About

Multidimensional problems need understanding first before moving to measurements and policy making. These are my domain, for instance poverty and poverty stress. Shame is a very important disruptive variable in the process of solving extreme debts.
In any relationship with an eye on the long term, it is necessary that conversations take the form of a dialogue: alternately talking to each other and hearing each other. This also applies to the relationships in which a problem is the central theme, such as (health)care. Genuine dialogue helps participants to open up in a problem situation. Resilience can arise again, with which problems can be solved in a sustainable manner. Connection is crucial and fundamental for building a trustful relationship in a very early stage and gives authentic space for understanding and recognition of the shame. The empowerment by connection strategy strengthens the client's ability for problem solving.

In addition, I see how essential inclusion is, which I define as follows: bringing together complementary qualities and insights from different perspectives. Inclusion promotes resilience in an organism. And here, too, dialogue is essential before instruments are deployed. These are laws I learned during my studies and career.

As a poverty and inclusion expert I help municipalities, social organizations, enterprises and NGO’s in the Netherlands and abroad to manage their poverty reduction policy effectively through empowerment by connection.
I also enjoy being a keynote speaker on these topics and the field of Good Governance where my themes 'dialogue, inclusion, openness and resilience' are widely discussed.