Who is
JAN
“It’s all about grit and a good game of chess”:
An interview with Jan
Describe your job in three words.
Cooperation. Business. Grit.
I’m all about driving outcomes for the business — and having the grit to push things forward when nothing’s ever quite perfect.
What’s the nerdiest thing on your desk?
It’s not exactly nerdy — but thanks to my back pain, I have this little clock that tells me when half an hour has passed. It reminds me to stand up and stretch. Otherwise, I’d be glued to my chair for hours.
What bit of tech do you secretly hate but have to use daily?
Time registration software. It’s a universal headache — no one likes it.
What’s your guilty pleasure when you’re working late?
A bit of strategy gaming. Chess puzzles, Sudoku — anything that keeps my brain ticking. And yes, I have a sweet tooth. So sweets definitely count.
If they made a film about your work life, who’d play you?
Anyone who can pull off that Apollo 13 vibe. You know, “Here’s what we’ve got — now make it work.” That’s my work life in a nutshell.
Anyone who can pull off that Apollo 13 vibe. You know, “Here’s what we’ve got — now make it work.” That’s my work life in a nutshell.
What poster did you have on your bedroom wall as a teenager?
I didn’t have a poster — I had a life-sized cardboard cut-out of footballer Allan Simonsen. He stood in as my personal goalkeeper while I practised shots in my room.
Tell me about your relationship with football.
Football’s been my constant since I was five. I’ve never been die-hard about any one club — until it snuck up on me. Now I’m a local fan through and through. Injuries sidelined me, but it’s still my sport.
Does playing sport influence your work life?
Definitely. I used to be an attacker, but my stamina made me an offensive midfielder — right in the thick of it. That’s how I work too: in the middle, connecting everything, keeping the play moving. And sport’s always fuelled my energy.
You’re also a chess fan — what’s the appeal?
I love the pure strategy. Chess is brutal: no excuses, no luck — just you and your decisions. My dad taught me, and it just stuck. It’s still my go-to when I want to unwind.
I didn’t want a CV that just bragged about successes. Projects are messy — it’s about getting in the trenches and fixing what needs fixing. If I was hiring, I’d want someone who’s been there, done that — and come out stronger.
Would you want your children to do what you do?
If they want to — maybe. But honestly, I just want them to find what works for them. Follow your dreams, yes, but also focus on the job at hand. Do that well, and doors will open.
What’s your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Family, the garden, and a bit of football on the TV — ideally with my daughters by my side if our club’s doing well. I was an adrenaline junkie in my bachelor days, but now, simple family time is the best.
And finally — what did you want your CV to say about you?
I didn’t want a CV that just bragged about successes. Projects are messy — it’s about getting in the trenches and fixing what needs fixing. If I were hiring, I’d want someone who’s been there, done that — and come out stronger.