Behind the scenes, Mattijs Franken is just as active as he is on stage. He studied law and began his career at NS, where he held management and advisory positions. From 2017 to 2021, he was Managing Partner at Utrecht-based agency Frisse Blikken, where he was responsible for the Communication proposition. In this role, he advised major organizations on internal communication and leadership, and developed programs and events focused on strategy and leadership development. Mattijs is also Director and Board Member of Stichting de Ster, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the mental health and resilience of children and young people.
Mattijs Franken as a Conference Moderator
As a conference moderator, Mattijs naturally combines substantive content with an engaging atmosphere. He works with a wide range of clients across both the public and private sectors. His appearances are dynamic and always tailored to the audience: professional when needed, personal whenever possible. Mattijs is known for his flexible approach, his ability to connect with diverse audiences and his skill in making complex topics clear and accessible. His style is engaging, energetic and insightful, always keeping the human side of the story in focus. He is equally comfortable in smaller settings, such as podcasts and intimate talk shows, where he quickly establishes trust with guests and listeners.
Career
Alongside his work on stage, Mattijs is active as a podcast and radio presenter. He can be heard weekly on Yoursafe Radio and also works for RTV Utrecht. In addition, he develops and presents various radio programmes each year for major organisations. Music plays an important role in both his life and his performances. As a musical theatre performer, he regularly draws on his experience and passion to surprise audiences or move them in creative ways. He regularly performs in musicals and takes to the stage as a musician. His broad experience in communication, leadership development and youth work gives him a unique combination of in-depth expertise and stage presence.
