Stephen Parkins-Co-founder & GTM Lead
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Experience
Co-founder & GTM Lead
Strategy Quest
- Developed AI-powered simulation platform for corporate strategy, innovation, and investment governance
- Co-created a next-generation simulation platform used by corporate leaders to practise high-stakes strategic decisions under uncertainty
- Designed multi-round simulations integrating concepts such as innovation portfolio management, long-term investment mandates, strategic agility
- Built and orchestrated systems using AI tools including Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, n8n, Eleven Labs, Heygen, Midjourney
- Delivered simulations to executive audiences in corporates and consulting firms across Europe, the US and the Middle East
CEO Benelux & Country Manager
Enerfip
- Led expansion into the Benelux market; set up new legal entity
- Built multilingual investor relations team; introduced OKRs and RevOps
- Supported M&A strategy and introduced systems adopted by wider group
- Emphasised sustainable finance, digital transparency, and cross-border coordination
Global Head of Innovation
SGS
- Designed global innovation governance model and stage-gate funding for 40+ ventures
- Created an Innovation Thesis per BU aligned with strategic and ESG goals
- Embedded agile innovation KPIs and coached BU teams across 50 countries
- Chaired global innovation leads forum and established learning systems
- Led ecosystem engagement including public-sector initiatives, accelerators, academia
- Acted as institutional ambassador at public events and in thought leadership
Modular Banking Program Lead & Senior Innovation Manager
ABN AMRO Bank
- Led bank-wide modular innovation programme across 4 BUs
- Launched & scaled new platforms including Tikkie monetisation and Payday (B2C)
- Delivered digital ventures with strong regulatory and market fit
- Oversaw validation, stakeholder engagement, go-to-market and OKRs
- Advised board on venture funding decisions and portfolio balance
- Trained 100+ staff on design thinking, lean startup, and innovation strategy
Industry experience
See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time.
Experienced in Banking and Finance, Professional Services, and Energy.
Business area experience
See which departments and functions this freelancer has contributed to most.
Experienced in Strategy, Product Development, Project Management, Finance, and Investments and M&A.
Summary
Strategic innovation leader with 15+ years experience in the financial sector, including 10+ years in innovation and digital leadership. Former Global Head of Innovation at a €7bn multinational. Led governance, capability-building and funding for 50+ projects globally.
Strong track record in both regulated institutions and venture & startup environments. Fluent in design thinking, lean startup, open innovation, Agile, Scrum, OKRs. Experienced with fintech ecosystems (tokenisation, modular architecture, platform models) and digital delivery at scale. Adept at aligning stakeholders, from C-level executives to regulators, to drive innovation with real-world impact.
Skills
- Strategic Innovation & Digitalisation
- Ecosystem & Open Innovation Strategy
- Innovation Governance & Kpi Systems
- Public Speaking & Stakeholder Management
- Leadership Of Cross-Functional Teams
- Trend Analysis & Technology Scouting
- Fintech & Digital Finance (Tokenization, Platforms, Modular Banking)
- Agile Methods: Okrs, Scrum, Design Thinking
- Institutional Strategy & Transformation
Languages
Education
University of Warwick
BSc Hons · Economics, Politics & International Studies · Warwick, United Kingdom · 1st class
Lycée Galilée
Baccalauréat in Economics and Social Sciences · Economics and Social Sciences · France
Statistics
Experience
Global experience
Expertise
Qualifications
Profile
Frequently asked questions
Have questions? Find more information here.
Stephen is based in Haarlem, Netherlands.
Stephen speaks the following languages: English (Native), French (Native), German (Advanced), Spanish (Advanced), Dutch (Advanced).
Stephen has at least 9 years of experience. During this time, Stephen has worked in at least 4 different roles and for 4 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 2 months. Note that Stephen may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.
Based on recent experience, Stephen would be well-suited for roles such as: Co-founder & GTM Lead, CEO Benelux & Country Manager, Global Head of Innovation.
Stephen's most recent position is Co-founder & GTM Lead at Strategy Quest.
In recent years, Stephen has worked for Strategy Quest, Enerfip, SGS, and ABN AMRO Bank.
Stephen is most experienced in industries like Banking and Finance, Professional Services, and Energy.
Stephen is most experienced in business areas like Strategy, Product Development, and Project Management. Stephen also has some experience in Finance and Investments and M&A.
Stephen has recently worked in industries like Banking and Finance, Professional Services, and Energy.
Stephen has recently worked in business areas like Strategy, Product Development, and Project Management.
Stephen holds a Bachelor in Economics, Politics & International Studies from University of Warwick.
The availability of Stephen needs to be confirmed.
Daily rate distribution
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The median daily rate is the middle value of all daily rates — half of comparable freelancers charge less, half charge more. Unlike the average, it is barely affected by outliers.
Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 7 Sep 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
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