Tijmen van Diepen
Manager
Tijmen is an expert in shaping and executing strategy, particularly in the energy sector. As an experienced management consultant, he brings expertise in program management, strategy implementation, and sustainability. In his approach, he combines both head and heart.
Roel Engels
Manager
Roel is passionate about projects that make a positive contribution to society. A true team player, he combines strong analytical skills with remarkable drive to get things done. He has extensive experience with capital-intensive projects in the energy sector. Curious, determined, and forward-thinking, he continually seeks ways to drive progress.
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Roel and Tijmen both started out studying engineering in Enschede, driven by curiosity and a desire to better understand the world. Today, they work as consultants and are part of nlmtd. Both are fathers, both active in the energy transition, and both searching for meaningful work. Plenty of common ground. We sat down with them to talk about how their technical background still proves useful, how they balance work and parenthood, and why nlmtd’s model works for them.
Let’s start at the beginning: your studies in Enschede. What first drew you to the field of engineering?
Roel: For me, it was actually relatively straightforward. I excelled in science subjects and had a strong drive to understand the world around me. At the time, I found that in engineering. I first studied Advanced Technology and then went on to do a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering.
Tijmen: I can relate; that’s pretty much my story as well. I also just wanted to understand how things work. I’ve always been curious about how things are put together, how something is made. So I started with Industrial Design and then pursued a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering.
To start at the beginning: your studies in Enschede. Why did you decide to go into engineering in the first place?
Roel: I’m still a nerd. I love technology. But I realized that technology is only a small piece of the puzzle. If you really want to make an impact, you also need to understand the human and economic side. Technology is compelling, but on its own, it doesn’t do anything. It’s about how you apply it, who you collaborate with, and the kind of impact you want to create on people, on organizations, on the world. That’s where the real value lies.
Tijmen: Yes, I can relate. During my engineering studies, the focus was on finding the right solution. In consulting, I discovered that it’s just as much about how you bring people along with that solution. It’s not about the perfect solution, but about what actually works for everyone involved. That’s where my technical background and my drive to make an impact come together beautifully.
How does your technical background carry over into your current work?
Roel: Absolutely. I can switch quickly with experts, and when needed, I love diving deep. Not for too long, but short and intensive, that’s what I enjoy.
Tijmen: For me, it’s mainly in the way I look at issues from a process perspective. I quickly grasp how things fit together, both technically and organizationally. That allows me to ask sharp questions and make substantive contributions. And the curiosity I had back then still serves me well today.
What made you decide to continue your career in the energy transition?
Tijmen: That actually developed gradually, through working on multiple projects in this field. What I find particularly interesting now is that it’s a transition where technical and social innovations converge. It’s about behavior, infrastructure, innovation, and pure technology. Energy touches everything. It’s the foundation of our society; without energy, there is no prosperity or well-being.
Roel: I agree. Energy and resources are the foundation of everything. And since we are exceeding our planetary boundaries, change is necessary. It’s not only about technologies like wind and solar, but also about how we as a society deal with energy. That broader perspective is essential.
What kind of projects are you working on?
Tijmen: I’ve worked on many different projects since joining nlmtd. Short strategic assignments, such as defining the future vision and strategy for a business unit, as well as longer projects of around six months, like guiding the transformation of an entire company toward greater impact. This way, I have the opportunity to work at various points in the value chain. I enjoy shorter, complex assignments with many stakeholders – dynamics, speed, and variety give me energy. That diversity, combined with the entrepreneurial character of nlmtd, is a perfect fit for me.
Roel: I’m currently working on a project for TenneT, focusing on initiatives to optimize the grid, with innovation scouting as part of it. I’ve stayed on longer than initially planned, simply because there are so many interesting challenges to be faced. What I really appreciate is being in an advisory and coordinating role, with the freedom to challenge the organization.
Apart from work, life with kids also comes into play. How do you combine both?
Roel: Surprisingly well. I thought consultancy and parenthood would be hard to combine; the image is often that you work lots of overtime, but I’ve actually been given plenty of flexibility. After my daughter was born, I worked 24 hours a week and gradually increased my hours. On Wednesdays, I’m at home with her, and that balance works really well for both of us.
Tijmen: Same here. I have three-year-old twins. At my previous employer things were arranged reasonably well too, but at nlmtd flexibility is genuinely part of the way of working. You decide for yourself how and when you work. People immediately support you and think along if you need to leave early or work from home because of the kids. That freedom is priceless.
Can you share a time when that flexibility really made a difference?
Tijmen: Definitely. When I unexpectedly had to pick up my kids because they were sick, everyone immediately said, “Of course, go ahead.” Things like that are just part of everyday life here.
Roel: Yes, I’ve even had my daughter on my lap during an online meeting. Nobody makes a fuss about it; it’s just part of life sometimes.
How is nlmtd different from other employers?
Roel: The model encourages ownership and entrepreneurship. You make very conscious choices about what you do and don’t take on. And at the same time, there’s a strong network; you’re never on your own.
Tijmen: Yes, for me, that’s also the big difference compared to freelancing on your own. I want to be able to spar with others, share experiences, or sometimes vent a little. At nlmtd, you get all of that, without losing your freedom or having to deal with the hassle of a traditional office.
Has this way of working surprised you?
Tijmen: Yes, mainly by how close-knit the group is. It’s a community where people genuinely want to help build each other’s future. Much closer than what I was used to at traditional consulting firms.
Roel: And by how many entrepreneurial people are here. It’s truly inspiring, you learn so much from each other. It feels more like a network of like-minded people than a traditional company.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about at nlmtd?
Tijmen: I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to start entrepreneurial projects together with other consultants, working as a team on large assignments, designing new propositions, and increasing our impact. We’re also beginning to take on projects for companies and NGOs that truly make an impact. I would love to be part of one of those.
Roel: In addition to helping make our energy system more efficient, I would also like to contribute to the fundamental transformation of our economic system. I often reflect on how we can guide the metabolism of this superorganism in the right direction.
And what about outside of work?
Roel: My girlfriend and I are going to Norway for nine months. We’re figuring out how I can shape that with nlmtd, most likely partly remote. I’m really looking forward to it.
Tijmen: We’re planning to travel with our kids for six months next year. The fact that this is possible here is truly a blessing.
