A to Z—providing advice, improving data literacy, and implementing the necessary technology.
We have a great team of passionate experts, though they tend to be a bit too modest. In my opinion, we could be a bit bolder. Maybe Enable U can contribute to that! I see a lot of opportunities for our combined company.
My three daughters are now old enough to take care of themselves, which leaves me with more time to spend outdoors. I even designed and created my own garden. But I also love going out on my mountain bike. And I’ve rediscovered tennis! As a child, I spent a lot of time on the tennis court, and now I’ve picked it up again. Skiing also makes me really happy, so I’m looking forward to the ski trip with Enable U this month—a great opportunity to get to know my new colleagues in a fun and active way.
I also love traveling, both short and long trips, going to the theater, visiting museums (long live the Museum Card!), or enjoying a concert. My taste in music is broad—from Pinkpop to classical music, you name it. And I have a Cineville subscription, which means unlimited access to Arthouse films in various cinemas across the country.
I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you in the coming months and discovering what you enjoy coming out of bed for every morning.
Up for a brainstorming session over a cup of coffee? You are very welcome!
