You might already know Jeffrey, as he joined IS4U – part of ACEN – three years ago as sales manager. During that time we already shared his story: “from a call center agent to sales manager”.
Today, we’re picking up where we left off. He started a new chapter: Managing Partner at ACEN! Read all about his journey below.
Flashbacks
When I joined, IS4U was already considering the next step: expanding beyond identity and access management and focussing on a broader cybersecurity story. Eventually, that idea turned into ACEN. A single point of contact for everything related to cybersecurity, both within and beyond the Cronos ecosystem.
About a year ago, I was approached with an unique opportunity from a large international company, an exciting role with lots of responsibility and international travel. It made me pause and reflect. In the end, what really mattered wasn’t the offer itself, but what I would be leaving behind.
The energy, the people, the mission, we’ve built something special here at ACEN. After a few open conversations, I made a clear choice: to commit fully to this journey as Managing Partner. Because I truly believe in what we’re building together. I want to help build something that lasts.
Same work, different label
Has my day-to-day changed since I became Managing Partner? No, not that much. I was already responsible for sales and marketing, while my colleagues Christophe Vereycken and Wouter Decruy handled operations and financial strategy. That structure still works well for us.
Of course, the title adds a new layer. People now come to me with issues outside my scope so that’s new for me but I don’t mind. I don’t want the role to change who I am. I stay approachable. I still enjoy joking around on the work floor. And I still lead with the same mindset I’ve always had: be tough for the business, but soft for the people.
The future at ACEN
From a business point of view
Today, ACEN consists of more than 100 people so it’s safe to say you can’t manage things like you did when you were with 15 people. Our plan is similar to the renovation of a house: we have a solid foundation which we want to strengthen but the house needs some updates. We’re not afraid to tear down a wall if it’s no longer working.
Our goal is clear:
- ACEN wants to be the trusted cybersecurity partner
- ACEN wants to act as a true advisor to our clients and offer broad cybersecurity services
- ACEN wants to grow with quality, not just quantity
We’re also looking at our internal processes and foundations, team structure, and how we can maintain our culture while scaling. It’s not just about growing fast, it’s about growing smart.
From a team perspective
I am not afraid to say that the culture at ACEN is special and I think it’s because of a shared mindset of prioritizing people. Colleagues are central and we invest in them, just like we do in our clients. There’s no rigid hierarchy here. You can always speak your mind. You can laugh. You can challenge yourself and others. And if you ever fall, we’re right behind you, ready to push you back up.
“Being a Managing Partner means knowing when to walk ahead and show the way, but also when to stand at the back and give your team the final push they need to move forward.”
– Jeffrey Van Vyve, Managing Partner at ACEN
A message for future talent
I always say that the strength of a company is measured, not by its strongest performer, but by how it lifts up everyone else. We’re all about people and if you’re thinking about joining ACEN, here’s what I would tell you: be ambitious, say it out loud, speak up. Set goals, big ones and realistic ones. We’ll help you get there.
This new chapter as Managing Partner isn’t the end of the story, it’s just the beginning. Because when you believe in your people, your mission, and your business, there’s no limit to what you can build together.
Do you want to help ACEN grow? Check out our career page!
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