From a very young age, Saskia was fascinated by the vibe and dynamics of travel. So it is not surprising that she spent more than ten years working in the tourism sector, several of which were abroad. After working together with people from other cultures, she discovered the different approaches taken. Her work experience abroad and subsequent global travel broadened her view of the world and its inhabitants.
Back in the Netherlands, she spent another few years working for various travel organisations. She then decided to do something new and returned to school to become a graphic designer.
As a freelance graphic designer, she worked for various clients for a few years. As she was still interested in the phenomenon of culture, she decided at the same time to investigate how Dutch culture is experienced by people from other countries.
For her blogs and her books Tutti frutti and Onder de zeespiegel, Saskia spent six years travelling around the Netherlands interviewing entrepreneurs and managers from thirty different countries about their experiences with the Dutch.
During her interviews with participants, Saskia was continuously confronted about the characteristics of Dutch culture. She decided to more closely examine Dutch (business) culture and how it differs and compares to other countries. She attended various cultural training courses and soon was asked to give lectures and workshops as an intercultural expert.
Saskia Maarse now works as a full-time speaker and trainer. Her areas of expertise are:
- cultural awareness
- working in an intercultural environment
- doing business internationally
- dutch culture – in relation to other cultures
- intercultural communication
Who does Saskia work for?
Since 2014, Saskia has been delivering intercultural lectures, workshops and training courses for a wide range of organisations:
- International companies — such as PostNL, Douglas and Terberg
- Research institutions — such as universities.
- International networks — such as those at Deloitte and Nationale Nederlanden.
Each and every one of these organisations aims to get the most out of their collaboration across cultural boundaries.
Saskia as a speaker
To book Saskia as a speaker or trainer for your event or meeting, or for more information on her talks and workshops please complete this contact form.