Where would you want to live?
Waking up on the tip of a glacier in Austria and then travel to the beach in the afternoon, to some deserted place in Egypt which conveniently has diving gear for me to go discover the reefs. After which I go for a bite to eat in Soho New York.

Favourite food and drinks?
For my last supper, I want sushi as a starter, zabaglione as the main and ginger beignets for dessert.

Favourite motto?
Choose your battles.

Most important character trait?
Perseverance. Nothing comes naturally. Persevere to achieve your goals, both private and professional.

Where would you want to live?
Ibiza, the perfect mix

Favourite food and drinks?
First some tapas, then fried freshly caught fish. A nice glass of crisp white to go with it. Ideally in a local restaurant on one of Ibiza's beautiful bays.

Favourite motto?
And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who couldn't hear the music." — Friedrich Nietzsche

Your idea of misery?
A life that doesn’t allow you to grow, being unable to grasp its full potential.

What talent do you wish you had?
Playing music. It doesn’t matter what instrument, just being very good at it.

What do you appreciate about your friends?
We walk different walks of life but continue to find and trust each other. Whatever the case, I can always rely on them and I don’t take that for granted.

Your idea of happiness?
Living in the moment, and absorbing it to the fullest. Like when I’m playing with my son, I forget everything outside the two of us.

What mistakes are easily forgiven?
In general, I’m rather tolerant of mistakes. As long as they're followed by some critical reflection, to learn something from them. When you do that, it’s the fastest way to grow.

Favourite character trait?
That must be curiosity. My father taught me to be curious about all things big and small, to learn and to listen. I look at the world in astonishment.

Your idea of happiness?
Happiness is self-made. I’m a positive person by nature, always looking at the bright side of life. I love being surrounded by my friends, with loud music, and dancing at sunset at Pukkelpop. 

Favourite food and drinks?
Take me to any Italian restaurant and it’s a win. Some Aperol and antipasti are never lost on me. 

Most important character trait?
I understand entrepreneurs, notice their needs and help them take the right steps forward.

What technological advancement do you admire most?
The internet and the fact that it's accessible to everybody. A new basic right that allows people to shape their own future. 

Favourite motto?
Complexity is your enemy. Any fool can make something complicated. It is hard to make something simple. Richard Branson said that.

Your best quality?
Curiosity. All my life, I have been curious about the world out there: getting to know different cultures and countries, understanding new trends and technologies, reading loads of books, and trying new things (not always successfully).

If not you, who would you want to be?
Ellen Mc Arthur. She is a world record-breaking, solo long distance yachtswoman. But even more impressive is that she set up a foundation to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. Her foundation manages to connect top companies and brands like Gucci and Coca-Cola with innovators and academics. 

Favourite heroes?
Everyday heroes who make other people's lives better. Thanks to the pandemic, we all became aware of healthcare workers being heroes. But in one of my previous roles, I was already amazed and humbled by all the people taking care of our older generation, or people with dementia. And teachers, of course.

What reform do you admire most?
I increasingly admire every move the EU makes. One currency, no roaming costs, protection against rampant monopolies and the support to move towards a greener economy. I firmly believe in the EU’s potential to connect all of us in a positive story.

True heroes in real life?
Not a lot, but Bruce Springsteen has fascinated me for over thirty years now. He believes in his music and inspires us to stay true to ourselves even when things are hard. The way he maintains his relationships with old friends is so nice to see.

Favourite pastime?
To blow off steam, I cycle. The ideal way of relaxing with friends, and discovering landscapes at the perfect pace. Not too fast, not too slow. It’s relaxing and a good workout at the same time.

Something you really hate?
DT-mistakes

What talent do you wish you’d have?
Patience

What mistake is tolerable?
The horrible game of Waasland-Beveren. Every week, again and again.

Favourite motto?
"Do the best you can until you know better.” Maya Angelou. It tells me to keep growing, to actively look for ways to do better, but not to forget to be happy with where you are and who you are.

Real-life heroes?
Entrepreneurial women who try to make this world a better or more harmonious place. Women like Rashma Saujani who founded Girls Who Code, or Glennon Doyle who inspired millions with her book Untamed. 

Things you hate?
Hate is a big word, but I can’t live with people who aren't kind. And animal suffering makes me really sad.

Favourite place to live?
I’ll have a sunset view in Ibiza anytime.

⁠Which mistake is excusable?
Those who take the risk, those who put themselves out there, trying to make the world a better place for all of us, they deserve some credit.
⁠
Best thing about your friends?
I can count on them 24/7 and they take me as I am. And I love how we’ll grow old, but never really grow up.