Sijmen Hilbrandie
Managing Director
In three words: Spontaneous, Driven & Creative
Nice and pitch-black
This interview has been translated, the original language is: Dutch
Short introduction
- What gives you energy, at work or outside of work?
- The people I work with & the prospect of seeing this ‘new’ DOOH network grow over the coming years.
- What are you most proud of? (professionally or personally)?
- That, at just 23, I’ve already managed to build a great media platform in the Randstad, which has brought me into contact with all kinds of great people at media agencies and other media owners. I learn an incredible amount from them, while I also hope I can inspire them in some way. That’s something I’m really proud of. And of course, I’m incredibly proud of my amazing family, friends and girlfriend. We’ve already shared so many wonderful moments and trips together, and I’m really looking forward to discovering, experiencing and growing even more together.
- Which development within media, marketing or communication are you currently following with particular interest?
- Digitalisation and programmatic. I have to admit that we still do a lot directly, but with Digital Out of Home, there are so many different ways to plan campaigns that can benefit any brand. From targeting specific hours of the day to scaling ads when it rains – that’s where the future lies for media owners, agencies and brands alike. Personally, though, I still enjoy direct contact and bookings over the phone the most. You get that nice phone call and a good conversation every time. It keeps things personal.
- What do few people know about you?
- That I travel outside Europe about twice a year. This year, I’m going to Indonesia and Japan – I could talk about travelling for hours...
- Which app do you use more often than you would like to admit?
- Funda; I always enjoy looking at houses.
- If you had a time machine, which period or event would you travel to, and why?
- I’d like to be a Viking. Like Ragnar Lothbrok, haha. I’d just be really curious to experience a time when you genuinely had to survive. We’ve all become so accustomed to luxury and material things. How cool would it be to work on the farm every day and go to war? (I know… it looks a lot more fun in the movies than it probably was in real life.)
Sijmen's recommendations
- Which podcast, newsletter, series or book would you currently recommend?
- Master Your Mindset: “Live Your Best Life” – Michael Pilarczyk
- If you could give one piece of advice to young media professionals, what would it be?
- Be yourself and keep pushing forward. Put in those extra hours – it will help you build a strong position, and clients will always appreciate the extra effort.
Last but not least
- Who would you nominate for a future edition of ‘Kennismaken met…’?
- Marvin Vacquier Droop!!
- What is your favorite quote?
- “Don’t overthink it, just take action.” I’ve always seen people around me with great ideas, but they either spend too long planning them or never get around to them because of work or other commitments. Just go for it, even if the plan isn’t perfect. You’ll figure out along the way what can be improved. Not many people actually take action, and that’s exactly how you can stand out.
