About Thijs Jacobs
I’m a Dutch guy living in Beijing (China) and work as the CTO of a semantic startup called Linkool Labs. Being a digital enthusiast, I have a healthy passion for everything technology, innovation and digital marketing. Buzzwords never really make me feel tingly, but I love turning them into reality.
I used to be the Netherlands’ youngest entrepreneur, by starting my own consultancy business at the age of 15 and also won three awards in both the national and international ThinkQuest competition, while I was in High School. See my Resume for more on my work history.
What am I?
It’s easier to tell you, what I’m not.
- I’m not a CEO, although I used to be for some time (big title)
- I’m not a Project or Product Manager, although I do manage people, time and resources
- I’m not a Designer, although I do design things
- I’m not an Interaction Specialist, although I do pretend to be one from time to time
- I’m not a Consultant, although I could provide your with advice
- I’m not a Creative Director, although I do create ideas for clients
- I’m not an Engineer, although I do know my way around code
- I’m not a VP of Something, although I might be
- I’m also not a CTO, although my current title does read “CTO”
- I’m an Entrepreneur, but that’s not really a job title, is it?
Question is, what am I? My job profile does not exist according to Monsterboard. Call an HR department and they’ll have no idea, where to put me. And it’s exactly that, what makes me happy. It means, that the companies, who hire me, are thinking out of the box. These companies understand, that Creative and Technology are not two separate pillars. They also understand, that you need ideas, creativity, innovation and people, who can drive those.
And by the way, I’m also not a good blogger, which may explain the sporadic number of posts on this website.
Union of the Undefined
The union currently only has one member, but I’m sure there are more people who’d qualify to be a member. Do get in touch, if you feel, you fit the profile and are being mistreated with an unfit job title. What makes you fit to be a member is best described in a visual:
At OgilvyOne they defined it as Director, Digital Innovation. Another company called it Head of Digital Marketing and at Linkool Labs, we’re calling it CTO.