The Power of Being Surrounded by People Who Inspire You. Fokko’s Story

Most people assume Fokko Veegens is at least ten years younger than he really is. Not because of how he looks, but because of his energy, curiosity, and the way he constantly searches for what’s next. “I’m almost 50,” he says with a grin, “but I still feel like I’m just getting started.” That mindset—choosing movement over comfort—has shaped his entire career. 

Fokko began as a software developer, moved into consultancy, became a team lead, built DevOps units, and even taught at The Hague University. He loved inspiring students. In fact, his DevOps course consistently received feedback like: “This is the best class of our entire degree.” But even when things were going well, he refused to stand still. “I was always the one pulling the cart forward,” he says. “At some point, you need to surround yourself with people who pull you forward too.” 

That moment came when he realized he was ready for something new. Years earlier, many of his colleagues—people he deeply respected—had left to join Xebia. At the time, he stayed because he was still enjoying growth. But when that growth slowed, the choice became clear. “People asked me why I didn’t join them earlier,” he says. “Honestly? Back then, I was happy. But when I was ready to move, there was no other option. It was Xebia or nothing.” 

Why Xebia Was the Only Option 

For Fokko, the decision wasn’t about money, title, or prestige. It was about culture. Every other IT company felt corporate, predictable, and boxed in. Xebia felt different—creative, bold, slightly rebellious in the best possible way. 

“You see the graffiti walls, the insane Techorama stand, the stickers, the events… those aren’t just marketing,” he explains. “They’re signals of a culture where people are allowed to think differently. To build differently. To have fun while doing great things. I wanted to be part of that.” 

He didn’t just want a new job—he wanted new energy. 

Movement Means Reinvention 

Joining Xebia didn’t mean continuing what he already knew. It meant reinventing himself—by choice. Despite decades of DevOps and ALM experience, he decided to dive deep into GitHub, an area where he was far less experienced. 

“I basically joined as a rookie again,” he says. “And I loved it.” 

Instead of being labelled “the senior,” he was trusted to explore, learn, and grow. When he told Rob he wanted to specialize in GitHub, the answer was simple: “Let’s go.” Within weeks, he was working on a high-stakes GitHub project at ASML—complex, fast-paced, and full of challenges. 

“Those are the situations where you grow the fastest,” he says. “When you’re pushed, supported, and trusted.” 

That trust continued when Xebia colleague Dennis Thie involved him in leading official GitHub webinars—for GitHub’s own customers. At first he observed, then he co-presented, and eventually he became a go-to voice. It wasn’t just a learning opportunity. It was proof that at Xebia, freedom is not just permission—it’s belief in your potential. 

“Freedom to choose your path. Knowledge to grow. Results that make people happy. And people who inspire you — that’s everything.” 

The Power of Being Surrounded by Inspiration 

This line sums up everything for Fokko: 

<strong>“When I see what colleagues build here, I honestly believe we can take on the whole world.”</strong> 

He’s not exaggerating. He describes teammates building interactive installations for the Techorama stand—blending 3D printing, hardware, programming, and imagination. “It blows my mind what people come up with. The creativity, the technical skill, the passion. It makes you want to raise your own game.” 

That energy is contagious. At his previous job, ideas were met with hesitation. At Xebia, ideas are met with “Let’s build it!” and “I’ll help.” Innovation isn’t a department—it’s a mindset that spreads. “When passionate people surround you,” he says, “knowledge multiplies and energy explodes.” 

People-First in Action 

A lot of companies say “people-first.” Xebia shows it. 

When life happens, you’re supported without hesitation or red tape. Milestones are celebrated with real attention, and families are part of that circle too. Whether it’s birthdays, tough moments, or unexpected turns, there’s always a thoughtful gesture that reminds you you’re not just an employee—you’re part of something that genuinely cares. 

And people-first doesn’t just mean flexibility—it also means protecting happiness. “I’ve seen us stop working with clients when the assignment wasn’t a fit anymore,” he says. “Not because of revenue, but because our people weren’t happy. That takes courage. And it makes you feel valued.” 

Pride in the Movement 

It didn’t take long for pride to settle in. “Within two months, I was like: this is my place.” But one moment stands out above the rest. “GitHub Universe,” he recalls. “My first year. My probation period literally ended mid-flight. And then Xebia was announced as GitHub Partner of the Year. To be standing there and think, ‘I’m part of this’—that was epic.” 

Pride at Xebia isn’t about ego. It’s about being surrounded by excellence and belonging to it. 

Innovation with Energy: Hackathons 

If there’s one thing that captures Fokko’s passion, it’s hackathons. Not just attending them, organizing them. 

“We’ve done hackathons internally and for clients, and the energy in the room is insane,” he says. “People build things in a day they never thought possible. You watch them surprise themselves. That instant impact, that creativity...it’s addictive.” 

And at Xebia, if you want to create that experience, you don’t need permission. You just do it, and people show up with enthusiasm. 

What Moves Fokko 

When asked what drives him, he answers without hesitation: freedom, knowledge, and results. Freedom to choose your path. Knowledge to keep learning. Results that genuinely make people happy. But then he adds one more thing—the most important of all: being surrounded by people who inspire you. 

Because inspiration fuels movement. Movement fuels growth. And growth—shared, contagious, fearless—is what defines Xebia. 

“The world is changing fast,” he says. “But when you’re surrounded by passionate people, you don’t just keep up, you set the pace.”