(True. For two decades of professional life still quite short though, no?)
Some 20 years ago, I thought it might be a smart idea to become a playwright. Soon after, I realised that an artistic profession without a significant income is more of an expensive hobby. So I looked for side jobs, mainly in the field of communication.
"We need copy for the new website" often turned rather quickly into "What story do we actually have to tell about ourselves?". Bang, I was a content developer and communications strategist.
After planning quite a few campaigns, branding companies, curating exhibitions, relaunching websites and asking CEOs tedious questions, I eventually found myself in the innovation business.
From 2017 to 2019, I co-created a platform for cross-company collaboration. After that, I founded my own company together with my former boss. With our firm, we provide consulting services to cities and companies in the area of smart cities.
I still work as a communications dude today and help spin red threads and create compelling narratives. As a guest lecturer at ZHDK , I get on students' nerves with my idea of creative entrepreneurship once a year.
Since May 2023, I am in charge of the Prototype Fund Switzerland for Opendata.ch, a funding programme that supports the development of public good-oriented, sustainable technology in Switzerland.
(I can do German and English)
Smart Cities, urban sustainability
A journey from the first human settlements through today's cities to imaginable smart cities of tomorrow. (Tech plays an important but not the central role).
In English or German
15 / 30 / 45 / 60 minutes
Prices on request.
Failure culture, Storytelling, Innovation
If we don't experiment, we neither learn nor improve. The fear of failure threatens our success. This keynote is about the courage to mess things up.
In English or German
15 / 30 / 45 / 60 minutes
Prices on request.
Mental Health, Resilience
Based on my own history of mental illness, this keynote treats cities as patients. Why are they sick? How do we treat them? How could prophylaxis look like?
In English or German
15 / 30 / 45 / 60 minutes
Prices on request.
As a theatre maker who ended up in the tech and innovation sector, I combine the creative tools of theatre with entrepreneurial experience and the dynamic potential of technological innovation.
My own peculiar background ensures that you don't get cookie-cutter content from me, but fresh perspectives and provocative ideas - wrapped up in entertaining stories.
As a speaker and consultant, I build bridges between the arts, conceptual design, communication and technology - to point out alternative solutions, inspire deliberation and action, and to spark some courage where it is all too often lacking.
(I really do what I talk about.)
I develop formats, content and concepts that allow pretty much any message to reach its target audience.
I turn dry facts and complex information into gripping stories that no one falls asleep to.
As a coach, workshop facilitator and lecturer, I help people to develop ideas and implement them more creatively.
(Some the jobs that led me here)
For Opendata.ch, I am in charge of the Prototype Fund since 2023. We promote the development of public good-oriented technology.
With schaefer | hansen we develop and accompany projects in the areas of digital transformation, urban development and smart city. Also from 2019 - 2023, I was co-managing director of Smart Regio Basel.
Since 2006, I have been developing content, concepts and campaigns and supporting clients in the areas of storytelling and ideation under the label "TheWriteGuy".
As a guest lecturer at the ZHDK since 2018, I have been passing on to students what I learned about creative entrepreneurship as a theatre maker and entrepreneur.
Fluxdock is a digital collaboration platform that facilitates cross-company, agile, cooperative work in a secure environment.
FUTURZWEI reports on the commitment of responsible citizens, entrepreneurs and activists for a future worth living in.
After studying creative writing at the University of Arts in Berlin and a writer's scholarship with Peter Zadek, I toured the independent scene for 8 years and realised more than 20 productions on stages in four countries.
As one of seven out of around 300 applicants, I was given the opportunity to be trained as a playwright at the University of Arts in Berlin.
Theatre is characterised by tremendous momentum. Constant change, starting over again and again, making plans and continually throwing them overboard without losing orientation: all this requires the ability to be permanently adaptable. Same goes for the world of product development and innovation.
The more courage, creative solution-seeking, collaborative team spirit and transparent communication about perplexities, obstacles and mistakes are at hand, the better the end product will be.
As a consultant and speaker, I try to help convey this very mindset and help break out of linear thought and action processes. So that even more good people can develop even better solutions.
(A few clients to mention)
Head of content «Red Bull Media World»
Climate communication
Keynote Speaker
content development & dramaturgy
Development CI/CD, Website, launch campaign
Evaluation & communication
Evaluation & event dramaturgy
Keynote Speaker
Storytelling & communications
Outside Eye, exhibition planning
Relaunch Website
Storytelling
Coaching agile management, Storytelling
Development of communication campaign
In case you're still reading: thanks for your interest. Presumably there's a specific reason why you're spending so much time on this website. Either we're related (hi, Mum!) or you're looking for someone to give a keynote at your event, help you develop convincing communication measures or discuss innovation beyond the usual buzzword bingo. If that's the case, just get in touch. I'll pay for the first coffee (and the second one, too).
