Five years ago, One Inch Whale started as an ambitious idea from two entrepreneurs with a sharp vision. Today, it has grown into much more than that: a close-knit team of strategists, researchers, and creative thinkers who help brands see beyond the visible. In this series, we take you along on our journey, exploring how the pod continues to expand.
A turning point in growth
A company is not built alone. What started as a duo soon became a dynamic team. The first hires were a crucial milestone; the moment when One Inch Whale transformed from a start-up with ambition into a player with impact. "It felt like validation," Jasper recalls. "Suddenly, it wasn’t just about entrepreneurship, but about becoming an established force with a team that wanted to grow together."
Growth happened fast. In 2021, the second and third hires followed in quick succession. These first hires marked a turning point: suddenly, One Inch Whale was no longer just a start-up with ambition but a player with real influence. International clients found their way to Hasselt, partnerships emerged with both global and local brands, and the strategic impact became tangible in an increasingly complex world. This momentum proved that One Inch Whale was more than just a consultancy, it was a team that dared to challenge businesses and truly propel them forward.
The right people in the right place
From the very beginning, there was space for fun and connection. A serenade at Hasselt’s town hall to welcome a new colleague, evenings filled with karaoke, escape rooms, Bob Ross... these weren’t
just coincidences but moments that define who One Inch Whale is. "We work hard, but we laugh just as hard," says Jasper. That balance is essential: a strong strategy doesn’t emerge in a vacuum but in an environment where creativity, freedom, and cohesion go hand in hand.
What binds the team is not just expertise but a way of thinking. "We don’t look for people who simply want to do a job and tick off tasks," Jasper explains. "We look for people who dare to think differently and naturally complement the team." And they were found. Every new colleague not only brought knowledge but also added a new dynamic.
The fact that One Inch Whale didn’t become a company with a culture, but a culture with a company around it, is no coincidence. It’s a conscious choice: not just looking at skills but at energy, at how someone enriches the group. And that approach pays off. "It’s as if Wim and Jasper have a sixth sense for who fits in here," people at One Inch Whale say. "Everyone who starts here immediately feels at home and seamlessly becomes part of the team."
Working with impact: seniority & ecosystem
To be a true sparring partner, seniority is essential. The founders are thought leaders with years of experience in strategy and customer dynamics. They understand how businesses operate, how decisions are made, and where impact can be created. But strong strategic insights
don’t emerge in isolation. That’s why One Inch Whale is not just about bringing the right people on board internally, but also about building an ecosystem. We don’t hesitate to seek expertise externally, whether in technology or human insight.
In a world full of data and AI, we use technology as a powerful tool, but people always remain at the centre. This applies to both our clients and our own organisation. Our broad expertise spans sectors - from branding and trends to food and B2B - and we collaborate with global thought leaders and industry captains to keep looking ahead in an ever-changing world.
The bigger the team, the greater the impact we can create together
Looking ahead with impact
A milestone in One Inch Whale’s journey was the acquisition of iVisual Services. This was more than just an expansion of expertise; it strengthened our strategic impact and opened new possibilities in visual communication. This integration sparked a wave of creativity, and with that fresh energy came new opportunities and ambitious collaborations. With a team stretching across multiple locations, we’re not just expanding, we’re strengthening one another. New colleagues bring expertise, energy, and fresh perspectives, ensuring that the pod continues to evolve.
Yet the core remains the same: making an impact. Not only by helping businesses grow, but by helping people grow. The pod keeps expanding, but the DNA stays intact. "The bigger the team, the greater the impact we can create together," says Jasper. And that is precisely what fuels One Inch Whale. The focus is on the future: new insights, new people, new opportunities. Because the ocean is vast, and One Inch Whale is far from done exploring. Today, it stands as a strong collective. The pod keeps growing, and that’s exactly what gives us energy.
Want to meet our pod?
