Joining Salacia Solutions in the role of Chief Narrative Officer feels like ‘connecting the dots’ to Milou. “I have been involved with the company before, during the phase when Kees Kerstens and Lenny van Klink were starting with Salacia Solutions 4 years ago. I started my career in 2000 as a lawyer at a law firm and after that I worked at the Netherlands Authority for Consumers & Markets for several years, first as a lawyer and then I switched to Strategy & Communication where one of my tasks became speech writing! Something which I enjoyed enormously from the start. It was also here that I met Lenny’s wife, Pauline, who was my colleague. In 2013, I decided to become self employed as a freelance speech writer and public speaking coach. In this capacity I ‘engineered’ many narratives over the years in all parts of the economy, for a range of companies and executives. In 2021, it was Pauline who suggested that Lenny and Kees could do a session with me to engineer their first narrative for Salacia Solutions. Looking back at that moment, I realize how special it was to contribute to the ‘birth’ of a company that is as promising and exciting as Salacia,” Milou says. “There was a powerful chemistry in that session with Kees and Lenny, and the energy in the room was tangible. Because of their drive, determination and intelligent approach, I knew right then that things would work out for Salacia!”
Back in touch at the right time
Late last year, Milou reached a point where she concluded that after many years of being self employed, she also longed to be part of a team again. “A team with a mission that I feel very strongly about: the fight for our planet and helping companies to make the transition” she explains.“ Milou spoke with Lenny just at the right time. “Everything came together, we saw where we could strengthen each other. That’s why we decided to create this position of narrative officer. Ask any successful tech company and they will tell you that powerful storytelling makes all the difference in engaging customers, employees and other stakeholders. The beauty is that our story and the story of our customers go hand in hand; it’s our common journey towards a future where data-driven positive change becomes a self-evident part of doing business. We’re in this together.
The why behind the what & how
“I believe ESG tracking and reporting is a real push for companies and sectors to drive ESG and redirect finance and markets in the right direction. This can only work well if ESG becomes part of corporate strategy”, Milou emphasizes. “The right software is important then, but just as important is the message that comes with it; the why behind the what & how. The conviction of the people within a company that they are actively contributing to a better world, but also the conviction that it is business ‘common sense’ to keep track of your ESG data and use it to make sure your business stays relevant in the future”, Milou says with determination. “That’s why the story behind Salacia Solutions is so important. Companies need to know that they are not doing dry business with a software developer, but with a committed team of people who themselves also go for a better world and offer a prime technical solution for it with their whole heart and soul. Salacia is a real enabler. We offer the platform to become future proof. It’s my job as Chief Narrative Officer to make sure the story of Salacia is heard and that it resonates with our (potential) clients, stakeholders and partners. Narrative engineering is not a one-way street in communication, but an ongoing dialogue.”
From ‘have to’ to ‘want to’
As an ideal picture, Milou outlines a world in which companies go from ‘should’ to ‘want’ when it comes to ESG data tracking & reporting, because of the strategic value these data hold for companies to become sustainable and resilient. “We have to focus more on the ‘why’ beyond compliance. That’s where the real potential lies for doing this!”
In addition to her work as Chief Narrative Officer, Milou continues to work part-time as independent conference chairperson and moderator. “Salacia comes in a split first place though,” Milou says with a laugh. And in five years? Milou replies, “My plan is to grow along with Salacia on her journey, and I have no doubt this will turn out to be a sensational chapter in my own journey.”
