Berliner Zinner featuring Mehlhose

18/11/2021

"To know what life is worth, one must risk it now and then." - Jean-Paul Sartre

Maybe so. But how about someone who supports you in the process? That's exactly what John Ismailoglu does. We had the pleasure of speaking with the New York native, who entered the insurance industry 16 years ago and hasn't looked back since.

As a director at Allianz F200, he focuses on insurance coverage for expats. In the podcast, he talks about what brought him to Berlin and why he likes this wonderful, crazy city.

He also talks about the benefits of an international background, the pitfalls of Berlin bureaucracy and how he copes in a household with three females.

Listen and learn – find the link in the comments.

12/11/2021

Recently, we had the opportunity to meet healer, author and inventor Zasuhin at Umahaus in Charlottenburg. It was a great talk. We always like to feature intriguing people from our neighbourhood, especially when they have as many exciting things to tell as Aleksej.

Podcast coming soon! 💥

04/11/2021

"Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage." –– Niccolo Machiavelli

In our last podcast, we talked to the bright @ about the opportunities and challenges of social media communication.

Dina explained to us how she started her career without getting a degree, why she is eager to take on responsibility what to expect from your newly founded consulting firm.

She also told us about her self-perception as a Millennial and digital native, the virtues of her fictional character, Trotziger Millennial and why she is not a big fan of the emotion bingo.

Listen & learn - find the link in the comments!

13/10/2021

Amazed to see this wonderful cooperation of Karin Heinzl, MentorMe & Aktion Mensch e.V.!

A wonderful initiative promoted by a wonderful and energetic woman. Her work in connecting and empowering women in business are impressive, and we are thankful we had her as a guest in our podcast series (link to episode in the comments).

We very much appreciate this effort to support diversity in work and female empowerment, especially our neurodiverse team members.

Keep on the good work!

29/09/2021

"Who wants to be normal when you can be unique?" - Helena Bonham Carter

Chances are we do not need to introduce the amazing guest we spoke to for our upcoming podcast episode - many of you are probably already following Dina Brandt!

The personal branding & content marketing expert refers to herself as a "sassy millennial" as part of her business persona.

Quirky, articulate & extremely aware of her strengths and weaknesses alike, she demonstrates that a personal brand can, and probably should, be authentic, individual and spontaneous.

You are over your generic corporate "social suit"? Stay tuned for the coming episode and change yourself to be yourself.

22/09/2021

What fuels your motivation, your competetiveness, your hunger for more?

Finally, we were able to record a new episode - in person! Pandemic's not over yet, but we were so happy to have our amazing guest Bettina Fischer present on the blue couch!

Originally from Swabia, her professional journey led her right to Berlin Friedrichshain where she co-founded Hivebuy, helping small & medium sized businesses to efficiently streamline their finance operations.

Learned from experience, her firm beliefs are that a chaotic accounting department is totally avoidable and that poor accountants need not be the most hated co-workers anymore ;)

Listen & learn from swabian expertise in finance - find the link in the comments!

15/09/2021

"To find your own way is to follow your bliss." - Joseph Campbell

Being an entrepreneur or self-employed comes with several big advantages - one that most of our guests mention is the freedom to make your own schedule and to work in your own pace.

While that does not mean to effectively work less, it often results in a much more fulfilling working situation. That's the experience Karolina Attspodina made!

Our takeaway from the inspiring talk with Karolina is this: When you are free to focus on your vision and values, you are able to embark on a journey of excitement and passion which doesn't feel like 'work' anymore!

Find the link to the full interview in the comments!

08/09/2021

"Is there a danger of us getting left behind if we don't do this? Yes." - Fred Humes

Let's talk digitization in Germany. Or rather, let's talk about how others did it more successfully.

In business and in private life, the german population in general is way ahead of governmental structures regarding digitization, digital access to public services, and faster, easier ways to communicate, to work and to make payments.

While particular forms of digitization, like crypto currencies or identification via biometric data, may be debatable, it is still a fact - the state is really losing track on this issue, and especially businessowners, startups and entrepreneurs are in dire need of easier and more appropriate ways to engage with customers and authorities.

If we look east, we can learn from specialists, such as Stefan Koritar. Countries like Romania, Lithuania and others have demonstrated excellence in the field of digital transformation.

If Germany may lack anything on this matter, it is ambition to make changes. Stefan shows this ambition, and listening to this episode of Berliner Zinner's podcast could push one or the other in the right direction.

Link in the comments!

01/09/2021

Have you optimized your communication game?

In today's business life, certain communication habits have been established, and we always return to them - but are they helpful?

Speech is the most powerful tool to connect people over long distances. But marketing and business communication standards happen to exclude those unfamiliar with them - and, more importantly, customers.

