Portera Connect

In this episode, we're joined by serial entrepreneur who's interested in inspiring founders and leaders with growing pains to ignite them to the next level. We talk about his journey, where he comes from, the evolution of his life and his ambitions for the future.

In today's episode, we're joined by Kick van der Staak, VP Omni Customer Experience at Footlocker. We talk about his journey, where he comes from, his approach towards success, happiness and much more. Kick, thanks for joining us.

In this episode, Baris Kavakli sits down with Bart Lambriex and Floris van de Werken. Both Bart and Floris are part of Team Portera and have put themselves on the map by winning the World Title in the 49er class for the 3rd time in a row. The Dutch duo also won Gold at the 49er test event in Marseille and recently won the World Sailor of the Year Award. In this episode, we sit down to talk about their journey, where they come from, competitive sailing and how they've been able to stay at the top-level for so long.

In this episode, Waleed Siraj sits down with Maxime Jonker. Maxime is a world-class sailor that competes in the ILCA6 class, with a 1x World Championship Medal and a 2x European Championship Medal to her name. They talk about her journey, where she comes from, how she defines success and her ambitions for the future.

In this episode, Waleed Siraj sits down with the dynamic duo of the 49’er class, Annette Duetz & Odile van Aanholt, who have their names etched in sailing history with their Conny Rietschoten Trophy win. With 4 world-titles combined, and ranked #1 in their class, Annette and Odile are at the very top of their game approaching the Olympics this year.

We talk about their roots, origins, purpose, sailing, communication and the ultimate ambition.

In today's episode, we're joined by Baris Kavakli and Annemiek Bekkering. Annemiek is a 2x World Champion, 1x European Champion and an Olympic Bronze Medalist in the Women's 49erFX class in competitive sailing. Now taking on a role as a project manager with the Sailing Innovation Center, she's looking to take this sport to the next level.

In this episode, we're joined by Paqui Lizana. Paqui is the Global Head of Technology Innovation at IKEA. We talk about innovation, technology and purpose - diving into the core story of who Paqui is as a person and her ambitions for the future. We touched on aspects of what defines innovation, what drives her, her ideas of happiness and success and much more.

In this episode, we sit down with Oliver Baggaley, the Director of Group Mechanization at Ahold Delhaize. We sit down to talk about his story, the passion he holds for addressing societal topics around food, mobility and education through technology and innovation. Now building the global capabilities in mechanization for Ahold Delhaize, he has a unique challenge ahead of him.

Waleed Siraj had the opportunity to understand why he does what he does, his belief systems and the purpose oriented approach he takes towards his work.

In todays episode, we’re joined by Sarim Sheikh. Sarim is the former Chief Operating Officer for General Electrics Winds OffShore Business & now the CEO/Non Executive Director at ORIT. With decades of experience in the energy & renewables business, we sat down to talk about his culture, origins, roots - where he comes from, what drives him, his philanthropic efforts and the fundamental goal he’s trying to achieve. Sarim has navigated some of the largest companies in the world through markets in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe, and is now pursuing his vision to make the world truly sustainable. Sarim, thakns for joining us.

In this episode, Baris Kavakli sits down with Anna Russel, the World Wide Vice President of Sales & Strategy at CyberRes. We talk about Data Privacy, Security, Transformation and her personal story - understanding the reason behind why Anna does what she does.

In this episode, Waleed Siraj sits down with Sjoerd Blum – Schiphol Group Aviation Solutions to talk about his journey, fundamentally attempting to answer the question of “Why he does what he does”. We talk about various different topics around business transformation, innovation, success and happiness.

In this episode, Baris Kavakli sits down with Erol Ozguner - CIO of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality to talk about transformation programs, purpose and community. To understand Erol's story around why he does what he does, and the difference he's looking to make.

In this episode, Baris Kavakli sits down with Tim Sedlack - Director of Product Management at OpenText on the Portera Connect Podcast. We talk about cybersecurity, transformation and the importance of beginning with a security-first mindset.

In todays episode, we’re joined by Fatima Da Gloria. Fatima is the Vice President Sustainability at the AirFrance - KLM Group. With a deep passion for driving positive change in the world, we sat down to talk about her story, where she comes from and the impact she’s looking to make in her career and personal life. Fatima, thanks for joining us.

In todays episode, we’re joined by Martijn van der Geer. Martijn is the Manager Solution Design & Sourcing E-Delivery Europe at Maersk. Martijn has a very interesting background, studying law, communication and media studies, ancient history to now playing a key role at the largest container shipping company in the world. In this episode, we talk about the role his roots, culture and background play the person he is today, and the vision he leads for the future. Martijn, thanks for joining us.

In todays episode, I’m joined by Edith Doosje. Edith is the general director & co-founder at Process Communication Netherlands or otherwise known as PCM. PCM is a an innovative model that allows you to understand the depth of personality structure and decode human interactions - helping you make the most of every conversation, situation and day. In todays episode, we talk about Ediths journey, how it all began and her vision for the future. Topics around understanding personality, human behavior, the impact of understanding the workforce and more. Edith, thanks for joining us.

