My Blog

In 2023, AI was a small innovation box in our data strategy. Today it needs a central seat.

A colleague called my sense of urgency a strength. Lately I've started to see the other side of it.

I'm terrible at writing meeting minutes. My team isn't — and letting them own that is part of the job.

Digitale Souveränität, Open Source und Führung im KI-Zeitalter — Eindrücke von der SCCON 2026 in Berlin.

People expect a new tool to solve their problems. Sometimes the real problem is the data behind it.

Hiring AI specialists isn't always an option. Why not apply data mesh thinking to AI adoption — an AI Mesh?

Eight years between university and my first data job. I've stopped seeing them only as lost time.

Halfway through 100 Days of Year One — reflection and documentation beyond reach made the habit stick.

I analysed 48 posts: daily posting didn't win. I stopped optimising for reach and kept writing for reflection.

We rejected strong candidates for German — and my own first chance came thanks to language skills.

HR helps, but finding great people means networking, events, and active outreach — not waiting for the job ad.

When big org projects land without capacity, quality and satisfaction drop — the trade-off must be visible.

The idea worked. People paid. But without mental space, it couldn't become sustainable — and that's okay for now.

Eine interne Beförderung ist auch ein neuer Job — und ich hätte mir ein praktisches Inboarding gewünscht.

Good individual work isn't enough if delays quietly make everyone else's work harder.

Dankbar für Team, Kolleg:innen, sinnvolle Projekte und Raum zum Wachsen — 1 Jahr als Head of Data & Cloud.

Four causes of migration projects — and only one was within our control.

The 3 Rs from a cloud governance workshop — Rule, Rationale, Relief — and how we almost became the blocker.

I planned to present our achievements — instead I asked the team to add proud moments on a timeline.

Happy the dog introduced us to the whole village — connection starts with small talk and shared interest.

I underestimated carrying the full picture of every topic — and I'm learning to let go of ownership.

One third into the series — pausing to ask what I'm actually learning and building.

I said yes to a big new tool project at the wrong time on paper — because growth matters.

Before I send an invite, I check whether we need to discuss, interact, or build — or if remote is enough.

Years of code, infra, and cloud cost for a single user — effort is not value.

Starting a GoFundMe taught me that doing what you believe is right often means being uncomfortable.

Turning my favourite interview question around — how would you describe me in three words?

What my daughter's teacher taught me about strengths — and how I apply it to leading a team.

A small change at dinner with my kids — and what it taught me about practicing empathy at home and at work.

I missed a 100 Days post to start a GoFundMe for Xiaoding's animal shelter in Danyang — about €2,600 for rent.

Protecting 1:1 time sends a simple message: you matter. And you can manage up too.

7–10 hours a week on LinkedIn, 1–1.5 hours per post — show up, and keep refining.

Giving back through Walk & Talk — and what I learned from Hamza Ayaz along the way.

I asked my team to show up on office day while I wasn't — until a peer told me the truth.

Macht isn't a word we like to say out loud — but leadership comes with power, and I choose how to use it.

My most successful LinkedIn post was about data strategy. Nine months later, I still hadn't started — and what I'm changing for year two.

A second mentorship slot in the late afternoon — because not everyone is an early bird.

I paused an interview halfway through to give the candidate honest feedback — and the conversation got more real.

From culture shock in Berlin to organizing neighborhood festivals — why communities don't move by themselves.

Free 20–30 minute mentorship calls during my morning dog walks — with one clear ask in return.

Before you become a manager: ask yourself about people work, rest, and letting go of hands-on technical work.

What AI can summarize about your year, what only you can answer — and the belief I no longer hold.

The first change I introduced was unpopular — months later, a colleague told me he missed it when it didn't happen.

We didn't hire a strong senior engineer with A2 German — and what that taught me about team function and culture.

Why I added a fixed Kudos slot to our Tech & Code sessions — and how public appreciation lands differently.

A working mom's day from 5:30am to publish time — and how a public commitment made writing stick.

