Maurits: The Man Who Stood Up To NotPetya

Maurits Meijer is our reigning King of Data. He oversees his kingdom of code from a desk that looks like some sort of NASA launch control centre. We dragged him away from mission control to discuss data science, Mensa and taking on the NotPetya virus (the cyber attack).

Hi Maurits. Which track should people play while reading this?

Koop Island Blues by Koop.

A bit of electro jazz. Great choice. Right, what’s a Data Scientist?

Disclaimer: this is my own definition. Repeat it at your own risk. A Data Scientist is someone who uses technology to acquire, manipulate and deliver data products. More importantly, they discover relationships within big data sets that can be used to predict outcomes.

Sounds easy. What does your daily to-do list at Team Digital look like?

We’re currently upgrading customers to a new booking platform. Most of my time is spent maintaining and improving the data streams surrounding this migration process. When everything is smooth sailing, I spend my time making TNT more data-driven.

What were you up to before you joined TNT Digital?

I spent five years at an agency called NEWCRAFT working as a Digital Consultant and Data Artist. Before that I was actually an architect. I worked on a single project for 10 years — a hospital in the north of the Netherlands. At the time it was one of the most advanced hospitals in Europe.

So you studied architecture?

I did. Although I should add that some creative tinkering with the school’s network actually got me banned from it. My classes were taught with CAD software that was many versions behind. It was 2D and I needed 3D so I placed models in Second Life so people could see them properly. The school’s administrators didn’t like that and barred me from the network. Thus my working life began at the wise old age of 20.

Their loss was Data’s gain! On that note, what’s the difference between a Data Scientist and a Data Artist?

It was actually just a term created by my former agency because it sounded less scary to clients!

What’s the weirdest job title you’ve ever come across?

That would B.O.F.H or Bastard Operator From Hell. Google it.

You really went the extra mile after the NotPetya attack. What did you do?

I wasn't alone at TNT and FedEx Express in doing that. It gets quite technical, so let’s just say I re-used tools I created for another project, enabling me to put data to good use. In the end, we were able to keep some pretty important processes up and running.

What does a cyber attack fighter get up to outside the office?

I’m a co-parent to my two sons. Besides that, my fiancé lives in the US, so I spend quite some time travelling back and forth to San Francisco. I also like reading, writing and making music. I make folky, acoustic, singer-songwriter stuff. I have some songs on Soundcloud.

This is seriously fantastic! Finally, I saw on LinkedIn you’re a member of Mensa? What does it actually involve?

Yeah, it’s great. It’s just a social network for like-minded people. [Ed — who have ridiculously high IQs.] It’s worldwide so you get to meet and chat with people from every culture. It’s where I met my fiancé!

Lovely stuff. Now for the really important questions…

What’s your most prized possession?

My Alhambra 5P semi-acoustic Spanish guitar.

Describe your perfect morning.

Every morning is perfect because it means you’ve got another day.

Beer or wine?

Beer makes me cheer but wine is always fine.

What’s the last photo on your phone?

It’s how I proposed to my now fiancé last Sunday!

Want to work with a romantic data hero like Maurits? We’re always on the lookout for dazzling digital talent. Drop us a line!