Meet Jelle Kraaijenhof

  • Our new team member, Jelle Kraaijenhof, is eager to bring his knowledge to practice at Been Management Consulting. He recently joined as a consultant after graduating from his master's in environment and resource management. It's time to get to know Jelle a bit better: what experience does he bring and how is he planning to make a difference? Let’s meet Jelle.
  • What is your background?
  • From a young age, I aspired to work in the music and events industry. Growing up in a family deeply involved in this field, with a father who is a musician and a mother who managed his career and has a background as a theater and dance choreographer, I was naturally drawn to the world of event management. During the early part of my Bachelor’s in Commercial Economics, I focused on this career path, gaining experience through internships and part-time jobs in event management. However, when the COVID-19 crisis hit, this industry came to a sudden halt. With opportunities scarce, I began exploring new avenues and found myself working for a sustainable start-up in Amsterdam, thanks to a friend's referral. This experience was incredibly inspiring. We regularly brainstormed how to create positive change through sustainable products and ideas, collaborating with esteemed organizations such as WWF and A Beautiful Mess, as well as like-minded individuals striving to make a meaningful impact. This work gave me a sense of purpose and pride, motivating me to shift my career towards sustainability. To deepen my understanding of the field, I pursued a Master’s in Environment and Resource Management. This program broadened my knowledge across critical sustainability topics such as sustainable energy, water governance, climate action, food systems, and ecosystem management.
profile picture of Jelle
  • What made you decide to apply at Been Management Consulting?
  • While I found the topics covered in my Master's program fascinating, I felt a gap between academia and the practical application of business sustainability. This led me to join a student consultancy—a non-profit organization where multidisciplinary teams worked together to tackle real-world business challenges related to sustainability. It was here that I discovered my passion for consultancy and the dynamic interplay between business and sustainability. With this newfound interest, I sought a role that combined these elements. Been Management Consulting stood out to me for its Sustainability Assessment proposition and its strong focus on the energy transition. Additionally, the company’s commitment to making a positive impact as a certified B-Corp was highly appealing, aligning with my values and career aspirations.
  • "What I enjoy most is the shared sense of purpose around sustainability that runs throughout the company"
  • Jelle Kraaijenhof, Consultant
  • What do you like most about your job so far?
  • What I enjoy most about my job is the shared sense of purpose around sustainability that runs throughout the company. Everyone is committed to making a real positive impact in different industry transitions, which aligns perfectly with my own values. Additionally, I’m impressed by the strong sense of teamwork and the genuine willingness of colleagues to support each other. As a smaller organization with a more informal culture, Been Management Consulting fosters close and warm relationships between team members. Whenever I need inspiration or guidance, there’s always someone ready to offer help. This collaborative and supportive environment makes it a great place to work.
profile picture of Jelle
  • Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?
  • I have a twin brother, which some might say has made me extremely competitive—especially during intense board games or sports, both of which I love. Since we look quite alike, I’ve had my fair share of mistaken identity moments. From being hugged by complete strangers in malls and festivals to getting puzzled looks from people who think they know me, it’s always a fun experience. As a twist, my brother works for a 'competing' consultancy firm. So, if you happen to bump into me on the street, make sure to double-check which twin you're talking to before revealing any company secrets!
  • What do you look forward to learning in the next couple of months?
  • I’m excited to apply my current skills and experiences to make a meaningful impact on the projects I’m involved in. I also look forward to exploring different types of projects across various industries, learning from the talented professionals around me. I’m particularly grateful for Been Management Consulting's development program, which supports my personal growth as a consultant. It offers me the opportunity to deepen my knowledge in areas of interest such as the directive on corporate sustainability reporting (CSRD), and continuously evolve in my role.
  • Can you tell us a little bit about your personal life?
  • I grew up in a small town called Noordbeemster, located in the Beemster polder, which sits 3.5 meters below sea level. Knowing that my home would be underwater without dunes and dykes might have sparked my early awareness of the risks of climate change and rising sea levels. After finishing high school, I moved to Amsterdam for my studies, where I’ve been living ever since. I’m currently on a mission to find the best coffee spot in the city, so feel free to send any recommendations my way!
  • Which hobbies or interests outside work energize you?
  • Music and sports play a big part in my life. I love playing guitar and attending concerts and music festivals whenever I can. On the sports side, I’m an avid Padel player and make it a point to hit the gym regularly. In addition to that, I’ve been learning Spanish to better communicate with my girlfriend’s family, who is from Spain, which has been a fun and rewarding challenge!

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Tosca Spee

People & Culture Manager

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+31 (0)20 760 2150
info@beenmc.com

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