2025 – Systemic Coaching
With my part-time training as a “Systemic Coach – Change Management” at the INeKO Institute at the University of Cologne, I hope to achieve a complete professional realignment within my esteemed employer. In the long term, I am also considering a part-time, possibly self-employed activity.
2021 – Back to the Roots
After almost exactly 15 years, I returned to the consulting company in the heart of the Muensterland region. I was welcomed by colleagues I had grown fond of over the years and took on an exciting role as a “Portfolio Architect” and “Product Manager” in the area of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
2019 – Software Architecture
At one of the leading plastics manufacturing companies in Greven, I was responsible for the system architecture of the ERP system, including its interfaces, as an “ERP Solution Architect.” The established structures and the ever-changing market demands required flexible, scalable solutions and strong teamwork with other departments.
2016 – Changing Sides
What began as a job interview for an IT project manager position developed into a role as the IT Director of the company, which also had an additional production company in southern Germany. This was a fantastic challenge in an innovative, rapidly growing German mid-sized business. My responsibilities included ensuring the operation of the internal IT landscape and providing reporting to the Swiss parent company.
2015 – Working with Satya Nadella
A reorganization at my employer led me to a headhunter in London, who offered me a position as a project manager at Microsoft in Germany. I couldn’t resist, and after the application process, a dream came true. As a project manager, I was tasked with overseeing several projects after an in-depth onboarding. Looking back, I am very grateful for the experience and the opportunity to work for this company.
2000 – Millennium
In the last two years of my military service, I began preparing to return to civilian life, ultimately completing my training as a certified “Business Informatics Specialist (CCI).” Despite this qualification, breaking into the business world wasn’t easy, so I invested my severance package in specialized training in ERP systems. This led to my first position as an “ERP Specialist for Navision Financials” in Muenster, marking the end of my side business activities.
From then on, everything progressed rapidly. Within two years, I moved from initial programming tasks and client visits to managing small software implementation projects. Larger projects, and thus greater responsibilities, soon followed. A job change to Guetersloh gave me the opportunity to manage large, even international projects. This role enabled me to travel and work not just across Europe, but globally, including in the United States, Brazil, England, Spain, Italy, France, Poland, Switzerland, Austria, Russia, India, Dubai, China, Korea, Malaysia, and Australia.
1996 – BauerCom
With a foundation in commercial training, I was able to successfully run a side business while serving in the military. Alongside trading and producing custom PC systems, I offered services such as:
- Basic network installations
- Hardware upgrades and refurbishments
- Web design
- Consulting and training on Windows and Office applications
1994 – “The Green Mile”
My plans for furthering my studies in architecture were interrupted by mandatory military service. Shortly after basic training, I found a rewarding role in the administrative office (similar to an HR department) where I took on the challenge of digitizing and automating the daily routines for a company of around 120 comrades.
I developed a strong interest in IT-related tasks, taking additional courses and eventually extending my service time to six years to pursue further training. In my training to become a non-commissioned officer, I gained foundational skills in leadership, which later proved useful in both military and civilian contexts. Additionally, I completed an apprenticeship in office administration, passing an examination at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI).
1989 – Start of My Career
After finishing school, I completed a vocational training program as a painter and decorator, spending the following years primarily in construction, focusing on monument preservation. My responsibilities included maintenance and aesthetic repairs at a leisure center located in a former brewery.
The Beginnings
Even during my school years, I had an interest in computers—not so much for gaming but rather for applications and word processing. My journey started with machines like the Atari, Sinclair ZX Spectrum, C64, Amiga, and Commodore.
