Why do I coach?

I coach because I believe that meaningful change starts with us. To put it in the words of my former professor Otto Scharmer: All ecological and social crises we see today are rooted in the spiritual crisis. If we want to change the world for the better, we need to start with ourselves focusing on our inner transformation. Throughout my journey, the guidance of mentors and coaches has been instrumental in transforming challenges into opportunities. Growing up as a first-generation student from a low-income background in rural Germany, pursuing higher education at world-renowned institutions seemed like a distant dream. However, with the support of amazing mentors and relentless determination, I overcame significant barriers, securing full funding and thriving at schools like Harvard and UC Berkeley. Traveling the world on my own, studying demanding programs at thought-provoking institutions, and training to be a leadership coach have allowed me to experience transformational learning. I realized that when we grow, we not only change our own lives but also create ripple effects that impact communities and the world. This foundational belief fuels my passion for coaching. I aim to empower others to discover their strengths, navigate uncertainties, and step confidently into leadership roles, fostering both personal growth and systemic change. Coaching is my way of giving back—supporting individuals as they embark on their own journeys of transformation and equipping them with the tools to make a lasting, positive impact.

Work Experience

AI Researcher

Harvard University

June 2024 - Present

After my master's thesis on "The role of AI in Leadership Development" earned distinction, I was hired by Harvard's Center for Public Leadership to explore the integration of GenAI in the Adaptive Leadership Class.

Leadership Coach

Harvard Kennedy School of Government

August 2023 - Present

As a Course Coach, I am a member of Professor Timothy O'Brien's Adaptive Leadership teaching team. In the past, I have supported 20+ Harvard Graduate students in their learning journeys, coaching small groups, grading submissions and co-designing the learning experience.

Founder

BeChange

September 2021 - Present

Leadership & Consciousness Coach | Workshop Facilitator | Public Speaker | Moderator My mission is to activate the innate power of people to become agents of positive change in their own lives, communities, and society. I offer tailored one-on-one coaching grounded in my academic knowledge as well as personal experience. Currently, I am supporting clients with the development of their social impact businesses by guiding them through the inner work (working on their self-awareness and perception, overcoming self-sabotaging mechanisms, improving storytelling skills etc.) that is fundamental in their endeavors. I have extensive experience working with women and youth. For example, my online group coaching program "From Good Girl to Badass" has built an uplifting, diverse community of young women from 15+ countries across four continents. In the past, I have moderated discussions, joined panels, or organized workshops for universities (e.g. Leiden University), nonprofits (e.g. Women in Innovation & Leadership), and foundations (e.g. START Foundation).

Project Intern

The People Creative Institute

June 2024 - August 2024

While studying Public Policy, I started wondering: "What would it take to make policy-making more engaging and fun?" Soon after, I came across the innovative and creative approach of the Colombian Mayor Antanas Mockus, who had used artistic interventions to transform the City of Bogotá and address challenges like violence against women or traffic safety. I immediately knew this is the kind of work I would love to explore! This is how I ended up working with New York City's Artist in Residence, Yazmany Arboleda, supporting him with his projects with the Civic Engagement Commission of NYC and the establishment of the new People's Creative Institute. The mission of The People's Creative Institute is to create expansive art projects that transform public spaces alongside the people who use them. During my internship, I supported the storytelling of the new organization by leading the development of a documentary that highlights the impact of Yazmany's creative civic engagement projects. I also identified potential partners and donors and helped establish new partnerships, most notably with the Museum of Modern Art.

Education

Harvard Kennedy School

Master of Public Policy

2022 - 2024

- McCloy Fellow, $150,000 scholarship (1 of 6 Germans every year who are fully funded to study at Harvard) - worked as Course Couch for the famous Adaptive Leadership Classes - took classes in Economics, Policy, AI Governance, Negotiations etc. - also cross-registered and completed course work at MIT, Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard Divinity School, Harvard Law School

Leiden University

BSc (Hon), Governance, Economics & Development

2017 - 2021

- Received the Global Citizenship Award - fully funded by merit-based scholarships and awards

University of California, Berkeley

Exchange Year, Sociology & Business

2019 - 2020