In todays episode, we’re joined by Steven Jansen. Steven is the Head of IT Strategic Partnerships at Shell, where he helps organisations drive technology enabled change through strategy development, hands-on-delivery and deep business change management. Steven comes from a background of simplicity, but making it very clear that simplicity for him does not conform to being ordinary. He’s done various tenures for Shell in countries such as Singapore, India, USA and the Netherlands. We sit down to talk about his story, what drives him every single day and his ambition for the future. Steven, thanks for joining us.

In todays episode, we’re joined by Daniel Gebler. Daniel is the Chief Technology Officer at Picnic, a dutch online supermarket that is rethinking the way people buy food. He has a great number of accreditions to his name, picking up the Tech Hero Award for 2022 for picnic, the most innovative leader award in 2021, MT next leadership award in 2018 and more.. Technology, People, Health, Happiness, Success. These are just some of the concepts we touched. In this episode, we talk about his vision for picnic, his outlook towards life and understanding the answer behind the question of why he does what he does. Daniel, thanks for joining us.

In todays episode, we’re joined by Gordon MacGregor. Gordon is the Director of Business Development in Consumer Products at DSV - a danish transport and logistics company with over 75,000 employees, operating across the globe generating revenues around $30B dollars a year. Gordon has worked in various different industries such as agri-chemical and beverages, which he believes taught him some extremely valuable skills that are applicable to his current role and understanding of the world. We sit down to hear his story, understand what drives him every single day and his ambitions for the future. Gordon, thanks for joining us.

In todays episode, we are joined by Peter Strikwerda. Peter is the Global head of digitalization and innovation at APG Group. APG Group is a dutch pension investment company with over 600 billion euros worth of assets under management. We sit down today to talk about his journey and the impact his roots, cultures and early experiences played in the person he is today. We talked around people, processes, culture, investments and most of all, the human side of business.

In todays episode, we're joined by Karl Prag. Karl is the Chief Data Officer at CEVA Logistics, one of the largest logistics and supply chain companies in the world. He has a fascinating story, having had successful stints in various professions, such as playing professional poker, starting his own digital marketing company, doing sales, consulting for one of the big 4s and now the Chief Data Officer for an organisation that is the official team partner of the most prestigious Formula 1 team of all time, Scuderia Ferrari. It’s no small feat, but the experience and unique perspectives that Karl brings in are an absolute must listen. We sit down to hear his story, understand his ambition and find out what drives him every single day. 

In todays episode, we’re joined by Barbara de Koning Gans. Barbara is the Chief Operating Officer at VodafoneZiggo, a Dutch company offering fixed, mobile and integrated communication and entertainment services to consumers and businesses. Previously having worked at organizations such as ING, BergmanClinics and Rabobank, Barbara brings a fresh-perspective and a transformational customer-centric POV for the telecommunications industry. With people at the centre of everything she does, and moving forward with a well-aligned impact, we sit down to hear her story, understand what drives her every single day and her ambitions for the future. Barbara, thanks for joining us.

In todays episode, we’re joined by Burce Gultekin. Burce is the global director of Data and Analytics at FrieslandCampina, a dutch multinational dairy cooperative based out of aamerfoort. Burce has a a passion for scaling data and finding solutions, translating them into actionable insights and transforming organizations to embrace new technologies as a business driver and a key strategic function for the organizations she works at. We sit down to hear her story, understand what drives her every single day and her ambitions for the future.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Michel Brok. Michel is the head of data & digital at Danone, which is a leading multi-local food and beverage company building on health-focused and fast-growing categories. Starting his career in marketing, to now leading the digital & data transformation at one of the largest companies in the world, we sit down with Michel to understand his story, learn from his experiences and look forward to the future regarding his ambitions.

In today's episode, we sit down with Mercedes Vidal. Mercedes is the Chief Information Officer and Global Digital Channels Director at Vodafone Spain. Mercedes is a highly experienced and passionate global digital, innovation and customer experience leader offering deep knowledge in technology and business transformation, leading global teams to drive consumer-centric, commercial growth. We sit down to hear her story, from the early days of her career at various organisations including IKEA, Clark and now Vodafone to understand why she does what she does, and what drives her every single day. 

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Quique Vivas the Chief Commercial Officer & Executive Board Member at Vodafone. We talk about the importance of being authentic in an environment that so often forces you to present yourself differently. The big questions around building great teams, cultivating thriving cultures, and the fundamental understanding behind what drives Quique every single day. With a big smile on his face from the first handshake, you can tell that the energy he brings to the room is contagious - and a great representation of the person he is. We dive into his journey, from the early days at BCG to his career path and growth at Vodafone.

