1. You are the CEO, founder and co-founder of a number of different strategy and branding agencies, and your latest project is called OPN.ART. What is this project about, and which stages in your career led you to this point?

I started my career in the mid-2000s with renowned creative agencies, including Scholz & Friends. Since I was already very interested in digitization processes at the time, I moved to a tech company in 2010, where I was responsible for software-as-a-service solutions for well-known retailers such as Edeka and Hornbach. After three years, I began to miss the creativity and took over a Swedish agency specialized in digital transformation. I then spent an exciting time at Spotify as Head of Marketing for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Finally, I took the plunge and founded the FAKE AGENCY. With my agency I advise companies strategically and creatively, focusing on digital change processes.

My latest project is called OPN.ART, a project that’s close to my heart, which I founded together with my husband. OPN.ART is a platform that brings art lovers together with emerging artists. We increase the visibility of talented artists, and build bridges to interested patrons.

2. When and why did you decide to become a member of Office Club?

I became aware of Office Club because you regularly host networking and PR events for the meet-up scene. When we founded OPN.ART, we decided to set up our business address with you and to use the “Virtual Office” service. The fact that you can book rooms flexibly means that I’m always able to be on site whenever I need to. I particularly like the support I get, and the flexibility of the service. It fits perfectly with a startup's growth process.

3. Your work focuses on the digital transformation of companies. What would you describe as your greatest professional achievement in this field?

I get the best sense of achievement when I notice that clients are ready for change, when there is a genuine desire to initiate change processes. A common basis of trust and openness is key here. For example, we currently have an impressive start-up founder as a customer. She is an incredible visionary in her field, and has very clear ideas. However, she gives us a completely free hand in the creative process. This makes for a great collaboration.

4. What is your expert opinion as a digital entrepreneur and trailblazer: how will AI change the future of marketing?

AI will undoubtedly speed up work processes and relieve us of tasks we don't feel like doing, such as sifting through huge amounts of data or creating structures. It will help us filter data, prioritize, and communicate in a more targeted way. ChatGPT is a good example from my everyday work – I use it to correct and optimize my emails. At the same time, I think it's very important that AI is basically just a tool, and not to be equated with human intelligence. At the end of the day, as a human being, I still need to know what I want to communicate. Of course, I also think there’s a danger that certain professions and types of work will disappear if processes are radically accelerated and simplified by AI. As a society, we have to ask ourselves how we deal with it and what we want to do to counter it.

5. You mentor initiatives like “Redi” and “Startup Teens”. What’s your top tip for young founders?

First: don't start a business to get rich, but because you are passionate about your idea. Second: learn to listen. It's incredibly important to be able to observe well and listen carefully. By listening, I mean really understanding. For example, if you have a new idea, survey your target audience. Develop products or services based on what you hear. Listening is one of the most powerful skills a founder can have.

6. You are specifically committed to promoting female founders. What inner voices should women best ignore?

I advise women not to be intimidated by self-doubt. In job advertisements, for example, women are very hesitant to apply if they don’t fully meet all the advertised criteria. Men don’t have this problem! In my career, I've often been the only woman in the room, especially in fields where women are not traditionally as well represented. It’s not always easy, but these experiences shape and strengthen you. I learned to trust my instincts, and believed in myself despite the hurdles. I advise other women to do the same: believe in yourselves, and just do it!

7. Can you tell us about any professional failures or mistakes that taught you a particularly valuable lesson?

Mistakes happen, that's natural. I think it's how you handle them that counts. I learned a very good lesson once, when I noticed that I kept stumbling in the same places, and certain patterns in my behavior kept recurring. As a manager, for example, I have received feedback that I sometimes act too brashly. Hearing the same thing time and again taught me that I had to make some changes. I think it's very important to really reflect on things, and to have an appropriate environment and network that encourages you to do that.

8. You are active in so many areas, and certainly have a busy schedule. How do you manage to maintain a work-life balance despite all these commitments?

My day always starts with a half-hour jog in the morning. It gives me the energy I need, and helps me focus mentally and physically. Otherwise, I look to art for relaxation and inspiration: new impulses, encounters with people and different perspectives help me to clear my head. I am also lucky to have the right partner, who is not only my husband, but also a business partner, by my side. None of this would be possible in the same way without his understanding and our joint teamwork. We have a young daughter, and I make a point of spending a lot of time with her. Thanks to flexible working hours, we can manage that, too. Of course, there are exceptions: sometimes, not everything goes according to plan, and things get stressful. But seeing my daughter again often brings a smile to my face: it helps me find the necessary distance to things, and to know where my limits are.