1. What I like about my job
My freedom. As a freelancer, I can organize my time freely, choose projects that I enjoy, work with people that inspire me and don't have to answer to anyone. This is priceless.
2. What sometimes frustrates me
That sometimes I get in my own way. I am my toughest opponent. Where I praise others, I am hard on myself, constantly trying to improve my performance and (of course) never manage to meet my own requirements. That is sometimes quite tiring. But at least I am aware of it and work on making this enemy in me a friend.
3. My secret alternative job
There are many: Opera singer, pianist, Hollywood star. But also bookseller, pharmacist or tea expert! I can neither sing nor play the piano well, but if I could, I would definitely conquer the world with it. The second area is closer to reality, although these three ’hidden’ professions are of course strongly romanticized in my imagination.
4. Best strategy to survive a really bad day at the office
Take a deep breath, go out into the fresh air, ‘do nothing’ for 5 minutes and write down ten times what a great, successful, happy day it is today. Guaranteed to help.
5. When are you in the famous flow
When the day has started very early with running in the forest and I sit on the terrace with my laptop in the sunshine. At my side I have green tea, a clear calendar, all sounds from my mobile phone and laptop on mute. In winter it is the crackling of the fireplace and the warmth on my back instead of the sunshine.
6. Biggest success so far
My children. Sounds cliché, but it’s definitely true. They’re both fantastic and no amount of success, professional or other, will ever top them.
7. Biggest defeat
It was also a big gain: I lost a lawsuit in a nasty legal battle with my ex-employer. I will never forget the feeling of deep humiliation and unbelievable injustice at the judgement. But: I did not give up. I won in the second instance and I started my freelance career much stronger. In everything that’s bad, there’s always silver lining.
8.
Worst buzzword
Diversity. Unbelievably important, without question, but I am extremely upset by how many companies use it as a pure marketing factor.
9.
Best reward after a hard week at work
Several hours of sauna with a friend or my husband. Reading, sauna, sleeping, eating well – fantastic, like a week's holiday.
10.
Home office or in-house
Home office for me, but that's because I'm a freelancer. If I were employed: 50/50 .
11. Most important traits a colleague/business partner must have
Empathy. It doesn't help if you are a top professional, can organize and structure excellently and then ultimately cannot understand your counterpart or be sensitive to someone.
12. Your creative hack
Out in nature. Walking, playing sports, looking into the distance and listening to the nature around you. Then the inner voice speaks relatively quickly and overflows with great creativity.
13. First website to check in the morning
LinkedIn.
14. Favorite digital tool
Slack and zoom.
15. In which book or series have you learned the most for your (work) life?
"7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey – definitely the beginning of a completely new mindset.
16. Which series, book or podcast can you generally recommend?
If I have to choose, it's this one: "The Power of Your Subconscious Mind" by Dr. Joseph Murphy, as ‘life-changing’ as Stephen Covey. If I may name a second one, which has left an incredible impression on me, it is "Goals" by Brian Tracy.
17. Most prominent follower on a social channel?
Social media is definitely not one of my strengths – at least I don't use it much. Therefore, there are no celebrities among my followers, but a lot of wonderful people who help me to get ahead and share my (few) posts. For example, Vera Schneevoigt, my mentor – maybe not primarily a celebrity, but an admirable, great person who accompanies me on social media.
17 and a half: What has always been...
... tempting: To take a whole year or several months off as a break. Travel around the world, stop wherever it keeps me, move on when the time comes. The children are still too young for that, but it's on my schedule for the future. Together with my wonderful husband – after all I need someone to share all the new experiences with.
