Rabobank leader and BASEQ AI co-founder on lessons in influence, resistance, and EQ.
In today’s business landscape, where technology, risk, and innovation move at unprecedented speed, leaders must be both technically strong and strategically influential. In complex digital environments, subtle leadership skills can mean the difference between success and stagnation. How do you gain buy-in for change without ignoring resistance? And how do you ensure your message truly lands?
Turkmen Demirci, Lead Software Engineer, Rabobank and Co-Founder BASEQ AI
Turkmen Mustafa Demirci navigates these questions daily. As Java Chapter Lead / Lead Software Engineer at Rabobank and co-founder of BASEQ AI, he works with teams on innovative solutions, from predictive AI models to risk assessment frameworks. Recently, he attended Prof. Marwan Sinaceur’s leadership program, an experience that not only gave him new tools for influence, but fundamentally reshaped his perspective on leadership.
“Learning when not to speak can drastically change the dynamics of influence and decision-making.”
The power of strategic silence
For Demirci, one of the most striking insights was discovering the power of strategic silence in leadership. “It sounds simple, but learning when not to speak, and allowing space for others, can drastically change the dynamics of influence and decision-making. It’s something most professionals overlook, but it has a transformative effect when practiced with intention.”
From resistance to partnership
When he joined the program, Demirci was grappling with a familiar challenge: how to navigate resistance to change in complex, technology-driven environments. His perspective shifted dramatically: “Throughout the program, I learned to reframe resistance not as opposition, but as a valuable indicator of where deeper understanding or empathy is needed. It completely shifted my approach to change management, from ‘overcoming’ to ‘partnering’.”
This new mindset naturally led him to think more carefully about how his ideas were received and how tailoring the message could turn initial hesitation into genuine support.
Tailoring influence to the audience
At Rabobank, Demirci works at the intersection of technology, risk, and innovation. It didn’t take long for him to put lessons from the program into practice. ”One lesson I’ve embraced is the importance of tailoring influence strategies to different stakeholder personalities.”
He illustrates this with a powerful example: “At Rabobank, we recently introduced a new risk modelling framework. By recognizing how each leader processes uncertainty, I was able to adjust the messaging, focusing on analytical rigor for some, and long-term strategic value for others. It helped us gain faster alignment and trust across departments.”
“Emotional intelligence is a core leadership skill, not a soft add-on, but a strategic asset.”
Teaching with impact
Demirci credits many of his new perspectives on leadership to Prof. Marwan Sinaceur’s engaging, thought-provoking, and refreshingly human teaching style. “He blends rigorous academic insights with real-world anecdotes, encouraging us to challenge assumptions and think critically. What stuck with me most was his emphasis on emotional intelligence as a core leadership skill, not a soft add-on, but a strategic asset.”
Leading with intention and impact
If he had to recommend the program to a peer, Demirci is unequivocal: “This program is a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their influence and drive meaningful change. It equips you with practical tools, deep psychological insights, and a fresh perspective on leadership that goes beyond the textbook. If you’re ready to lead with intention and impact, this is where to start.
Want to lead change more effectively?
Join one of Prof. Marwan Sinaceur’s highly rated executive programs at the Amsterdam Institute of Finance, that help you turn these insights into action: Leadership: Influencing People & Managing Change and Decision-making in high-stakes situations. Learn more about Prof. Sinaceur, explore the programs & enroll here.
Meet Turkmen Mustafa Demirci
Java Chapter Lead and Lead Software Engineer at Rabobank, with a passion for technology, innovation and risk management. Also co-founder of BASEQ AI, the platform that leverages predictive and generative AI to make advanced analytics accessible to all business teams. Connect with him on LinkedIn to share insights and ideas.
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