Before I was an entrepreneur, I was lucky enough to be part of the Belgium National Acrobatic Gymnastics Team. Together with my partner, we achieved the title of Vice-World Champion in acrobatic gymnastics, representing Belgium on the world stage.
It wasn't always easy, balancing 28 hours of training per week with my Psychology studies at Ghent University, but it taught me the value of discipline, partnership, and hard work. Looking back, those years were a defining part of my life, shaping me into the person I am today.
From the gym to the boardroom, my time as a gymnast taught me important values that still guide me today.
After graduating my masters in psychology summa cum laude (top 1%), I started a PhD in behavioral economics at the department of experimental psychology (UGent). Through my work, I study how the human brain functions and can be influenced, with research that has real-world impact. I'm passionate about understanding how people make (financial) decisions.
One of my most recent studies was a large-scale mega-study that I conducted in collaboration with Belgian pension providers, banks, and press. In total, we gathered over 32,000 participants. In addition to my pension research, I'm also exploring how to influence decision-making in other areas, such as health behavior, consumer choices, and work habits.
Behavior, not technology, will shape the future. While technological advancements are rapidly progressing, the human brain has remained the same for the last 70,000 years. Understanding decision-making is key to success.
After ending my topsport carreer, I participated in a Ghent University acceleration track (DO!), where I discovered my passion for entrepreneurship. I met my partner in crime @Toto De Brant and together we co-founded Ghent based technology start-up @Ad Astra Industries. In this RPA start-up we created python-based, open source & self-healing automation (RPA) software. We bootstrapped this startup (no external funding) to a team of 13.
Creating a technologically advanced product is one thing, but getting people to use it is another. This is essentially a matter of applied psychology.
After dipping our toes in the professional market for a while, and experiencing the challenges the real world had to offer, together with Toto, I’m currently building my next SaaS venture in silence. More about this exciting development soon!