When we sat down to talk about career journeys, leadership, and why someone would choose to join a growing business in Germany rather than a large, established firm, one theme came through clearly: ownership.
Here’s what they had to say.
A Career Built on Impact
“My career journey has been shaped by a strong interest in people, businesses and how the right talent can fundamentally change outcomes.
I started my career in the recruitment and staffing industry several years ago and have worked across multiple markets, roles and client environments. Over time, I progressed from hands-on delivery into leadership and partnership roles.
What ultimately drew me into recruitment — and what has kept me here — is the combination of relationship building, commercial impact and long-term value creation. Recruitment, when done properly, sits at the intersection of trust, strategy and execution — and that’s what has always motivated me.”
From day one, it wasn’t just about filling roles. It was about influence, credibility, and creating real business change.
The Foundation of Success
When asked what’s driven their success so far, the answer was simple and direct:
“Consistency and credibility.
I’ve always focused on building long-term relationships rather than short-term wins — with clients, candidates and colleagues alike. Understanding my markets deeply, being honest even when it’s uncomfortable, and delivering on what I commit to has been critical.
Equally important has been adaptability — the recruitment industry changes constantly, and being willing to evolve, whether leadership style, market focus or ways of working, has been essential to sustained success.”
Long-term thinking. Market depth. Accountability. And the willingness to evolve.
Why Investigo & The IN Group?
With experience in larger organisations, the decision to join Investigo & The IN Group was deliberate.
“Investigo and The IN Group stood out because of their values-led approach and genuine long-term vision.
The business combines entrepreneurial freedom with the structure and credibility of a well-established group, which is rare in our industry.
What resonated most with me was the emphasis on partnership — both internally and externally — and the belief that sustainable success comes from doing the right thing, not just the fastest thing.”
It wasn’t about scale for the sake of scale. It was about alignment.
What Feels Different?
“The level of trust and autonomy.
There’s a strong belief in empowering people to run their markets like their own businesses, without unnecessary bureaucracy or micromanagement.
At the same time, there’s real support from leadership, shared services and peers, which creates a collaborative environment rather than a purely competitive one.
The culture is adult, transparent and focused on long-term impact rather than short-term metrics.”
Trust without isolation. Autonomy without chaos. Support without micromanagement.
Choosing a Start-Up Mindset
Having worked in larger organisations, the contrast is clear.
“Working for other big companies, everything is… there is not even a bit air left to change something.
Here you can start from the beginning, make a big difference, make it better, make it easier for other people who are going to join.
Learning out of the failures and the things that kept us from doing business at the other companies, we can change here.
You don’t have to go seven or eight levels above to get an answer. You can just pick up the phone, call one guy, and he says yes or no.”
The appeal isn’t just growth — it’s influence. The ability to shape how things are built, not simply operate within what already exists.
Advice for Future Joiners
“If you’re looking for a place where you can build something meaningful, take ownership of your own career and be treated and trusted as a professional, this is the right environment.
Come with ambition, curiosity and a long-term mindset.
Those who thrive are people who value relationships, accountability and quality — and who want to grow alongside the business, not just within it.”
It’s a message grounded in ownership and maturity.
Looking Ahead
“I’m excited to see where we’re going to be in the next three to four years.
We’re a small group of seven people right now in Berlin and Munich. I can’t wait to have an office one day and see all the new members who are going to join this great company.
In the next three years, I would like to build up such a big business that we can hire new people who are going to take over that. One day I would like to go into a leadership role where I can give my learnings and what I’ve been doing the last 10 years to somebody else — and make their life a bit easier than mine starting off as a rookie.”
From seven people today to a fully built, thriving business tomorrow — with leadership developed from within.
That’s the vision.