Our clients

We strive to develop close and mutually beneficial relationships with our clients. Here is how some of our clients evaluate their working relationship with us.

‘To be able to explain your business through speeches, messages and the use of storytelling is essential for any company today. The Corporate Story has been a very valuable partner supporting our work in this field.’

Olav Ljösne, Regional External Affairs Manager, Shell Exploration & Production Africa Ltd

‘At AkzoNobel's request, Jonathan Steffen edited the first ever comprehensive history of our company, Tomorrow’s Answer’s Today: The History of AkzoNobel since 1645. This commemorative volume was published in 2008 to mark the significant milestone of the company-wide rebranding of AkzoNobel. Jonathan’s narrative demonstrated a deep understanding not only of AkzoNobel's contemporary brand values but also of the rich and complex history which has made our company what we are today.’

Berry Oonk, Corporate Brand Manager, AkzoNobel

‘The creation of this unique publication [Tomorrow’s Answers Today] was the product of excellent teamwork between AkzoNobel and The Corporate Story. Jonathan Steffen, who edited Tomorrow’s Answers Today on our behalf, has delivered a history which offers fascinating, and often inspiring, insights into the rich past of our company.’

John McLaren, Director Corporate Communications, AkzoNobel

‘After the 2003 acquisition of Roche Vitamins by DSM, Jonathan Steffen provided excellent help in creating quality internal communications. He was the architect of the global internal communications structure for the new Swiss-based business group, which was renamed DSM Nutritional Products. Together with the international Communications Team, Jonathan delivered strategies and content which were well appreciated both by DSM managers and by employees.’

Gerard van den Zanden, former Head of Global Communications, DSM Nutritional Products

‘The Corporate Story has been working for DSM Nutritional Products Ltd. Since the time when DSM took over the former F. Hoffmann-La Roche Vitamins and Fine Chemicals Division in September 2003. Services delivered have ranged from strategic consulting and conceptual work related to the challenging process of unbundling and integration through motivational and culture-building activities to the creation and ongoing production of communication tools such as newsletters, regular updates, feedback loops and so forth. The cooperation is still ongoing, covering both our internal and external communication needs. During this broad and mutually rewarding cooperation, our management as well as all members of the Communications Team have developed an extraordinary appreciation not only of the support offered but also of the style and team spirit which has characterised this support. The Corporate Story is a fine example of how a unique range of experience and professional excellence combine with flexibility, responsiveness, customer orientation, functional and strategic savvy, and thoroughness of execution. We can strongly endorse and recommend this highly cherished partner and are personally available to supply credentials whenever required.’

Alex Filz, Head of Global Communications, DSM Nutritional Products

‘During 2005 and 2006 The Corporate Story supported True Blue, a project to implement Internal Control in the business processes of DSM, a Life Sciences and Materials Sciences company with worldwide operations. Although the content was highly technical and resistance to changes in ways of working had to be overcome, the project was highly successful and full of energy. This was for a considerable part due to the communication approach, which included, amongst other things, strong and compelling branding plus well targeted and catchy communications in print and digital format. Most of all, however, the high spirit in the project was kept alive by means of well designed, creative meetings in which new steps and initiatives were developed by the project teams. The Corporate Story made invaluable contributions to these meetings, always building on the strong True Blue brand.’

Hans Keijzer, Project Director True Blue 2005-2006; Director Corporate Risk Management, DSM

‘In 2008 The Corporate Story helped DSM Resins to develop a communication campaign to support heightened awareness of the importance of Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) within our Business Group. This campaign, entitled Hold Up Your Hand, not only clearly explained our SHE Cardinal Rules and Critical Procedures but also encouraged employees to speak up about any concerns they might have. While stressing the significance of company regulations, the campaign successfully emphasized the crucial importance of creating a safe working environment by focusing on collective safety.’

Johan van der Hel, Vice President HR, DSM Resins

‘The Corporate Story has been pivotal in the development of our internal communication approach. Content-wise as well as in the area of "look and feel", it is great to work with this company. They really have added value to the programs and messaging we are developing as a business.’

Stan Veltman, Vice President HR, DSM Pharmaceutical Products

‘The Corporate Story – or actually the person Jonathan Steffen – gives you a complete insight into the message you need to convey and supports the implementation of this from change management through text writing to brochure creation. Really a one-stop-shop for all communication and branding- related topics.’

Titus Looman, Director Process & Advisory Services, DSM Expert Centre

Loek Radix, Head of Corporate Controlling, DSM

‘The collaboration between The Corporate Story and SIGHT AND LIFE is now in its fourth year. We have enjoyed working with the company and the results have been very satisfactory. I am particularly pleased that Jonathan Steffen strives to understand his client very well and delivers services tailored closely to our needs. This also helped to ensure good coverage of SIGHT AND LIFE’s activities in DSM's 2007 and 2008 Triple P Reports. Please keep up the good work and continue listening carefully!’

Klaus Krämer, Secretary General, SIGHT AND LIFE