A Consultant’s Journey: From Leuven to Antwerp with Atlas Copco
There’s something truly special about working with a company that has a legacy spanning over a century. My time at Atlas Copco, through Sparkle.consulting in Belgium, was not just a chapter in my career—it was a deep dive into industrial excellence, data-driven transformation, and cultural immersion that shaped me into the consultant I am today.
The Leuven Connection: A Frequent Flyer’s Perspective
Leuven, nestled in the heart of Flanders, became my second home during my tenure with Atlas Copco. The charming city, known for its medieval architecture and vibrant university life, offered the perfect contrast to the high-paced data-driven projects I was involved in. The flights between Prague and Leuven were a wonderful break from the SQL, DAX, and validate routine, each journey offering a new perspective on the evolving world of business intelligence.
At Atlas Copco, I was entrusted with the migration of QlikView dashboards to Power BI. This wasn’t just about shifting tools—it was about ensuring data governance, defining key metrics, and making analytics more accessible across departments. Each dashboard I developed wasn’t just a visual representation of numbers but a window into decision-making that empowered teams across the organization.
Beyond Data: The Consultant’s Growth
Working in a multinational industrial setting required more than just technical expertise. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, navigating language barriers, and ensuring compliance with strict governance principles broadened my perspective. It taught me the importance of adaptability—whether in adjusting to different work cultures, learning new tools like PowerApps and Logic Apps, or refining stakeholder communication.
These experiences became the foundation of my consulting approach today. The ability to understand a client’s needs, anticipate challenges, and deliver solutions that don’t just work technically but also align with business goals has been instrumental in my career growth. Whether leading automation projects, mentoring junior engineers, or integrating large-scale data solutions, the lessons from Atlas Copco continue to shape my approach.
A Lasting Impression
Reflecting on my time with Atlas Copco, it was more than just a professional engagement—it was a journey that reinforced the power of data in industrial transformation. From the cobbled streets of Leuven to the factory floors of Antwerp, every experience played a role in shaping the consultant I am today. And if there’s one thing I took away, it’s that great solutions aren’t just built on code and data—they’re built on understanding, collaboration, and a deep respect for the industries we serve.