Maarten van der Pas
Freelance (financial) journalist, senior editor, content strategist, investment writer, host and presenter
Maarten is an experienced content and communication professional in the financial services industry. He has a proven freelance track record in banking, investment management and institutional pensions and was previously employed at Morningstar, Robeco and Van Lanschot Kempen. Maarten has successfully fulfilled different roles in the capacity of senior editor, content strategist, investment writer, host and presenter. He can take on both practical and strategic capacities in communication and content process chains. From brainstorming, developing formats and strategies to writing, content visualization, storytelling, hosting and presenting – online, on paper, in a podcast, webinar, or video – he tailors his work to meet a diverse target audience demand.
Were you troublesome or sweet as a child?
Looking back on my childhood, I was an easy child. Even as a teenager, I had no problems with my environment. My parents gave me the confidence to find my own way and develop myself. And they trusted me not to do anything crazy.
What drives you?
Much—if not all—of what I do boils down to storytelling and transferring knowledge. Sharing vision on financial markets, the economy, or investment fund management. Talking about investing, investment strategies, personal finance, and the story of an entrepreneur and their company. But also talking about films and classic cars (and their owners). That motivates me and gives me energy – it is where I care to make a difference. Communicating in an original and creative way through text and images. Contributing something, offering the reader, listener, or viewer knowledge and insight. It gives me satisfaction when I can help companies and organizations to distinguish themselves with their content. A special place where insight and knowledge transfer come together is the guest docent program at Stichting LEF. There, I teach vocational students how to manage their finances.
Is this your ideal profession?
Yes! Creating content is what I enjoy doing most and what I do best. As a freelancer, I have various clients with a wide range of content assignments, and I work in both practical and strategic capacities. I create new content or improve existing content – the visualization elements included: articles, blogs, white papers, podcasts, infographics, animations, videos, and webinars for different target groups. For one assignment, I am an investment writer or journalist, for another, I am an editor or presenter.
Freelancing also gives me room for my own creative projects. These include writing a book about J.I. Planjer (Leiden, 1891 – Utrecht, 1966), city architect in Utrecht, a posthumous tribute.
It is my intention to always make a difference with my work. By communicating in an original and creative way through text and images, and by contributing meaningfully with knowledge and insight towards readers, listeners, or viewers. I thrive on satisfaction derived from helping companies and organizations to be distinctive through their content.
Are you an idealist or an optimist?
I am both. Idealistic because I believe in big ideas that deliver good and beautiful content to high standards. I am more interested in the long term than in the issues of the day. I look at what is possible, not just what is practical. But I am also optimistic, because I believe that a difficult goal or something that has not been done before can be achieved with the right strategy and people alongside me. This combination motivates me and does not immediately knock me off course when I encounter setbacks. I am also pragmatic. Having a vision is important, but to achieve a goal, I am also level-headed, flexible, and realistic.
What do you add to a team?
Experience. Creativity. Overview. Humor. Calmness. A critical and inquisitive mind. A hands-on approach. Thinking along with others. I can take on a practical and/or strategic role in the entire communication and content process. From brainstorming and developing formats and strategies to writing, storytelling, and presenting. Online, on paper, in a podcast, webinar, or video.
Why are you a Friend of Stark?
Stark Narrative is an inspiring and fun agency to work with. With my knowledge, experience, and qualities, I hope to make a further valuable contribution to the messages and content for clients.