Moving a company’s technology, people, and products into the future – often fails. If your organisation is not native to the digital economy, there’s one question that can strike fear in the hearts of its leaders. And that is, what is your digital strategy? On the show today, we're talking to a CIO who is successfully leading his organisation's shift to digital. As the CIO of Vodafone, Manuel Patino Luengo, or as he prefers to be called, Manu, has worked across various domains at Vodafone for the past 11 years. To him, software and coding is like a superpower, and he believes strongly in creating a cultivating culture where technology and people come together to work in harmony, rather than operate as separate entities. We talk about the future of Telco, the new business model, delivering total service to the household, 5G and much more. Manu, thanks for joining us.

Manu is currently the Global Digital & IT Director at DIA - at the time of recording, his role was the CIO of Vodafone in Madrid. 

When it comes to the topic of ‘change’, there are varying opinions and reactions from different people in the same room. Change can be scary. But change often takes you to the place where you need to be, rather than where you’ve become comfortable being. The overall objective of change management is to ensure a smooth transition from current state to future state with minimal disruption to business operations while fully leveraging the capabilities of the new or enhanced ways of working. In most organisations, these objectives are met through four key components of a change management effort — communication, outreach, training, and support.

Today’s guest has been approaching change through a positive perspective. Chasing it, rather than avoiding it. In the process of change management, she believes in the importance of energy, collaboration and people. The human-element of change. Now as a Change & Implementation Manager for Digital Technology at Heineken, we sit down with Tania Tasheva to talk about her journey, and how she approaches the topic of change.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Mallikarjun Rao. Mallik is the CTIO & Executive Board Member at Telefonica Deutschland. We sit down to talk about how his journey starts, coming from humble beginnings in a small village in India to now the executive board room of one of the largest telecommunication companies in the world. We discuss the transition from technical to technology, his vision for TelCo, what drives him every single day & his approach towards successfully leading teams across so many different cultures, countries and continents.

A fundamental question which Mallik seeks to answer every day is: "How can I deliver technology to help & enhance the experience of the user".. Listen to this episode for further insights into his thinking process.

Hosted by Baris Kavakli.

In this episode, Waleed Siraj sits down with Sumathi Manjunath, the Vice President of (Design to Delivery) Digital Transformation at Danone to talk about her journey. Having worked in industries and roles ranging from manufacturing to pharmaceutical to health and nutrition, trying out acting, dancing and even learning how to code in the early parts of her career, Suma believes in trying as many things as possible, and doing the best that one possibly can to excel. We talk about the importance of embracing change, approaching life with a "give-it-your-all" mindset and the technicalities surrounding digital transformation and making an impact at an organisation of such magnitude. 

By now, most accept that they need to invest significant cash and resources into cybersecurity capabilities. But, too often, this important job is left to IT leaders rather than the full C-suite and board. Talking about cyber security, building a strong core, and leading resilient teams, Baris Kavakli sits down with Nir Chervoni from Booking.com to talk about the topics of Data Security, Privacy & Risk and insights on security management.

Nir has over 20 years of experience the IT field, and has worked for all types of organisations ranging from startups and SMB's to enterprise corporations and government organisations. Currently, he's leading the Data Security teams at Booking.com

This conversation takes place on a personal note, and the views expressed by Nir do not express those of Booking.com

In today's episode, we sit down with an executive leader from a dutch multinational company that has gone through the shift from being a lone-wolf freelancer to realising that people were his biggest asset. Dirk has an area of expertise in executive ICT management, talent development, program and project management, logistics, sales, marketing and much more; which we learn throughout this episode. He shares insights into how the journey began, the barriers he had to break and the people he met along the way. Dirk gives us some fascinating insights into what it meant to be a freelancer, and contrasting that with what it means leading teams of hundreds of talented individuals working towards a combined purpose.

This conversation takes place on a personal note, and the views expressed by Dirk do not express that of AkzoNobel.

In this episode, we are joined by Vladimir Sterngold - Global Head of Data and Technology at Danone. Vladimir is someone that moves each day with a driving belief system, focusing on not just the data, technology and numbers that surround him, but the people and human factors that make this happen. Talking about the importance of having moments of self-reflection, building great cultures and great teams to make great things happen, Vladimir gives us some fascinating insights into the world of Data and Technology.

This conversation takes place on a personal note, and the views expressed by Vladimir do not express that of Danone.

In this episode, we are joined by Jan van Boesschoten, Digital Platform Manager at VodafoneZiggo. He shares insights into what innovation truly means, what it takes to get there and what organisations seem to keep getting wrong. Reflecting on his experience in the early days of the internet, his experience in the TelCo industry and the work he's doing at VodafoneZiggo, we get to learn the first-hand experiences of a fast, meat-eating velociraptor. Confused what that means? Listen to the episode.

This conversation takes place on a personal note, and the views expressed by Jan do not represent that of VodafoneZiggo.

In this episode, we are joined by Baris Kavakli, Managing Director at Portera. He shares insights into the world of consultancy and explains what the process of solving problems for a living looks like. Elaborating on Portera's value driven approach and mentality, he gives some great analogies to explain what client relationships are like and what it takes to continue operating at the highest level.