When I was eight years old, I wrote my first short story. It was handwritten, five pages long, and – between the ink stains – it described a camping trip with my parents and sister. Hardly highbrow literature, of course. But my love of words, language and writing was clearly there from the start. I was also endlessly curious. Or, as my nursery school teacher once wrote in my report: “Marlies is interested in the world around her and can already write lovely, phonetically accurate little stories about it.”

A one-way ticket abroad

Studying journalism was the obvious next step. A brilliant career as a journalist lay ahead. But things turned out differently. My curiosity about the world was simply too big – and I was far too impatient. I thought: that career can wait; first I want to see what else is out there.

So I graduated, and – with the ink on my diploma still drying – left on a one-way ticket abroad. Since then, I’ve lived, worked and studied in Brazil, Suriname, South Africa, England, the US, Palestine and Portugal. In every place, I was fascinated by the way people communicate, how stories take shape and how communication influences culture and change. That international experience has deeply shaped both how I work and who I am.

I feel at ease in a wide range of contexts. I adapt easily, but I also take time to pause and reflect on my own position, privileges and assumptions. Where do I come from? What do I bring with me? And what might I be overlooking? That reflection helps me listen more deeply and shape communication that responds to what’s really going on – even when it’s not immediately visible.

My roots in journalism reinforce this mindset. They taught me to observe closely, ask honest questions, and stay open to perspectives that are often overlooked.

What clients value

Clients value the way I naturally connect strategy and creativity, get to the heart of complex issues quickly, and communicate with clarity. Sharp in content, warm in contact – with a deep commitment to human rights, equality, and social and climate justice.

My heart project

My heart project is Transformative Tales – an interview series in which I portray women who are driving social change. In every story, I work with attention to context, voice and mutual trust. Their experiences continue to inspire me and show just how powerful storytelling can be in sparking awareness and action.