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"VISION WITHOUT ACTION IS MERELY A DREAM. ACTION WITHOUT VISION JUST PASSES THE TIME. VISION WITH ACTION CAN CHANGE THE WORLD"

Joel A. Barker

ABOUT

ABOUT ME

I am an entrepreneur and executive consultant partnering with organizations of all scales, from ambitious startups to established multinationals, to build and scale with intention. Through Next to You, I provide strategic clarity and operational discipline, rooted in the belief that sustainable success happens when people feel a genuine sense of purpose and ownership. I don’t just advise from the outside; I show up as an invested partner, committed to the people doing the work.

My strength lies in working across interconnected areas where strategy meets execution: 

  • People & culture : drawing on a decade in talent consulting, I build HR functions and cultures where people feel seen and invested. I focus on talent strategy and organizational design that fosters long-term commitment.

  • Operations & execution: I focus on the rigorous work of process design—building systems that work for real people, ensuring the foundation is solid enough to support rapid scaling.

  • Strategy & Leadership: I act as a sounding board for leaders, helping them navigate complex decisions and identify blind spots. I leverage emotional intelligence to ensure decisions are grounded in both logic and human impact.

  • Sales & business development : I develop commercial strategies and market positioning that drive sustainable growth, ensuring that sales ambitions remain aligned with operational reality.

  • Data Protection / GDPR : I have just completed a Data Protection Officer training course at the Data Protection Institute, which covers the European regulations applicable to the GDPR in particular. 

How I work


I am equally at home defining high-level strategy or embedding within your team to drive execution. Whether as a strategic partner or an interim leader, I am present, involved, and focused on outcomes that reflect your values.

Engagement terms:

  • Availability: full-time or part-time (hybrid flexibility preferred).

  • Structure: say rate, monthly retainer, or "As-a-Service" like a monthly subscription for regular small services. (like being an external DPO)

I am flexible on the arrangement if the mission and cultural fit are right.

Current assignment : Executive Director at WASO SRL (Start-up). I'm in charge of HR, compliance,  strategical business and products development and back office operations; 

Previous assignment : Managing Director at SISU Group (for 2 entities)

CONTACT ME

CONTACT

NEED CLARITY? NEED A PUSH? LET’S TALK !

IT MIGHT JUST CHANGE THE GAME.

PHONE

+32 466 05 62 02

E-MAIL

© 2025 - NEXT TO YOU BV - 1640 RHODE SAINT GENESE

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