Embedded Files
from: Jan De Dobbeleer
working relationship: team member bij Nike, Jan worked with Dirk on the same team
date recommendation: September 10, 2025
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I had the pleasure of working with Dirk during my time at NIKE, and what stands out most is his pragmatic approach to agile. Dirk doesn’t just apply practices for the sake of process — he digs into the reasoning behind them and ensures that every step truly adds value. His deep knowledge of agile methods, supported by a wealth of literature and research, makes him a trusted source of insight and guidance.
Dirk also brings a sharp awareness of the human side of change. He understands how practices and decisions impact people, and he’s not afraid to challenge assumptions or weak leadership when necessary. What makes his challenges effective is that they’re grounded in facts, figures, and experience — never ego.
Working with Dirk was a constant reminder of how much more we could have achieved if given the right time and space. His expertise, honesty, and ability to cut through noise make him an invaluable asset to any team or organization striving for meaningful improvement.
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from: Hans De Schutter
working relationship: team member bij Nike, Dirk was senior to Hans but didn't manage Hans directly
date recommendation: September 5, 2025
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Dirk is een ontzettend fijne leider om mee samen te werken. Hij straalt rust en vertrouwen uit, luistert aandachtig en denkt constructief mee. Je voelt meteen dat hij een omgeving creëert waarin mensen zich goed voelen en hun beste werk kunnen leveren.
Daarnaast weet hij ook een positieve en toegankelijke sfeer neer te zetten, waardoor samenwerken niet alleen vlot maar ook aangenaam verloopt. Ik kan Dirk dan ook van harte aanbevelen.
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from: Arne Bormans
working relationship: teammember bij Nike, Arne reported directly to Dirk
date recommendation: May 9, 2025
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Knowledgeable, emphatic, analytical - Dirk knows how to approach complex issues, reducing them to their core. Even better, he knows how to coach individuals and organizations into making sustainable changes to address those issues.
Establishing clarity, creating an atmosphere in which people are encouraged to think and act freely, but are held accountable too. Dirk knows how to leverage working agreements, goal-setting and metrics, while his toolbox of agile practices and open-mindedness allows him to impact an organization on all levels.
Next to all of that, he's also an excellent human being whose presence, insights and support I really appreciated.
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from: Maarten Van Meer
working relationship: teammember bij Tobania, Maarten reported directly to Dirk
date recommendation: December 12, 2019
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When I first met Dirk, I immediately noticed how he lives his passion for agile and improving organisations and working relationships. That first meeting - and most that would follow - evolved into passionate sketching of ideas and concepts on whiteboard, paper or anything that could be written on, continuously finetuning and improving them.
Dirk is a true agilist: showing courage, openness, respect, commitment and focus. Het strongly believes in culture and putting people and relationships first.
He is also a great human being: seeing the potential in people and situations, even when they seem hidden to others. He inspires and respects people but does not shy away from challenging them (as a loving critic) whenever needed, whatever their job title may be.
It is a great and enriching experience to be working along with him.
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from: Valérie Heylen
working relationship: teammember bij Tobania, Valérie reported directly to Dirk
date recommendation: September 19, 2019
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Dirk and I met on a project at Luminus. His vision on consulting and his drive to do things differently, convinced me to join the new business unit they started at Tobania. Besides being an expert in agile, Dirk is a great coach and community manager. For me personally, he always guided me in the right direction. As a community manager, he is a natural in inspiring people and making sure everyone stays connected. What I like about Dirk is the fact that, in a respectful way, he dares to ask the difficult questions and challenge the status quo. I would like to thank him for our collaboration and everything he taught me. Keep on rocking!
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