How Daan Vink is building the learning organization of Axelio

The challenge of a growing organization

Axelio is in a 'buy and build' phase. With seven different locations and a constant influx of new disciplines and colleagues, maintaining oversight and synergy is a challenge. "Do the colleagues in Nootdorp actually know what the colleagues in Hengelo are doing?" Daan wonders aloud.

For Daan, knowledge sharing is more than a nice-to-have. It is a strategic necessity. "As an organization with multiple locations, we need to know what we have in our portfolio. Only then can we recognize cross-sell opportunities and provide our clients with the integral quality and added value they expect from us."

Knowledge sessions by and for colleagues

To realize that connection, Daan introduced monthly knowledge sessions in 2024. These are interactive webinars lasting an hour, each focusing on a different topic. The subjects range from CRM or BI propositions to Microsoft's biannual 'wave releases'.

What makes these sessions unique is the ownership. "I set the schedule in consultation with the directors, but the substantive presentations are given by the colleagues themselves," Daan explains. "That creates enormous engagement. We record the sessions and share the materials centrally, so that everyone, even those who couldn't attend, can catch up on the knowledge."

More than just technology

Although the content is often technical, the goal of the sessions is broader. It's about creating awareness. Daan: "Take our session on the innovative power of AI and Copilot. Everyone is still searching in that area. The goal of such a session is not to provide all the answers, but to trigger people: how can this technology make my work easier? And how can I help our client move forward with this?"

In addition to the monthly webinars, Axelio invests in its people in various other ways:

• Local team days: For in-depth technical sessions at the location level.

• Certification programs: A comprehensive process to remain Microsoft certified.

• Axelio Academy: Focus on consulting skills and personal development.

• Personal Development Plans: Customization between employee and manager.

"By sharing information with each other, we build the knowledge needed to take that extra step every day together."

The pride of the facilitator

When you ask Daan where he derives the most energy from, he doesn't have to think long. "The interaction. When I see that people seek connection after a session and start asking questions to the presenter and colleagues, then I know it resonates. That's the moment when we as an organization truly become stronger."

For Daan, the circle is complete when internal growth leads to tangible results for the client. This requires a decisive approach, where we can take that extra step through knowledge sharing. "My passion lies in organizing and structuring processes so that our people can perform optimally and inventively," he explains. A learning organization where we collaborate in a connecting way, across all locations and disciplines, is the absolute foundation for that. "I am proud that we are truly building that culture together at Axelio."