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We had the chance to sit down with Celine Odding to learn more about her role at Coulisse, her background, and how she’s helping shape the future of AI within the company. Here’s what she shared:
“I’m an AI Engineer in the IT department,” Celine explains. “I joined Coulisse in July 2023, right after completing my master’s in Barcelona. It was a whirlwind—I hadn’t even finished my thesis when I secured the position! In fact, during my first week at Coulisse, I had to fly back to Spain to present my thesis.”Although she initially explored opportunities elsewhere, Celine found the role at Coulisse the most compelling. “The opportunity, the team, and the innovative work made it the right choice for me,” she shares.
“In the last month of my master’s, I was in talks with seven companies and had a few offers on the table,” Celine recalls. “One of them was Coulisse. A connection through Nelleke, from the legal team, introduced me to the IT Director and soon after, I was having a virtual chat while still in Barcelona. I got the job offer on the spot!”
“I love that Coulisse is a truly international company with clients around the world,” Celine says. “But what really stood out was the strong sense of community—everyone welcomed me warmly, and I instantly felt part of something bigger.” Celine also appreciates the autonomy and trust she’s been given. “Coulisse is always forward-looking, embracing new technologies. It’s an exciting environment where innovation is encouraged.” She adds, “Our department plays a unique role in Coulisse. We manage everything from data integration to security and IT support, so we interact with nearly every department. That makes my job dynamic and full of variety.”
Originally from Enschede, Celine moved to Amsterdam at 19 to pursue a bachelor's degree in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Amsterdam. “I extended the program to gain work experience at Bijenkorf, where I developed an AI-based outfit recommendation model for their website,” she explains. Afterward, she completed a master's degree in Data Science at the University of Barcelona. Celine enjoys making complex AI concepts more accessible. “Part of my job is bridging the gap between AI and people by explaining it in a way that’s easy to understand across departments.
“Every day is different," Celine says. "I work full-time, attending meetings with various departments to integrate AI solutions, while some days are dedicated to focused coding.” Flexibility is key for Celine. “Tonight, I’m heading to Ireland to a Microsoft event in Dublin.” She adds, “This year, I’ve attended several AI events, including one hosted by Heineken with major companies like KPN and Bol.com. Even though Coulisse is smaller, we’re ahead of the game in AI.” A highlight of her year was attending CES in Las Vegas in January, one of the world’s biggest tech events. “It was an incredible experience to see the latest AI advancements and connect with industry leaders,” she shares.
One of Celine’s main projects is the development of the Chatbot MotionblindsGPT, which requires collaboration with the engineering team to verify the accuracy of company data. “Reliable data is the backbone of our AI projects, particularly for our Chatbot MotionblindsGPT, on our website,” she explains. “The chatbot will assist customers by offering tailored answers based on the product they’re viewing, making customer service more efficient.” Additionally, Celine is working on AI applications for sales forecasting and customer segmentation to help the sales team stay ahead of changing customer needs.
“I try to work out four times a week,” Celine says. “Weightlifting helps me clear my mind, and I sometimes do Pilates. The flexible schedule at Coulisse is a big plus, too. When I was in Ireland, Coulisse even arranged an office space for me, so I don’t feel stuck working from home.”
I love creating impactful, innovative solutions that drive real change for the company,” Celine says. “Coulisse has a great culture—it’s goal-oriented but balanced with a healthy dose of fun. We celebrate successes together, and that really builds team spirit.” A standout experience for Celine was participating in a PPA session, where she and her colleagues gained insights into each other’s working styles. “It was truly eye-opening and significantly boosted our collaboration,” she recalls with a smile. “But honestly, the best part? The amazing parties!”
“Be open to new ideas,” Celine suggests. “Coulisse encourages creativity, and there’s always room for out-of-the-box thinking. If you’re someone who loves innovation, you’ll fit right in.” Celine also highlights opportunities for growth. “This year, I participated in the YEP (Young Employee Program), which helps young professionals advance in their careers.”
“AI is advancing rapidly, and there’s so much potential for Coulisse to tap into,” Celine says. “I see myself continuing in AI, helping the company grow its AI capabilities and guiding others along the way. The future is bright, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”