In the end, we want to be heard and understood, in personal relationships and also businesswise. Professional writer Susanne Weiss explains how, and why it is important not only to know what you are talking about, but also how.

Listen to the full episode - link in comments!

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24/08/2021

It's been a while since we had a guest in our Berliner Zinner in person - the first to join us post-social distancing is the amazing Bettina Fischer!

It was a pleasure to speak to her about her business Hivebuy, her experiences as a founder and her approach on making entrepreneurship easier and more accessible for small startups in particular.

Be prepared for our brand new episode which is soon to be published!

18/08/2021

Do you value your health over success - or is a healthy mental and physical state enabling your success?

Coaches, psychologists, management professionals and lately top athletes have been outspoken about the issue taking care of your mental and bodily health before it can affect you negatively.

A healthy mind and body and success are interdependent, and mental strength is a great advantage both in professional life and in athletic competition. A focused and grounded mindset can bring you closer to reaching your goals.

A former personal trainer, entrepreneur and mental coach herself, our guest Junia Keutel - Fitness & Health is just the expert to listen to on this topic!

If you want to learn how her relationship, mental strength, successful career and care for physical wellbeing all support each other, tune in!

Ready, set, click the link in the comments!

16/08/2021

How can your expat experience be simplified?

The thought of starting or bringing foward your career in a new country - or even on a new continent - is an intriguing one. But changing location and settling in another culture can also be quite demanding.

What if you could ease it up? Good news, then - you can!

WorldSimplified co-founder Nameeta Mundra has the answers professionals aspiring to relocate to Europe need.
Using her own experience as an expat wife turned business owner as her resource, she connects relocation experts and international expats willing to make their way in Europe!

If this fits you, learn everything about Nameeta's journey and also our hashtag initiative brought to life by Anu Kamlakar!

Link in comments!

13/08/2021

What can the government do for small and medium-sized businesses to help them thrive?

Elections are approaching, and as an entrepreneur in Germany, you might consider to vote strategically to help set the stage for a more innovation-friendly, open and flexible environment for small and medium-sized businesses - and freelancers as well!
Working reality has changed, and even more so since Covid 19 led to radical acceleration and re-shaping of structures and processes.

We spoke to politicians of various parties, such as Lars Klingbeil (SPD), Elke Breitenbach (LINKE) and Johannes Vogel (FDP) about freelance work, founding, communication strategies and the value of work and entrepreneurship for societal development and abundance.

We live political diversity within our team and always support a respectful discourse. Thus, we are grateful to provide various political positions with a platform to communicate their views and approache regarding society, economy and work.

Find the links to interviews & podcast in the comments and be well prepared for the Bundestagswahl 2021!

11/08/2021

"Success is not a function of the size of your title but the richness of your contribution." - Robin Sharma

When enjoying the various colorful contributers' work on TikTok, have you ever wondered, what kind of people make that platform happen?

Today's podcast's guest Anna Jakovleva speaks about her working experience at TikTok, the philosophy which leads the company and how they support their employees to cope and stay healthy during hypergrowth phase.
In her remote team's work, the contribution of one's true self is what shapes both work at and vision of the popular social network.

When speaking about the ever changing challenges and excitement this dynamic work environment and future motherhood provide her with, Anna bursts with ambition and energy - she is proof that great expectations and tasks enable you to truly live up to your potential and master growth - personally and economically.

Let Anna inspire you and click the link in the comments!

06/08/2021

"Innovation is the central issue in economic prosperity" – Michael Porter

We love to see our interviewees thrive!

Gema Aparicio & Veronique Glorieux told us about their green pet food business and the how insect protein will determine the future of a sustainable and climate friendly food tech industry.

The story of these two amazing women and their company EatSmall demonstrates how innovative ideas, scientific expertise and entrepreneurial spirit yield success!

They have recently been featured on german television, so if you enjoyed our interviews with them, follow up and click the link in the comments!

04/08/2021

"Social Media is the ultimate equalizer. It gives a voice and a platform to anyone willing to engage." - Amy Jo Martin

We chose to provide the amazing humans around us - in Berlin, in our Kiez, in our families - with a space to share their views and ideas.
We wanted to tell their stories of internationality and entrepreneurial spirit and bring them to everyone open to listen.

Choosing the podcast format, we knew it really was about the details.
To tell a story, you need a voice - and the voice of Berliner Zinner featuring Mehlhose is lucia peraza rios!

The acting professional of Cuban and German decent perfectly embodies the values and spirit this project stands for, as she turned her artistic skills and expressive expertise into a business.

Luckily, she agreed to lend her beautiful voice to the podcast's intro.
She is just the finishing detail to our podcast series!

Oh, and of course, we heard her story, too! Find the link in the comments!

