Philippe Vandenbroeck                 

Systems thinker and scenario planner. Background in engineering and philosophy. Philippe has fifteen years of experience in supporting decision/innovation/sense-making projects using scenario planning and (hard and soft) systems thinking methodologies. Key in his approach is the combination of experience in creating environments for focused and constructive dialogue and the capacity for disciplined conceptual thinking. Broad international experience. Particular focus on complex macro-scale strategic business and societal issues such transition to sustainability, management of food, water and energy systems, armed conflict, novel governance systems, social inequities. In addition: published photographer, keen mountaineer, lover of good books and conversation.

Marshall Clemens                          

Since 1994 Marshall has been immersed in developing the theory and practice of systemic analysis + knowledge visualization. His current focus is on the use of visual models as a tool to support decision-making and communication in complex contexts: where the integration and coordination of diverse knowledge, people, and resources is required to solve high-value business problems. Marshall studied photographic science at the Rochester Institute of Technology and worked at a number of Boston area technology companies before turning his attention to 'knowledge engineering’.  

Kris Ooms                                      

Kris Ooms joined shiftN after a career of 22 years with the Royal Shell Dutch group. Kris’ work had an international scope with a focus on Europe. Positions held have been in marketing, sales, business analysis and business development for a wide range of products (chemicals, lubricants, electricity, natural gas). Since the late 1990s Kris mainly worked as a senior project leader setting up new businesses and improving existing processes. In the final 3 years of Kris’ Shell career responsibility shifted to Operational Excellence. She defined and implemented a pan-European project with the aim to streamline and improve processes and systems supporting natural gas sales. Kris is a clear-headed conceptual thinker, a hands-on problem solver, a committed deliverer and an energetic communicator. Kris holds an engineering degree in Chemistry and Agricultural Industries and an MBA in Marketing and Finance (KULeuven). Recently she has been expanding her skills as coach and counselor in existential well-being. Apart from this keen interest in the human being, Kris is a nature lover who likes to MTB, mountaineer, rock climb and in general ‘be’ in remote and inhospitable places.

Kim Becher                                    

Kim Becher is a Dutch national who was born in Germany (Frankfurt) and grew up in Belgium. After obtaining a first degree in Law at the University of Brussels, he moved to Barcelona where he studied Spanish language and culture. Kim subsequently took a Master’s degree at EAP, an international business school offering a three-year program of studies and practice in three major European cities (London, Madrid, Paris). He concluded his academic education at the University of Brussels, where he graduated in Philosophy with a Master’s thesis on Dutch technology philosopher Hans Achterhuis. Proficient in five languages and familiar with multiple disciplines, Kim started his career as a freelance translator working with international institutions, businesses, law firms and the academic world. Kim has a keen interest in social sciences and likes to focus on the human factor in systems and systemic approaches. He joined shiftN in 2005 and has been involved in future research, system analysis and operational activities.

Aldo De Martelaere                      

Aldo De Martelaere studied music at the Conservatory of Brussels and obtained a masters degree in philosophy at the Catholic University of Louvain. His interests moved from the finer points in analytic philosophy to a wide diversity of political, societal and environmental issues. In the shiftN team he fulfills a pivotal role as content manager: hunting and gathering information from a wide variety of sources and organising it in an easy to navigate resource base.