I thrive when I'm part of a dynamic team, working together to tackle complex problems and uncover exciting business opportunities. I also enjoy crafting products that truly make a difference in people's lives.
When I have free time, you will find me exploring the great outdoors, seeking adventures, and, of course, indulging in some seriously tasty food!
Currently, Iโm based in Bochum, Germany.
During my studies in Geography, I had fantastic opportunities to explore remote and incredibly unique locations. Additionally, I have a deep passion for travel and occasionally venture on hiking trips with friends. Here are a few of those memorable journeys:
Hawaii - Big Island
In 2017, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Hawaii and participate in a four-week-long research expedition. During this expedition, we lived in a self-built basecamp and conducted 3D laser scans inside lava caves. It was definitely a lot of fun! ๐๐ด
Russia - Lake Baikal
In 2015, I was accepted to attend a summer school in Russia. We resided in a small village right on the shores of the enormous and stunning Lake Baikal, where we conducted marine and geological research. After the summer school concluded, I embarked on a three-day journey back to Moscow on the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Sweden - Canoe tour
In 2013 and more recently in 2022, I journeyed to Sweden with a couple of friends for an adventurous week-long remote canoe trip, where we only camped in tents. I'd highly recommend it for a proper digital detox! ๐ถ๐๏ธ
USA - West Coast
In 2014, I participated in a university excursion to the west coast of the USA, where we toured four national parks across seven states. I witnessed some of the most breathtaking natural scenery I've ever seen.
Greece - Road trip
I went on a road trip with some friends to explore most of Greece's countryside. It was one of the best trips I've ever taken! Meteora is truly a hidden gem.
Marokko - Road trip
In 2023, a good friend of mine and I embarked on a road trip to explore nearly all of Morocco's countryside. What a wild and stunning country! Fรจs, in particular, is an experience in itself.
To be continuedโฆ
My curiosity and sense of adventure make me a world explorer at heart, so this list is far from being finished yet! ๐๐
Being a product manager is all about diving into a field where I get to tackle real problems that have a big impact on people's lives. I love shaking things up, especially with the help of technology, to make things work better.
What really makes me proud is seeing these solutions come to life and make a difference.
The mix of Technology, Design, and Business is where I feel at home, and it's something that's fascinated me since I was a kid. This passion is something I want to carry with me throughout my life.
Product management isn't just about making plans and tasks. It's about deeply understanding the people who use our products. We always prioritize these people, focusing on qualities like empathy and being user-centered. These qualities, combined with a genuine interest in product and business data, give us the tools to see the big picture and make the right moves.
That's why I believe every company should have a skilled Product Manager. Our job is to figure out why we make decisions, to discover what people really need, and to create products that people truly want to use, not just things we can build.
In the world of product management, it's about creating products that truly connect with users, making their lives better, and driving outcomes.
The process to do this effectively is fairly straightforward:
- ๐งโ๐ฌ User-Centric Research and Continuous Discovery Start by collecting all the essential data to truly understand the problem at hand. If the data is not readily available, initiate the process of setting up relevant metrics and user insights through tools and ongoing user research. Collaboration with design and tech teams, as well as all stakeholders, is key in this ongoing discovery phase.
- ๐ก Creative Ideation Once we've gained a solid understanding of the problem or solution we're focusing on, it's time to brainstorm. We'll explore various ideas and concepts using effective techniques like design sprints, creativity methods, and Opportunity Solution Trees. Platforms like Miro can be a great aid in this phase.
- ๐ Prototyping for User Testing I believe in MVP as the "Minimum Viable Prototype." At this stage, we create a low to high-fi prototype for user research and testing, iterating as we uncover new insights. This step is vital in gaining a deeper understanding of the problem and avoiding unnecessary resource spending on rushed development.
- ๐ฏ User-Centric Prioritization with Diverse Methods Prioritizing features and scope is crucial, and we employ diverse methods such as the RICE Framework, the "Now, Next, Later" concept, and other suitable frameworks. These approaches allow us to continually reassess and adjust priorities based on user feedback and evolving needs.
- ๐ป Implementation with User Focus With a clear vision of the problem and a belief that our solution will effectively address it, we proceed with development, always with a focus on the user experience. We know exactly who we're building for and how it benefits both users and our business.
- ๐ User-Centered Optimization The optimization process is dynamic, considering factors like the company's phase, business priorities, and product vision. We set our goals and priorities for the next iteration, continually improving based on user research and feedback, ensuring we stay agile and responsive to evolving needs.
In all of this I take inspiration from the works of Marty Cagan, Lenny Rachitsky, Teresa Torres and many others.
I love to read! So I do lots of it. You can find my current reading list here.
In my free time, I cherish moments spent with family and friends, whether it's going on hikes or diving into engaging topics like AI, investing, web3, and personal development. These are the kinds of discussions I absolutely enjoy, so feel free to reach out!
I'm also the proud owner of a CMAS* diving license, even though I don't get to use it often. ๐ I've given surfing a try, but let's just say I'm not exactly a natural talent at it. ๐