28/07/2021

"Nature cannot be tricked or cheated. She will give up to you the object of your struggles only after you have paid her price." – Napoleon Hill

Very recent events have made it clear again that the issue of climate change needs to be tackled – immediately.

Today’s episode’s guest, Tillmann Lang explains how the financial industry can serve as a tool to do that.
He has already proven this to be a viable approach as co-founder of Inyova Impact Investing.

From an entrepreneur’s point of view, he makes clear that the price of the prevalent economic systems has to be paid anyway – and how it is a good business plan to invest in sustainability; consumers are way ahead of politicians and industries, as people are eating, travelling, driving and buying green already.

26/07/2021

"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." - Andy Warhol

Climate change is affecting our lives, and it is not an issue of the future anymore! As pictured below, cities and communities, like Hagen and Ahrweiler, have to face it already, dealing with destruction and fatalities.

Emission reduction is absolutely imperative for economies, and european climate goals require companies to act accordingly within the next decade. To small businesses especially, this can be intimidating.

We spoke to founder and innovator Lubomila Jordanova, who made it her mission to assist companies aiming to reduce emissions and improve on their processes with climate friendly solutions.

Learn how in the episode of Berliner Zinner's podcast:
https://berliner-zinner.de/podcasts/lubomila-jordanova-noplanb/

23/07/2021

Are we doing all we can to turn the rudder from climate change?

It has gotten a little bit silent here on our channels. One of the reasons for that are the recent fatal events affecting Germany, as in Ahrweiler and Hagen.

As a Berlin-based business with employees living and working in regions of the country that were faced with disastrous floods and many victims who lost their homes and even loved ones, this has deeply shaken us. Politicians, business owners and german residents alike have realized that climate change and it's effects are not a concern of the future anymore. They are a very immanent threat.

Here at Berliner Zinner featuring Mehlhose, we have taken on climate-related issues in the past. Several of our interview guests spoke about their own approaches and contributions to reduce emissions, be it insect protein-based pet food from , services for business owners to become climate-neutral Obst provides or initiatives to reduce emissions altogether as driven by Jordanova

According to the EU climate report, a timeframe of 10 years is left to take action. We will be the last generation to have the opportunity to do so and avoid the devastating effects of climate change.

The most important step to accomplish the EU climate goals will be a climate neutral economy.

During the next week, we will present innovators working to develop climate-friendly solutions for companies and economic branches we got to speak to in the past including one brand new episode on wednesday!

Make sure to tune in!

For starters, learn about Obst's vision, work and services here:
https://berliner-zinner.podigee.io/36-lara-obst

Unternehmerin und Klima-Innovatorin Lara Obst spricht über den Schockmoment, der ihr "Grünes Erwachen" auslöste und wie ernst die Lage in Sachen Klimawandel und dessen Folgen ist. Im Interview beschreibt sie, wie sie ihre Besorgnis und Angst im Angesicht der Situation in konstruktives Handeln umw...

22/06/2021

Are you in the impact investing space or are interested in it?

Then you need to hear our next podcast episode, where we are in conversation with Tillman Lang, the Co-Founder and CEO of Inyova Impact Investing! We had a wonderful session with Tillman and are really looking forward to sharing the episode with all of you very soon.

09/06/2021

So what's the whole idea behind ?

Listen in to this conversation between Aruna (Anu) K and Kristina, how this initiative came about and what you can expect from all our speakers. Here is a quick overview of what they talk about:

1. How creates opportunities
2. The importance of learning the local language
3. Women and Entrepreneurship

Listen in: linktr.ee/berlinerzinner

What do you think is the most important thing to consider when moving to a European country?

07/06/2021

What does working at TikTok feel like?

That's what we wanted to know from our guest Anna Jakovleva who is a Senior Human Resources Business Partner at TikTok! In our conversation with her, we spoke about what Kiez means to her, whether the accelerating pace of life in Berlin is ruining Kiez and how despite remote work she manages to make connections with her teammates.

All this and more, coming out soon!

03/06/2021

Is digital transformation an issue for the Mittelstand?

Engineer and entrepreneur Can Adiguzel is convinced it should be - and he already has solutions for middle-sized companies in Germany at service! With technological expertise and a bright-burning entrepreneurial spirit, Can wants to maintain its leading position on the international market.

In this podcast, the HHL alumnus explains why he consciously chose Berlin to live and start his business - he loves the opportunities of informal networking the city provides. In sum, what deems the German capital so attractive to expats, the sportsman describes, is "flexibility in culture."

Want to learn more? Tune in:
linktr.ee/berlinerzinner

26/05/2021

Our first guest on the pod is Amit Herekar, who has now lived in India, Dubai and Germany! Amit first came to Germany as a student, around two years ago and attended a private university in Berlin before joining Barmer as a business development professional, focused on international students!

