Just in case you’re asking yourself…
Are you specialised on any industry?
No. What I do and how I work is compatible with any industry, business model and organisational type. I am very familiar with the world and lingo of industrial engineering and I have worked for clients in regulated industries.
Do you work with specific functions?
It always depends on the type of mandate. Usually, I work with executive or management teams on overall strategy topics, HR for change & leadership topics, IT for planning and solution design and Corp Comms for intranet and communication packages. A lot of my work involves talking to and working with the actual business operations as well - in particular in requirements engineering and business case development.
What does your personal work toolset look like?
Microsoft 365 for productivity, communication & planning
Miro, Mural & Figma for workshop design, facilitation & complex conceptual work
SessionLab for workshop planning & timing
Grammarly to brush up English copy
Various iPad apps for sketching and illustrations (Sketches, Paper, Bamboo, SketchBook)
What size of companies have you worked for?
I’ve primarily worked for larger corporations (multi-divisional, global operating model) but have had mandates in smaller companies and NGOs as well.
Do you offer workshop design and facilitation training?
Oh yes! I would actually love to make a living by just working as a workshop design and facilitation trainer. Maybe the new post-Covid set-up will allow me to do that but for the moment I primarily coach project teams to pick up my ways of working and have an easier life.
Do you work on-site?
As soon as crazy Covid is over: yes, please. I have been a work-nomad for a long time and am very effective at working from remote locations. However, working with people requires non-verbal communication…and that gets lost in the virtual space.
What languages can you work in?
German is my mother tongue but since I am married to a Brit and due to over 15 years in global companies my English is more or less equally good.
How long are your engagements?
Usually between 4 to 6 months. Since I am trying to run all my mandates in coaching mode, I would expect the team I work with to be self-sufficient by then. Sometimes things take longer or I accept an (intermediate) project lead…but that’s rather the exception.
Are you a Technology Consultant?
No. Sometimes people get the impression that I am a bit nerdy (which is true) but I am far away from being a real geek. I keep telling my clients: whenever I start drawing up technical architectures on a flip chart, someone needs to take the pen away from me.
I speak enough “technology” to seamlessly and effectively work with IT and solution design teams, though.
Are you a Digital Service or User Experience Designer?
I wish I was. I have worked on the agency side of things in the early days of the intranet, so I have a fair talent for design. When it comes to professional UX or service design, I leave it to the pros, though. But I love getting involved and being the bridge between business, IT and design.