How I structure monthly 1:1s so they become space for managing up, feedback, and real conversation.

A teammate quietly did my workshop follow-up work without being asked — a small moment that stays with me.

How we make confident hiring decisions in a single 90-minute panel interview.

Starting another 100-day challenge: looking back at my first year as a leader.

Celebrating 100 days as Head of Data & Cloud with reflections on leadership lessons, team feedback, and excitement for what's next.

After missing hands-on coding, I built a full-stack Holiday Planning App using various AI tools, comparing ChatGPT, Lovable, Cursor, and Google Antigravity (Gemini 3 Pro).

Reaching out to the data leader community for insights on building an integrated data and cloud strategy, including questions about structure, pillars, and stakeholder involvement.

Sharing two powerful mentoring success stories and reflecting on the impact of believing in people, the reciprocal nature of mentorship, and the importance of confidence.

Eine persönliche Reflexion über körperliche Signale bei Stress, Bauchschmerzen als Warnsignal, und die Wichtigkeit, auf den Körper zu hören, bevor Grenzen überschritten werden.

Eine persönliche Geschichte darüber, wie eine einfache To-Do-Liste meiner Tochter half, und wie Struktur sowohl im Familienalltag als auch in der Arbeit Freiheit ermöglicht.

An honest reflection on the privileges that made the journey from full-time mom to data leader possible, and acknowledging that not everyone has the same resources.

Waking up at 2am with jet lag leads to creating an AI tool in 30 minutes and reflecting on the challenges facing junior developers in the AI age.

Reflecting on a first trip to America and Canada, exploring the American Dream, immigration history, cultural differences, and observations about both countries.

Reflexion über den selbstorganisierten Purpose-Workshop mit dem Team und die Erkenntnisse über Team-Entwicklung, Motivation und gemeinsame Ausrichtung.

Reflecting on the shift from hands-on coding to leadership, and what actually fills a tech leader's time when code becomes a small part of the role.

Sharing the story of the Working Mom Project and how helping a single mom re-enter the workforce through creative freelancing demonstrates that empowerment comes from believing in one's potential.

Sharing a mentorship story about helping a master's student navigate the job market, and the importance of structure in turning ambition into actionable steps.

Reflecting on the importance of understanding ML/DL fundamentals before jumping into AI tools, and sharing resources for continuous learning.

Reflecting on meeting Alexey in person, the impact of DataTalks.Club courses on my career, and the upcoming podcast collaboration.

Celebrating two years at NOW GmbH and reflecting on the unexpected journey from Senior Data Engineer to Head of Data & Cloud, and the transformation that led to this role.

Eine wichtige Reflexion über Wertschöpfung, Leistung und den wahren Zweck von Leadership - inspiriert durch ein Coaching-Gespräch.

Reflecting on the first four weeks of leadership and the importance of having role models, supporters, and structured learning paths to build confidence.

Reflecting on the decision to introduce daily check-ins, the value of clear communication, and learning when leadership requires making a call rather than seeking consensus.

Reflecting on a week packed with meetings and sharing principles for making meetings more effective and collaborative.

A serendipitous encounter on the train home from IAA Mobility with Ulrich Podzuweit, designer of the Berlin double-decker bus SD 200, and reflections on the beauty of solo travel.

Reflecting on the importance of connecting technical work to real-world outcomes, based on my experience as an exhibitor at IAA Mobility.

Sharing highlights from our weekly tech & code session, successful repository migration, and implementing data mesh approach for data ownership.

Reflecting on the mental load of leadership and the importance of taking breaks, even when the task list keeps growing.

A heartfelt reflection on my 5-year journey from full-time mom to Head of Data & Cloud, sharing the challenges, strategies, and lessons learned along the way.

Wrapping up my first week with positive feedback and key learnings about leadership, communication, and staying hands-on.

How my technical background shaped my approach to leadership and team management.

Reflections on my first day in the new role and what I'm most excited about.

A personal journey from being a full-time stay-at-home mom to data science, sharing the challenges, learnings, and triumphs of career transition while raising two children.