Mirjam Berntsen bids farewell as the figurehead of Axelio Academy and Improve: a reflection on 22 years of pioneering and craftsmanship

From pioneering to market leader

Mirjam's story began in 2004, even before the name Mprise existed. "Microsoft had made the choice to focus on business automation. In the Netherlands, Microsoft found in Mprise the party that would train the Microsoft partner channel." What started as a team of three people grew into an institution where even Microsoft sends its own people and customers for training.

The power of self-reliance

A common thread in Mirjam's career is the belief that IT is not an end in itself, but a means to help people and organizations move forward. "We firmly believe in the self-reliance of our clients," Mirjam explains.

"Other Dynamics partners sometimes say that we make our clients 'too wise,' but that is precisely our strength," Harro adds. By making clients self-reliant at the core, Axelio's specialists can focus on the truly complex, challenging issues that make the biggest difference for the client.

No half measures

Despite the growth and the recent rebranding to Axelio, the focus on quality has never waned. Mirjam and Harro share a down-to-earth, yet ambitious work ethic: "We don't like half measures," says Mirjam. Where in the market an 'eight' is often considered good enough, the bar at Axelio is set much higher.

This craftsmanship ensures strong customer loyalty. Clients return after years, often with a new software release or for new employees, consistently coming back to Veenendaal. Harro: "It's about the long term. Clients know that we are not here for the quick invoice, but to truly help them. If you do the right things, the revenue will follow naturally."

A culture of connection

During the conversation, it becomes clear that Mirjam was more than just a director for her team. She was a mentor and inspirer for the unit, as Harro describes. Her style was characterized by accessibility and genuine involvement.

"Culture is in people," states Mirjam. "Our people want to provide a solution that truly helps a client. They want to be experts and continue to be so with all the new developments. Creating value together for the client, how cool is that?"

A duo of thousands

The handover of the baton to Harro Knook feels like a natural and careful process. The duo has been working closely together for sixteen years and is perfectly in sync. "We only need half a word," laughs Harro. Although Mirjam was the one who closed the deals and Harro often delved into the substantive depth, they always found each other in their shared values and entrepreneurship.

Mirjam leaves the organization with peace of mind: "Harro is substantively strong and fully shares my vision of quality. Our clients and employees can count on the service they are used to from us. And our new Sales Manager Michell Ipskamp has years of experience in our market. So I pass the commercial baton to Michell with confidence."

A new horizon: cycling to Rome

Although Mirjam will greatly miss the work and the dynamics with clients, she looks forward to a new chapter. Her first project after Axelio? A six-week cycling trip to Rome with her husband. "I am going to take the time to see what else life has to offer," she concludes.

Axelio thanks Mirjam for her unparalleled dedication, her vision, and the warm culture she has established. We wish her a wonderful retirement.