Sjoerd Hogenbirk

Sjoerd Hogenbirk

Partner at Highberg

About Sjoerd

Sjoerd Hogenbirk is partner at Highberg and achieved two MSCs at the University of Utrecht in School of Governance and in Theology.

Sjoerd guides organizations through complex transitions. With a background in strategy execution, Sjoerd focuses on breaking through the patterns that hinder innovation. His motivation for “system cracking” stems from the conviction that societal challenges, such as the energy transition and the housing crisis, can only be solved through fundamental system changes. He believes in collaboration across borders and creating space for experimentation and learning. In this way, he aims to contribute to a future where organizations experiment not only efficiently but also with courage and vulnerability, and continue to push the boundaries.

He brings clarity to complex transitions by connecting ambition with humanity. His approach blends strategic depth with ethical awareness, inviting leaders to stretch system boundaries while staying grounded in people’s lived realities. He believes real change emerges when courage, reflection and collective action meet.

Want to know more? Connect with Sjoerd on LinkedIn.

Written by Sjoerd

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Article
7 min read
June 5, 2025
From Planning to Progress: Unlocking the Execution Challenge of the Energy Transition

The Dutch energy sector is facing its greatest transformation since WWII, as electricity demand rapidly outpaces the grid’s capacity. Grid operators must expand, reinforce, and digitalize their networks faster and smarter, while fundamentally rethinking how the energy system is planned and governed. This challenge goes beyond infrastructure, it requires a shift in mindset, strategy, and societal responsibility. As public institutions, grid operators play a vital role in ensuring the transition is not only effective, but also fair, inclusive, and widely supported. At Highberg, we are proud to support them in shaping a resilient and equitable energy future. The transformation these companies are undergoing offers valuable insights into the broader shifts shaping the sector. From our experience, real progress depends on five key transformation themes: Operational execution, external collaboration, competency development, strategy execution and performance driven culture.

Article
3 min read
January 2, 2024
Ethical working

Ethical working involves linking desired moral behavior to achieving performance. This includes taking responsibility for people and society when it comes to sustainability in the broadest sense of the word. It also involves the use and interpretation of data and the deployment of technology in digital transformations.

Article
4 min read
December 31, 2023
Team development according to Bruce Tuckman

These are the four stages of team development according to the renowned model by Bruce Tuckman (1936-2016). The model provides insight into the stages a team goes through to become a high-performing unit.

Article
3 min read
December 21, 2023
Sustainable behavioral change – this is how it sticks

How do you get people to be willing to change their behavior? In a way that the new behavior is permanent? At Highberg, we know that sustainable behavioral change requires more than a smart intervention. You have to change the drivers of behavior.

Article
1 min read
December 5, 2023
Organizational models based on essential principles: smart organizing

Read the article "Smart organizing" that Sjoerd Hogenbirk and Miriam Maan wrote for the journal TvOO on the website of professionalbegeleiden.nl or download it below.