After working as a lobbyist for more than a decade, Willem van Lanschot (38) joined Salacia Solutions as our Partnership Manager.
The road to professional lobbying
After completing his degrees in Law and Sinology Willem started his career at a sustainability strategy consultancy, Spring Associates. Then Willem switched to Brabers, a legal lobbying firm. “There are lobbyists like in the series ‘House of Cards’, fast-talking men and women in suits, and then there are technical lobbyists. These technical lobbyists typically don’t work with politicians, but mostly with policymakers at ministries.”
“Lawmakers want their laws to achieve certain societal goals, which are often sustainability-related. In my work as a lobbyist, I explained them what businesses can and can’t do to help, and how to best craft the legislation to achieve those goals. As a kind of bridging role, I translated the interests of businesses to the government and vice versa,” he explains. However, Willem felt it was time for something different. “I wanted a fresh learning curve, while continuing on my sustainable path.”
Welcome to Salacia Solutions
When asked how he came into contact with Salacia, Willem replies with a smile: “Kees (Kerstens) lives on my street. A random conversation between neighbors in the local children’s playground became more serious over time, and here we are today.”
In his role as Partnership Manager, Willem works with Salacia’s ecosystem of advisory firms and software companies. “Our partners promote Salacia within their networks. Their customers benefit from getting grip on sustainability data. Data becomes reliable, and you avoid comparing apples with oranges. Management get start making data-driven decisions based on sustainability metrics. Our partners implement our software and use our data to advise clients on the measures that can be taken.”
Salacia’s software is also very relevant for accountants. Willem explains: “Our software generates clear, complete, and reliable sustainability reports. Accountants are happy to sign off on them. The accountant can trust the results of our calculations and processes, also because Salacia has been certified as a reliable company.”
And the day after tomorrow?
What does the future hold for Willem van Lanschot? He concludes: “It’s wide open. My work is meaningful and enjoyable – that’s a wonderful feeling. I love Salacia’s good vibes and want to keep learning.”
