In this episode, Danique speaks with Joeri Schouten, co-founder of Sweav. Joeri started his career as a consultant at SparkOptimus. There, he spent over four years working at the intersection of strategy, digital growth, and e-commerce. He learned a great deal. However, he also began to realize that corporate dynamics no longer suited him. Political decision-making and endless alignment were no longer a good fit either.

Even external validation no longer meant much to him. For example, a strong performance review and the prospect of a promotion did not motivate him anymore. In the past, that recognition had pushed him to keep going. Now, however, it became an important signal to explore something different.

He quit his job without knowing exactly what the next step would be. Then, through a coincidental LinkedIn message, he found his way into freelancing. As a result, he discovered how much freedom, energy, and enjoyment it gave him.

Today, Joeri is co-founder of Sweav. He built the platform together with Thijmen Kaster. Sweav connects top freelance strategists and M&A professionals with companies and projects. What started as an organic network of former consultants has grown into a fast-growing scale-up. Today, it challenges the traditional consultancy world.

A conversation about freedom at work, the power of simply getting started, and building an alternative to the traditional consultancy world.

This episode is a collaboration between Sweav and MIDDLE CHILD MEDIA.

Listen to the full episode on your favourite podcast platform, or watch it on YouTube.