“This nomination is not just a milestone, but a reminder of why I do what I do: to drive meaningful change, to lift people up and to help build an inclusive future where everyone can thrive.”

Lien Gillis nominated for Rising Tech Star      of the year 2026.

We’re proud to announce that our colleague Lien Gillis has been nominated for the DataNews She Goes ICT – Rising Tech Star of the Year 2026 award. 
 
This recognition celebrates women who push boundaries, drive meaningful change and shape the future of tech. Lien embodies all these values and more. With her blend of innovation, structured leadership and people-first mentality, she’s a powerful force for positive transformation within AE and beyond. 

Her nomination also continues AE’s strong track record at the She Goes ICT awards, following earlier wins by Sophie Traen (Rising Tech Star 2025), Ayla Cremmery (Young ICT Lady 2021) and Valerie Taerwe (Young ICT Lady 2017). 

So, let’s continue this tradition of excellence and aim for another well-deserved win.

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This workshop will provide you with value if:

→ You are wondering if you need a data & AI strategy, or if you can just start with use-cases.

→ You want to know which skills or roles you need to valorise your data & AI investments.

→ ​You are struggeling with how you can get ROI out of data & AI.

→ You are unsure data & AI can mean for your type of business.

→ You are interested in creating a data & AI roadmap.
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This workshop is not the right fit if:

→ You already have a well-equipped Data & AI department.​

→ You already manage to align business with data & AI strategies.​

→ You already have a data & AI driven organization.

Discover our other resources

Why Lien deserves your vote

 

Expertise in depth & breadth

A leader who delivers impact 

Over the past decade, Lien has consistently turned complex challenges into measurable impact. A standout example is the Fluxys Truck Self-Loading initiative, where she coordinated teams and systems to fully automate LNG truck loading. 

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A strategic force in transformation 

At GS1, Lien works alongside the CIO to shape the project portfolio and IT strategy, bringing structure, clarity and alignment to complex environments. Within AE, she leads our AI Program, defining how we position and apply AI to create real market value and support AE’s long-term vision. 

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A champion for Inclusion 

As a mother of two daughters, she is driven to help future generations grow up free from bias. She plays an active role in shaping AE’s Inclusivity Charter, embedding lasting cultural change across the organisation. She also volunteers with Hack Your Future and WeGoSTEM, empowering underrepresented groups and inspiring young students. 

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A trusted coach and role model 

Lien is a valued mentor to younger consultants at AE. Her leadership blends empathy, structure and integrity, enabling others to grow and succeed. Colleagues describe her as the person who brings order to complexity, unites stakeholders and elevates every team she works with. 

 

 

This workshop will provide you with value if:

 

→ You are wondering if you need a data & AI strategy, or if you can just start with use-cases.

→ You want to know which skills or roles you need to valorise your data & AI investments.
​
→ ​You are struggeling with how you can get ROI out of data & AI.

→ You are unsure data & AI can mean for your type of business.

→ You are interested in creating a data & AI roadmap.

 

When this workshop is not the right fit:

→ You already have a well-equipped Data & AI department.​

→ You already manage to align business with data & AI strategies.​

→ You already have a data & AI driven organization.

Discover our other resources →

What you can expect from our afternoon?

13h15 - 14h00

About becoming Data & AI driven and pragmatically creating value.​

An inspiration session on what works and what doesn’t. An approach which allows you to focus on business value.

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14h15 – 15h15​

Interactive data capability assessment​

Heavy assessments have their time and place. But our goal here is to map your current initiatives so you have a bird's-eye view of everything that is going on. In a fun and interactive way using a card game we developed in-house.

 

Outcome

Screenshot 2025-07-09 165356You'll receive the card game and all the insights that we collected during the session.

 

 

15h30 – 16h45​

Choose your data adventure

Together with our experts, we will take some time to deep-dive into one of these topics: 

  • Data & AI Strategy​
    How do I align my business objectives with my data & AI investments?
    ​​
  • Data & AI Portfolio / cases​
    How do I identify and prioritize data & AI use cases to support my business?
    ​
  • Data & AI Product working​
    How do I focus on business value creation without large investments?
    ​
  • Data & AI Capabilities​
    How do I solve specific data & AI related challenges, such as data quality, data management, data literacy, …

 

Outcome

An executive summary of improvement steps for your challenges ahead by AE experts.​

Don't take our word for it

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Lien combines profound knowledge with a humane approach. She drives complex projects forward while ensuring every stakeholder feels valued.

Senne Van den Bergh

IT Director GS1

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Her inspiring personality and strong moral compass make her an exceptional role model for the next generation of women in technology.

Mark Mampaey

Hive Lead Transformation at AE

 

How you can support Lien

Lien's nomination is about more than just an award. It’s about recognising the importance of diversity and inclusion in shaping the future of technology. Your vote can amplify her voice and inspire countless others to follow in her footsteps.  

Cast your vote here (needs url) and help us celebrate Lien and all the women shaping the future of technology. 

Everything we need for success

Brightspace

A perfect off-site venue with all the equipment to guide you through an inspiring and fruitful afternoon workshop with AE.​

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Real life use cases​

Different organizations, different approaches. There is no one-size fits all. However, they can inspire you to find your size.

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Five experts at your disposal.

Experts from different expertise domains within data & AI will be there to guide you. 

Vincent Verstraete AE TAELK

Vincent Verstraete
Enterprise architect

Jeroen Ruytings-1

Jeroen Ruytings
Data Platform Architect

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Gertjan Vanlook
AI strategist & Architect

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Emma Houben
Product owner 

Foto Emma workshop

Emma Houben
Product owner