The challenge
An important moment for the engineering team.
EDSN manages central systems that support the Dutch energy market. As the organisation moved towards an engineering-led culture, its first Engineering Day was a chance to recognise its engineers and begin shaping a shared identity.
Stephen was responsible for the opening keynote. He wanted support to give that moment the structure and preparation it deserved.
“As we approached our first engineering day, it was my responsibility to deliver the opening keynote presentation to our engineering organisation. This event was crucial for putting the engineers in the spotlight and honouring them like they deserve and the start of establishing our own engineering identity and culture.
The significance of the moment added immense pressure, and I felt the need for extra support in structuring and preparing my presentation.”
Working together
From ideas to a coherent storyline.
The work connected three parts of the preparation:
- Find the message that matters.Choose the key ideas from the audience’s perspective and connect them into a clear story.
- Make the story visible.Turn ideas into slides and visuals that support the message.
- Rehearse the delivery.Refine how the presentation is delivered and prepare to manage nerves on the day.
“Working with Spencer was an enlightening experience. He helped me structure my presentation, transforming my ideas into a coherent storyline. Spencer’s ability to visualise concepts and rapidly build slides is remarkable. The process of discussing ideas, refining the storyline and slides, and practising delivery with him was incredibly productive and enjoyable.”
The memorable moment
Making a complex idea easy to connect with.
“One memorable moment was when Spencer helped me turn a complex technical concept into a simple, engaging story that captivated the audience. His knack for storytelling and ability to see the bigger picture are invaluable.”
The result
A keynote that resonated with the engineering community.
Stephen describes both the skills he developed during the preparation and the response to the keynote itself.
“From my time with Spencer, I learned how to effectively understand and choose key messages that resonate with the audience (from their perspective), organise and structure my presentation, design engaging slides, refine and practise my delivery, and manage presentation nerves to ensure a clear and impactful message.
Spencer helped significantly improve my presentation skills, leading to a successful keynote that resonated with our engineering community. The positive feedback from the audience affirmed the effectiveness of our engineering message and vision.”
Stephen’s recommendation
“I highly recommend working with Spencer. His expertise and calm, relaxed approach make him a valuable asset for anyone preparing for a critical presentation. His unique ability to combine technical understanding with storytelling ensures that your message not only informs but also inspires.”
Stephen Oostenbrink · CTO at EDSN at the time of the engagement
This case study draws on Stephen’s account of the work and his experience of the keynote.