Stijn van Diemen

Strategy

About

For me, developing strategy is a co-creative act. You will tell me about your situation, your dreams, your possibilities and your insights. I will challenge you, inspire you, make you think differently; but also guide you, support you and protect your interests. My experience and expertise, my knowledge of models and processes will make room for our joint creativity. Together, we will create a vision of your future and design the pathway to make that vision come true.

Approach

01. Co-Explore

We will explore relevant developments in your environment, discover your competences and define your challenge.

02. Co-Create

We will use models, examples, creativity and innovative processes, work in large or small groups or one on one and create a vision on your future.

03. Co-Activate

We will discover what’s there to use and add what’s missing, define conduct principles, create the necessary bodies and means and draw a timeline.

04. Co-Develop

We will start using what we found and created. We will monitor your progress. We will stay together as long as we both think necessary.

Clients

Alrijne — Yvonne Wilders, former Chair of the Board of Directors

“Stijn van Diemen helped us recalibrate and standardise our brand. What we were looking for was an anchor of who we are in a constantly changing context; something to keep us flexible and robust at the same time.
It is impressive how Stijn got to the essence in a short time. He formulated workable frameworks, not only for everyone building our brand now, but also taking into account developments in the future. With the brand policy and renewed visual identity developed by Stijn, we are confidently building on Alrijne’s ‘strong brand’ in the region. The extensive knowledge and experience that Stijn brings has proved to be of great value.”

Contribution

Strategic marketing, Branding policy, Branding architecture

Auto Recycling Nederland — Paul Dietz, director

“Stijn has helped Auto Recycling Netherlands on several occasions. In 2023, this led to a new strategy. In several sessions, we went from many ideas and documents to a structured document, with Stijn keeping tight records, on process but also on content. Part of the process was also a broad meeting with employees. His way of working suits ARN well, I would definitely recommend him for that.”

Contribution

Strategy development, support development

BMK — Hélène Smid, Head of communications

“Stijn van Diemen is a skilled and creative strategist with deep expertise in identity and positioning. Two years ago, I asked him to guide the positioning of the national social childcare association. Participants praised his thorough approach, strong guidance, and ability to clarify complex matters. Stijn’s calm authority, sharp insights, and clear communication consistently elevate outcomes, making collaboration with him both effective and enjoyable.”

Contribution

Positioning and identity development, Strategic marketing

CompositesNL — Joost A. van den Berg, Managing Director

“Stijn professionally guided us with the development of a new strategy within the NXTGEN Hightech Growth Fund programme. He brought together the wide variety of partners within the composites domain in a thoughtful and creative way. Very pleasant cooperation.”

Contribution

Strategy development, Stakeholder management

Dutch Portfolio — Maria Ignatovich, managing director

“At Dutch Portfolio, we regularly collaborate with Stijn van Diemen, and he consistently brings unique value to our work. His sharp analyses and strategic insights translate complex challenges into clear, practical solutions. With a pragmatic approach and a clear vision, he integrates seamlessly into our branding processes, where strategy and creativity strengthen one another. Working with Stijn consistently elevates our projects to new heights.”

Contribution

Positioning and identity development, Strategic marketing

Hecht — Dennis Christmas, director

“Stijn helped us develop a new brand for our group that combines four public health care tasks. His combination of creative perspectives with sound strategic knowledge makes him an excellent facilitator of such a process. I recommend him wholeheartedly. The new brand proves to be a powerful tool in telling our story – both to our clients and in the labour market.”

Contribution

Positioning and identity development, Company culture, Labour market challenges

NXTGEN HighTech — Bouke Veldman, project manager

“Stijn was our coach in developing the strategy for the composite/lightweight technology ecosystem. With his knowledge of strategic models, he puts down a clear structure that is easily understood by entrepreneurs but also researchers and policymakers. Concrete progress was made in a short time!”

Contribution

Strategy development, Stakeholder management

Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland — Annemieke Broesterhuizen, manager Department of International Entrepreneurship

“Stijn helped us well with the development and, later on, recalibration of our strategy. He challenged us on the content and kept us tight on the process, resulting in a good outcome and clear strategy.”

Contribution

Strategy development

TNO — Sigourney Sluiter, Programme Manager Talent Development – HR

“Stijn van Diemen has been providing the Vision & Strategy training for future leaders within TNO for many years to great satisfaction. Both the content of this training and its guidance are of high quality and are continuously tailored to our target group. A valuable part of our programme for future leaders!”

Contribution

Strategy development, Talent development, Training

Zorggroep Apeldoorn — Mariska Tichem, director

“Stijn makes a difference when it comes to strategy, identity and positioning. I had the opportunity to work with Stijn in three different organisations with different contexts and it is not for nothing that we end up with him every time. Stijn knows how to capture the essence, making it much more recognisable for both client and employee.”

Contribution

Strategy development, Positioning and identity development, Strategic marketing

Insights

  • First reviews on Identity as Strategy are in!

    Reviews, reviews…

    Read the full story

  • I love to share my experience and expertise.

    Interested in a master class on what your identity can do for you?

    Read the full story

  • Introductory lecture at the launch of my book, “Identity as Strategy”.

    The trouble with identity is that nobody knows what it is.

    Read the full story

  • My publisher speaks…

    Strategy starts with knowing who you are.

    Read the full story

  • Food for Thought (in Dutch)

    Gentle forces of all nations, unite!

    Read the full story

  • Food for Thought (in Dutch)

    Chill, baby, chill.

    Read the full story

  • Food for Thought (in Dutch)

    Allies.

    Read the full story

  • The promise we make to the world is our daily assignment

  • Food for Thought (in Dutch)

    Courageously forward, stubbornly hopeful.

    Read the full story

  • Positioning is choosing

  • Food for Thought (in Dutch)

    Leadership of the sector association

    Read the full story

  • Strong brands do not explain themselves but grow in attributed significance

  • Food for Thought (in Dutch)

    The useless as a value

    Read the full story

  • To our stakeholders, we are the value we deliver

  • We must take care that both our environment and we ourselves understand our moves

  • By sharing our ambitions, we project our values to the world and ourselves

  • By establishing ourselves, we take on the responsibility for what we created

  • In strategy development, always use what’s there and only add what’s missing

  • Inspiration asks for honesty

  • Working on intangible themes asks for ultra clear processes

Publications

  • Reviews on Identity as Strategy

    Stijn van Diemen

    June 22, 2025

  • A masterclass on identity?

    Stijn van Diemen

    June 22, 2025

  • Book cover 'Identity as Strategy'

    Identity as Strategy; How your corporate identity can fuel your succes

    Stijn van Diemen

    May 16, 2025

  • Here we are; On the power of difference

    Stijn van Diemen, together with Ellen Bettonville

    December 1, 2015

  • Stepless Society; on the value of the useless

    Stijn van Diemen

    December 17, 2012

  • Back to Basics; Revaluation of the manufacturing industry in The Netherlands

    Stijn van Diemen, together with Bob van der Lee

    December 17, 2012

  • The Transformation; The self-conscious organisation explores its future

    Stijn van Diemen, together with Elisabeth Kroon

    September 14, 2008

  • Shared Drivers; From corporate social responsibility to personal social responsibility

    Stijn van Diemen, together with Dennis Glijn

    February 11, 2008