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As Airly, we create a diverse team full of extraordinary personalities. Our new intAIRview interview series aims to show our team members from a professional and more private side. Time to find out who is behind the mission to repair the air.
Today, intAIRview’s guest will be Jurgen van Leeuwen, our Global Head of Growth.
Who are you and what is your role at Airly?
My name is Jurgen van Leeuwen and my role is Global Head of Growth. I am delighted to be leading a very talented and experienced team of business developers.
Besides acquiring new clients and contracts – what drives you to work at Airly?
Our mission to #repairtheair genuinely appealed to me when I first heard of Airly. I must admit air pollution wasn’t always front of mind in my life but having seen its devastating effects on babies and the elderly I am more determined than ever to make an impact with Airly.
What do you think is the recipe for truly improving the world’s air quality?
In my humble opinion it starts with each individual on this planet. A true behavioral change is needed where people change the way they think about their impact on the planet. To encourage and sometimes enforce this way of thinking governments and businesses need to be able to show people hyper local air-pollution data. People naturally want to see progress and improvements if we can do this on a local level it will encourage a shift in behavior.
In addition to working with us, you are also active in the field of sports. You and your family are successful in badminton. Can you tell me more about it?
Badminton runs through my entire family. I represented the Netherlands for many years and I am still active as a coach in my spare time. My wife played in the Sydney Olympics and my two oldest kids play in the England team. Sport has had such a positive impact on my life and seeing my children flourish is very rewarding.
What surprised you the most when you met the members of the Airly team?
From my very first interview to my meetings today I feel the energy and passion from everyone to make Airly a huge success. We recently won some landmark deals in the UK, Poland and the USA which only was possible through several teams working closely together across multiple time zones and countries.
You live in the UK. How would you rate the involvement of local companies and local governments in the fight for clean air?
It really varies significantly which by default means there is still a lot to do. I admire the many initiatives from charitable organisations and they certainly have an impact. I would say that there is a lot of talking vs actual action but I am confident that this will change with the work we are doing,
What has impressed you lately? Some movie, book or maybe just a delicious dish?
What truly has impressed me? It is actually “Who has truly impressed me “… it’s the people of Poland right now. The way they have rallied and have opened their arms, their houses and their lives to help the Ukrainian refugees is something truly inspiring.