Ed Alkema

Questioner
DISC Type : c

Director Of Information Technology at Blackhawk Network

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

Overview

Ed Alkema is the Director of Information Technology at Blackhawk Network, bringing over two decades of experience in fintech, e-commerce, and product strategy. An experienced founder of multiple startups, he is also certified in Generative AI by Microsoft and in Responsible AI by Google Cloud, focusing on scalable and innovative payment solutions.

Outside of his technology career, Ed is a creative artist and photographer who sells his work online. He has a passion for active hobbies, including cycling and motorbiking, and enjoys the craft of home brewing and exploring the world of craft beer, as noted in his public profiles.

Unique fact: He is both a hands-on IT director in the complex world of fintech and a practicing artist selling his digital creations.

Personality Overview

Systematic

Not Easily Convinced

Price-Sensitive

They prefer to do thorough analysis of any situation.  They generally do not appreciate an overfriendly approach and prefer to stay to-the-point. They are more likely than others to negotiate on pricing and terms.

Topics They Care About

Generative AI
Holds recent certifications in Generative and Responsible AI and has posted about experimenting with tools like Google's Gemini, showing a hands-on interest.
Fintech Innovation
With over 20 years in the field, he leads digital implementation for a global payments leader and analyzes market trends involving major players like Stripe.
Digital Art & Photography
A creative passion, he is a practicing artist who sells his own photography and digital artwork on various online platforms.

Media Appearances

Ed has no verified media appearances

Work History

4-2016
Director Of Information Technology at Blackhawk Network
4-2015 - 4-2016
Digital Implementation Director at DIDIX Gifting & Promotions a Blackhawk Network company
5-2013 - 10-2014
Co Founder / Investment Manager at The Hatch Firm
9-2012 - 5-2013
Operational Manager at Stylecase.nl
4-2011 - 3-2012
Operational Manager at 12ebooks.nl

Education

1988 - 1995
Education details unavailable from Delft University of Technology
1984 - 1988
Education details unavailable from Nederlands Lyceum

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 29 Location : Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Director Of Information Technology at Blackhawk Network
URL has been copied!

Insights For Selling To Ed

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Tell them that you will come back if you don’t have a good answer for a question
  • Share as much information as possible regarding your product
  • If you have a lower priced product compared to the competition, call out the same

DONT's

  • Avoid rushing them, be polite and patient
  • Avoid phrases like ‘do not worry about’, ‘no one compares to’ etc.
  • Don’t try to be too friendly or informal with them

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Ed is

  • Confidence that the product provides ROI, effective pricing and process adherence matter the most to them.

  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Ed

  • It doesn’t come naturally to them but they can say no if they are not convinced.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Ed move?

  • They can move at a reasonable pace while making their decisions if they have the necessary information.

  • Can Ed take some risk or not?

  • They can take some risk if they are confident that they have analyzed the circumstances well.


You And Ed

Personality Compatibility


Other Blackhawk Network Employees

Explore more public profiles from related professionals at the same organization.

More Profiles

Discover additional public profiles from our index.

Search more profiles

Looking for someone else? Search here for anyone.

Or visit Humantic AI to know more.