Working at Sound of Data: between goat trails and highways

During a recent meeting, the idea emerged: instead of talking about AI or international numbers, let’s talk about us. About what it’s really like to work here. Because even though we’re connected in different ways, we share something essential: the way we collaborate.

We have colleagues who’ve been here for years, students who’ve grown into full-timers, people who entered through a side door and never left. This mix of experience, age, and background makes the team both unique and surprisingly complementary.

Sound of Data started as a family business. And although its warm, informal nature remains, we no longer sweep things under the rug “in the name of family.” It’s that balance, the care of a family company and the professionalism of a mature organization, that creates a culture where people feel safe to speak up.

As Jos aptly put it: “You need to be willing to stick your neck out. Sometimes a client asks for something unconventional. Then we just go for it, together.” Arno added: “As long as we share the same goal on the horizon, that goat trail might just become a highway for all of us.”

At Sound of Data, feedback isn’t a formality. It’s part of the daily rhythm. When colleagues have a client meeting, they ask each other afterwards: “What did you think?” That mutual involvement isn’t tracked with KPIs, it’s a feeling. “That family-like vibe doesn’t come from rules, but from how we talk to each other,” said Arno.

Even with remote colleagues you mostly see online, it still feels right. “We just click,” said Jordy. “We work well together, even if I’ve only met some people in person once.”

What stands out in conversations with colleagues is the mutual trust that defines collaboration here. Decisions aren’t dictated top-down but often emerge through dialogue between teammates. Whether you work in sales, tech, or marketing. There’s space for differing opinions, for experimentation, and even for mistakes. As long as you learn from them and bring others along. Feedback isn’t a tense moment, it’s a continuous part of the workflow. This helps employees feel free to share ideas and take ownership.

With people from various generations, from baby boomers to digital natives, you might expect major culture clashes. But instead of friction, the differences foster connection. Whether it’s about work or shared hobbies like football, there’s always common ground. That mix of young and seasoned, of established knowledge and fresh ideas, brings new perspectives every day. And that’s exactly what enables Sound of Data to keep evolving, without losing sight of the human element.

Working here means not just freedom, but trust. Daan, who started as a student and now works full-time, put it well: “I never felt like a student worker. People took me seriously from the start.” Whether you’re new or a long-time colleague, you’re involved, your ideas matter, and you’re welcome. The variety in tasks, collaboration across departments, and contact with external partners make every week different. That brings not just energy, but growth.