1. What is your professional field of activity?
As a graduate in business administration with an additional MBA, I manage a small but reputable language institute. Our range of specialised services is aimed at expats and managers of German companies, to whom we convey in-depth knowledge in German, English and Dutch within the context of exclusive individual training courses. Intensive courses where the aim is to learn a language in a very short time account for a large proportion of our training offering. While Düsseldorf serves as a strategic location, our offering extends far beyond the city limits: We offer personalised online lessons throughout Germany, which are tailored to the specific needs of our clients. At our institute, one thing is treated with the utmost priority: maintaining the highest level of professionalism. We live up to this claim with a small but team characterised by expertise and a passion for languages.
2. What have been the most important milestones in your professional career?
In 2010, I laid the foundation for my career by setting up a training institute. This was followed by further academic success: I graduated with a degree in business administration in 2012, before completing my MBA in 2014 and my teaching degree in 2016. At the same time, my experience as the manager of an events agency until 2020 enriched my life immensely. The numerous trips I have made within this role and my encounters with different cultures around the world have not only shaped my personality, but also my teaching approach, especially when dealing with expats. These diverse experiences enabled me to develop a deep understanding of my students' cultural backgrounds and to adapt my teaching accordingly.
3. What made you decide to become a member of the Office Club?
Having compared various providers online and visited a select few in person to acquire a better impression of them, I was immediately convinced by Office Club and quickly signed up as a member. The location, the office space, and the friendly reception were simply fantastic. It was very important to me that my business address was on Königsallee in Düsseldorf. The street and the neighbourhood have a unique atmosphere, and here I am surrounded by companies that I want to work with. What’s more, it also looks simply fabulous here.
4. Which Office Club services do you make use of and how are they of benefit to you?
At Office Club, I make use of a range of services that provide me with ideal support as I conduct my business and my everyday working life: a business address with a company sign for a professional presence, a permanent workplace in Düsseldorf, 24/7 access for flexibility, and a flat rate for beverages. My next step will be to move to a permanent office.
5. What encounter would you say had a defining influence on you in your professional career?
20 years ago, I had a formative encounter with the owner of a world-famous food company. This individual told me that, in his experience, it was far more beneficial to focus on a niche market than to try to appeal to the masses. I have taken this advice to heart ever since, which has had a lasting and positive impact on my business success.
6. Keyword - Culture of failure: Looking at your career path up to this point, what would you do differently today?
Before my time travelling between 2010 and 2020, during which I had the opportunity to get to know numerous cultures, I worked as CEO for an Asian company. This experience taught me the importance of familiarising myself with a culture before entering into business relationships. Although I by no means failed in this position, I realised that thorough preparation and a deeper cultural understanding would have been of great advantage.
7. What qualities do you believe to be crucial to successful self-employment?
In my professional field as an independent teacher, cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and clear communication are crucial. I place great value on empathy, patience, and global thinking, with a view to promoting an inclusive but also an interesting learning environment. Continuous learning and professionalism are essential if I am to do justice to my students from different cultures. Here, I rely on the use of creative teaching methods.
8. How do you relax after a long day at work?
After a normal working day (they're all long), I cook something tasty, switch off my mobile phone, sit down in front of the TV and watch a series. I enjoy this time of peace and quiet, without any news or business input.