About us

We are Mavens

At the heart of our identity is our name: Mavens. A Maven is someone deeply committed to their craft - someone who continuously learns, adapts, and shares their knowledge to inspire and equip others. This name embodies not only who we are but also the values that guide everything we do.

At Mavens, a dedicated core team leads a diverse group of over 20 employees, all exemplifying what it means to be a Maven. Carefully chosen for their expertise, experience, character, and pedagogical skills, our employees bring a wealth of global knowledge and practical solutions to meet the unique needs of our clients.

The name Mavens also reflects our belief in collaboration and collective expertise. Every team member contributes unique skills and perspectives, honed through decades of operational experience in some of the world’s most demanding environments. Together, we transform this experience into meaningful solutions for our clients.

Choosing the name Mavens was intentional - it represents our commitment to equipping individuals, teams, and organisations with the tools and knowledge to navigate challenges with confidence. More than just a name, it’s a promise to deliver resilience through experience, innovation, continuous improvement, and delivering flexible solutions that is practical, relevant, and of the highest quality.

"Being a Maven means sharing what you know while staying open to what you have yet to learn"

The Management Team

CEO and co-founder

Lars Askvig

Lars brings a unique blend of specialised military training, humanitarian leadership, academic achievements, and expertise in emergency medicine.

With a bachelor's degree in International Emergency Management, an extensive career with the Norwegian Coastal Ranger Commando (KJK), and several years managing humanitarian projects in the Middle East, Lars now focuses on operations planning, crisis management, emergency medicine, and personal travel security.

He has advised on safety and security projects across the Middle East, Balkans, and Africa, and has been a key innovator in training standards across both humanitarian and military contexts.

Outside of work, Lars is a paraglider pilot, climber, and dedicated father of two.

Mail

COO and co-founder

Michael Weistra

Michael is a former Dutch Armed Forces officer and intelligence operative with over ten years of experience planning and leading intelligence operations around the world.

He is known for his practical, hands-on leadership style, focusing on simplifying complex situations and delivering effective results under pressure.

With a proven history of success in diverse environments, Michael’s expertise in human intelligence, surveillance operations, and strategic planning makes him a valuable leader at Mavens, strengthening partnerships, enhancing training and operational capabilities, and ensuring consistent team performance.

Outside of work, Michael is an avid outdoorsman, a passionate chef, and a devoted father of four.

Mail

What sets us apart

Scalability: Whether your needs involve a small advisory team or a full-scale training program, we have the capacity to deliver.
Tailored expertise: Our team members are handpicked for their unique skills and experiences, ensuring the best fit for your requirements.
Flexibility: Our agile structure allows us to adapt quickly, providing you with world-class support without the delays of larger organisations.

At Mavens, our strength lies in our diverse and talented team of professionals. Our partnerships, along with our network of dedicated instructors, consultants, and specialists, bring a wealth of expertise and experience to every project. While some are part of our core management team, many work in flexible, part-time, or freelance roles, allowing us to tailor our approach and deploy the right expertise for every challenge.

Our Mavens bring expertise from backgrounds in:

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs): Proficiency in humanitarian operations and crisis response.
Law Enforcement and Intelligence: Expertise in investigation, threat assessment, and strategic planning.
Military and Special Forces: Elite training and operational experience in high-stakes environments.
Specialised Security Fields: Skills in risk management, emergency medicine, and operational leadership.

Through the Mavens global network, we offer the expertise, cultural understanding, and practical experience to support your needs in any setting, whether in low-risk urban centres or remote and high-risk regions.

Our team of
Mavens

Our Story

Mavens was born out of a growing need for comprehensive, threat-based training and hands-on operational guidance. Recognising the reluctance of the security and training niche to adapt to evolving threats, we sought to breathe fresh life into the industry.

With a foundation in professional networks, unique experience, specialised expertise, education, and extensive travel, Mavens was created with one purpose:

To create resilient people, teams, and organisations through relevant, realistic training.

This purpose inspired our slogan:

"Resilience through Experience"

We go beyond training. At Mavens, we understand that practical application and real-world experience are critical for success. That’s why we complement our training services with hands-on operational support tailored to meet your needs.