Meet the team
Jasper shares his story
Tell us something about yourself and what you do at Northwave.
I'm Jasper and I work as a Business Security Consultant at Northwave.
How do you explain your work to family or friends?
What I usually tell is: I support and help my clients to gain insight into risks in the field of information security. Together with the client, I look at how we can reduce those risks in an appropriate way. If they want to, we also help to actually reduce those risks.
And that's not just on a technical level — which is what many of my friends think about — but also in terms of policy, processes within the organization and how you deal with people. For some companies, for example, the physical component is also important: what about the physical security of your information? Have you outsourced anything? How is your office set up? Are you dependent on that office or not? We will look at that together.
And then we agree on what is appropriate: what measures, how far can you go, how big is the risk, what investment is needed? And so we make a plan.
When did you start at Northwave and what in your background helps you in your work?
I started in February 2021. I was always curious — especially about people, but also about how a company works. Prior to Northwave, I worked for 3.5 years at a consultancy firm in the field of ISO standards. There I learned the most important basics. My study was Integral Safety Science — but that was a long time ago. Although I still use certain basics that I learned during my studies.
Why do you feel at home in consultancy?
I really like human contact. Who is someone, what keeps someone busy, what makes a company unique? I am also interested in the look behind the scenes at companies in the Netherlands. I find it so fascinating to learn what is going on and how things work. So special what is hidden behind sometimes seemingly simple things.
What type of organizations do you usually work with?
That varies a lot. Usually they are organizations on the larger side of SMEs and above. We don't work much with smaller companies.
What appeals to you most about consultancy at Northwave?
In my previous job, I missed the technical context, among other things. I had to look everything up myself. Now I can just ask colleagues. "Explain this. I don't get it — simpler, please. Even simpler." And they don't mind that. You just walk up to someone and ask your question. "I have this customer question — who knows anything about this?"
That's what I like about it: you help your customer together. You don't have to get the knowledge externally. There are plenty of professionals here who have the latest knowledge and are happy to share it.
What is your impression of your colleagues?
Everyone has a passion — for the profession, but also as a person. They are all pleasant people. Everyone also does fun things besides work. And no one hesitates to make a proposal to do something crazy or fun with colleagues, which they are passionate about.
Do you have an example of that?
We have a group that is a fan of bouldering — they go climbing together. We have of course the Northwave cycling team. I am active in that. There is also a running group. And a Formula 1 group that becomes active as soon as there is a race. But we also share, for example, commercials of beautiful cars that someone has seen driving or parked somewhere. A lot is happening.
What do you do besides work?
I am a father of two young children. They require a lot of attention and flexibility. A large part of my time is spent on that besides work. I think it is important that my employer is flexible with this. That I can be at the office half an hour later because I have taken the children to school, or that I can leave early to pick them up — without anyone making a fuss about it.
Northwave is an employer who says: "Go home," when I indicate that I have to switch gears at home. Those hours? That will be fine.
What do you think all Northwevers have in common?
Everyone has a stitch loose — in a positive way! Everyone has their craziness. And they are all very social people. Practical, super smart, but also very approachable. Everyone enjoys their work.
And I also hear that from customers when they are here in the office. "There is such a relaxed atmosphere here, you have a good time together." And that's right. It is also a really calm, pleasant atmosphere here. There is room for fun, but if necessary, we all go for it. Then we work together for the customer.