In Search of Evidence

Acknowledgments / Dankwoord
Steven ten Have, dankzij jou ben ik dit academisch avontuur begonnen. Wat
begon met een kop koffie in Zeist is geëindigd met zes internationale publicaties en
een promotie. In al die jaren heb je me gesteund, gemotiveerd en intellectueel
uitgedaagd. Ik bewonder je conceptueel en strategisch inzicht, maar vooral ook je
toewijding en geduld. Jouw vertrouwen in mijn kunnen gaf mij de energie om stug
door te gaan. Zonder jou was dit proefschrift nooit geschreven.
Denise Rousseau, I’m still glad I sent you my first paper in 2009. It was crap, but
you nevertheless invited me to come over to Chicago. The rest is history. You are
one of the world’s leading academics in the field of social sciences (and the best
paper doctor in the universe), but for me you are first and foremost a good friend.
You both challenged and trusted me — a wonderful combination — and always
made me feel quite brilliant. Thank you for the long walks, the road trips, showing
me Thoreau’s pond and teaching the girls how to make S’mores. I’m looking
forward to continuing our search for joy while trying to change the world.
Rob Briner, my evidence-based buddy, intellectual sparring partner and food
soulmate. Thank you for being a pain in the butt — your critical opinion helped me
to clarify my writing and to construct stronger arguments, while allowing me to
maintain my own style. You taught me that many academics are full of you-knowwhat
(just like managers) and that the only right answer to any question is ‘it
depends’. Thank you for coming along with me to all those adventurous (Tehran)
and beautiful (Taormina) places — giving presentations or doing workshops with
you is always so much fun.
Tony Kovner, my old friend, you were the first one to apply the principles of
evidence-based medicine to management. Your support meant a lot to me. Thank
you for introducing me to so many great opportunities and new experiences. I’m
looking forward to working with you at the new program at NYU Wagner. Keep
punching!
Barbara Janssen, mijn evidence-based maatje en mijn paranimf, samen met jou
heb ik de eerste academische stap gezet. Het idee om een systematic review te
doen was krankzinnig, maar we hebben het toch mooi geflikt (en ook nog een best
paper award gewonnen)! Dank je voor je toewijding, je was onmisbaar tijdens de