Five years of One Inch Whale. Five years of forward thinking and challenging the status quo. What started as an ambitious idea from two driven entrepreneurs has grown into a strategic consultancy that helps brands look beyond the visible. In this series, we take you on our journey.
When paths first crossed
During their careers, Wim and Jasper’s paths crossed for the first time. What began as a professional encounter soon grew into a shared ambition: to do things differently, together. No traditional route, no compromises to the status quo. They had an idea and decided to pursue it wholeheartedly. Strategic advice could - and should - be different: more efficient, smarter, more human and with a keen eye for what lies beneath the surface. No ‘yes-men’, but challengers of established beliefs. And so, One Inch Whale was born, driven by the vision: Always sharp, never shallow.
No ‘yes-men’, but challengers of established beliefs.
From ripples to bigger currents
The first projects came through connections familiar with their portfolio. “We knew that if we could showcase what we were capable of, the rest would follow,” says Jasper.
And it did. Not with a big bang - after all, the pandemic threw a spanner in the works… - but with a steady stream of conversations, analyses and perspectives that helped companies move forward. The name ‘One Inch Whale’ sparked curiosity and symbolised their approach: looking deeper and finding meaning in the unexpected.
The turning point: Deeper than the surface
Entrepreneurship is a balancing act between ambition and reality. The early period was intense: long days, endless discussions and the challenge of building credibility in a market dominated by established names. The turning point? A leading company gave them the opportunity to put their vision into practice. “That was the moment,” Wim recalls. “If we could pull this off, there would be no turning back.”
By combining strategic thinking, psychological insights and visual communication, they delivered not only valuable perspectives but also tangible impact. Growth had begun. Clients appreciated the seniority of the founders, who, with their experience, could guide impactful decisions as true sparring partners.
Docked for inspiration
Soon, One Inch Whale found a home base at the marina - a place perfectly reflecting the balance between logic and creativity. Not just an office, but an environment that invites reflection and sparks new ideas. The view of the water (a symbol of life, movement and depth) serves as a daily reminder of their philosophy: to keep flowing, to keep looking further.
It’s a place where conversations evolve into innovative strategies and where perspectives have room to grow. The marina offers a moment of calm in a rapidly changing world, but also a departure point for new adventures. Here, the essence of One Inch Whale comes together: sharp thinking, human-centred working and making impactful choices. Time and again, deeper than the surface.
A established pod in a changing world
Now, five years on, Wim and Jasper look back with pride at those first crucial steps. The start of One Inch Whale was more than just founding a company; it was the beginning of a mindset: a philosophy where curiosity, experimentation and strategic renewal take centre stage. “What we wrote down back then as our vision remains our guiding principle today. And perhaps that’s the most beautiful thing of all,” Wim concludes.
What we wrote down back then as our vision remains our guiding principle today.
In a world brimming with data and AI, people remain central, both for clients and internally. The team has grown with the right people and an ecosystem of external expertise. From global thought leaders in branding and trends to captains of industry in B2B. One Inch Whale has built a portfolio that spans sectors. And as One Inch Whale charts its course for the future, one thing remains clear: the journey is far from over.
