Joris Van Gestel

Decorated Strategist for over 1000 business owners | Partner at GDPR+® | Founder Het Starterspakket® | Ambassador for YOPD.be

France

About

As a seasoned and awarded strategist, I've provided personalized guidance to more than a thousand entrepreneurs, from ambitious start-ups to established giants, ensuring both local and global organizations navigate the market with confidence. I'm also a devoted and internationally certified Data Protection Officer (DPO), Data Protection Advisor (DPA) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), specializing in crafting and implementing robust privacy frameworks that meet the rigorous demands of GDPR and ISO 27701 standards. For more information about my experience in these two areas, please visit the 'Experience' section below. I myself became an entrepreneur at a very early stage in my career. My corporate bosses had zero regard for my hard work and dedication and they did not see me as a 'company man' because I had my own opinion so they unintentionally pushed me in a dreadful and at the time very painful way towards entrepreneurship, but what a blessing in retrospect. Being an entrepreneur thought me to use my creativity to the fullest, it brought me freedom and a way to give myself a better and happier life. Despite an absolute disbelief of my school'teachers' that I would make something of my life and the above regrettable experience as a salaried employee with that particular employer, I became a decorated entrepreneur in two different countries, founded multiple award winning businesses and I continued to build my entrepreneurial career in numerous different sectors as a freelance consultant. Moral of the story is: Never let yourself be told that you are not good enough. Those who try to tell you that, are soured and jealous of your talent. Work hard, always have fun in what you do and rely on yourself and those who have your best interests at heart.

Experience

  • European Consulting Network (28 yrs 1 mo)
    • Senior Business Consultant
      Jun 1998 - Present · 28 yrs 1 mo

      Unlock your business potential with an internationally renowned consultant and dynamic strategist who thrives on making a difference. With advanced expertise that has empowered over a thousand entrepreneurs and businesses, I specialize in transforming visions into actionable strategies. From contract negotiations and project management to optimizing communications and ensuring seamless transitions, my comprehensive approach enhances customer success and quality control. I excel in user and client management, quality control, Human Due Diligence and establishing robust, GDPR-compliant frameworks. 🏆 Acknowledgement for Dedication, Leadership and Project Management as COO (2018). 🏆 Innovator of the Year (2012) 🏆 Entrepreneur of the Year (2005). 🏆 Excellence in Customer Service (2002, 2003 and 2004). 🏆 Strategist-award for Y2K (1999). 🏆 Top-Thier Thesis (1998). A small selection of clients I (have) work(ed) with: European Union, State of California, Umicore, Athlon Car Lease, J&J, GM, Porsche, BMW, Gumball, Belgonucleaire, Mercedes/AMG, Green, Proton, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Wit-Gele Kruis and Engie Electrabel. Founder, co-founder and partner of award-winning organizations and passionate about driving innovation and excellence to the maximum on a global scale.

    • DPO, DPA, CISO, ISO 27701 FW Architect, OpenAI Privacy Expert
      Jun 2018 - Present · 8 yrs 1 mo

      As a Data Protection Officer (DPO), Data Privacy Analyst (DPA), Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and ISO 27701 Framework Architect and OpenAI Privacy & Security Specialist, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to help organizations navigate the complexities of data protection laws and regulations. As a GDPR+ partner (gdprplus.eu), I can offer these services at an affordable rate, ensuring compliance for everyone. 🏆 Certified in GDPR & Data Protection. 🏆 Chief Information Security Officer for the GDPR & Privacy Due Diligence for Investors program. 🏆 ISO 27701 - Data Protection and Privacy Information Management. 🏆 OpenAI ChatGPT Security, Privacy & Ethical Hacking. A small glimpse of the certification journey so far: GDPR & Data Protection, Data Privacy Analyst (DPA), Security and Privacy Professional (SPP) hard- and software, Compaq/HPE MasterTech, Microsoft Professional & Solutions Developer, VMware Certified Professional, Cisco Pro, CompTIA A+ & Security, ISO 27701 - Data Protection and Privacy Information Management, OpenAI Security & Privacy Expert.