So if you're here to find out:

1. Questions to ask yourself before moving to Germany
2. Working while studying in Germany
3. How to get started when you get to Germany

Then you're in the right place! Tune in now: http://bit.ly/CEURBZ

25/05/2021

We had a really, and we mean REALLY interesting weekend!

We sat down to a conversation with Can Adiguzel, Founder of 360 Digital Transformation about all things life, business, and more! We're incredibly excited to bring this episode to you soon so you can all hear from Can and the amazing things he's doing with the German Mittelstand!

19/05/2021

We only have 9 years to prevent irreversible damage by climate change. Does that worry you? It's what worries our episode guest, Lara Obst, too.

But she did not allow these feelings to control her. Instead of resignation, she began to take action - and made a business out of it. She is the co-Founder of The Climate Choice a platform that supports companies in finding climate-friendly solutions to invest in and implement in their businesses. Thus, she decided to spread the positive message of opportunity and hope rather than fear and desperation.

In this engaging episode, Lara passionately pledges for everybody to take action now, as the situation is serious already, but she also explains why she remains optimistic.

Listen to her story here: linktr.ee/berlinerzinner

17/05/2021

Henri Meijer's journey as an entrepreneur began at 15 with selling guitars and now growing into a business coach, helping founders discover the blind spots!

What was your first entrepreneurial experience?

Want to hear about Henri's journey? Tune in: linktr.ee/berlinerzinner

12/05/2021

Ever wondered what moving to Europe is like?

Well you won't have to wonder anymore. We're starting a new that explores the lives of different people who've moved to Europe to work, study and more! The series will cover broad perspectives on what moving to different countries in Europe is like, what to expect when you move to one and what life is like in these countries.

So hop on, listen to some stories and let us know if you've moved to Europe recently because we'd love to talk to you too! Shoutout to the host of this series: Aruna K!

06/05/2021

Insect food for your pets?

Montreal-born Véronique Glorieux knows all about this! Together with Spanish entrepreneur Gema Aparicio she founded Eat small. Insect power for pets a company that makes dog food made of insects.

In this episode, Véronique talks about dual leadership and the different talents her business partner brings to the table, her motivation behind starting a green pet food startup, the challenges of marketing an idealistic product, and how it could ultimately change the world.

If you're interested in changing the world, being sustainable, and a great idea, this is the podcast for you!

Click here to listen: linktr.ee/berlinerzinner

30/04/2021

It's time for some behind the scenes!

We spoke to Lara Obst this week about her incredible work at THE CLIMATE CHOICE, where she is the Founder and Chief Climate Officer, her experiences from other parts of the world, and learning from your employees, on how to be a good leader!

Full podcast out soon.

28/04/2021

Is happiness teachable?

Yes, obviously!
We spoke to certified happiness coach Shilpaa Chogle to learn about teaching how to experience joy, about mindfulness, and about

The Arts-based therapist and certified happiness coach radiates joy and positive energy, and we were thrilled to listen to her speak of her wholesome work! As a trainer for teachers and parents, she helps both children and those who raise and educate them to express their emotions and connect with their inner child.
And as an animal communication specialist, she shows pet parents how to better understand their fur family.

Her work in India, the US, Bali, Sri Lanka and Kuwait have led her to realize that we all share basic human needs and ways to experience happiness. To uncover that ability, she teaches her clients to ground and express themselves and to recognize the blessings in their lives.

Listen to this very special episode and enjoy the wholesomeness: https://linktr.ee/berlinerzinner

14/04/2021

The fine balance of handling children and work has definitely been tested during this pandemic.

Kathi Hammerschmitt however has been mastering this balancing act for a while longer! If you're trying to strike the right balance between raising your children and forging your career, this is the episode for you.

A communications professional, Kathi spoke to us about why she moved to Berlin, organising her life as a working mom, the impressive growth in female founders of late and although she likes the idea of freelance work, she prefers to work for a large corporation!

Link here: https://linktr.ee/berlinerzinner

12/04/2021

How do you describe a powerhouse?

We would describe it as Katrin Ruland.

The Founder & CEO of Noah Mobility gave us a refreshing perspective on freelancing, particularly why her company, Noah Mobility relies heavily on freelancers and why she feels, freelancers need to be given more respect and consideration in the world of work.

So if you've ever considered freelancing as something you'd like to do in the near future, check out this interview. You're sure to learn something new and valuable.

Link here: linktr.ee/berlinerzinner

07/04/2021

Does music really make the world go round?

That's what we asked Ariane Vera! An artist by profession, she lives in Mexico and spends her days as an entrepreneur creating music and working on other artistic projects. Ariane even gave us a little taste of musical abilities, and we were absolutely floored!

In this episode, you'll hear about her journey to Mexico, why each cup of coffee holds a powerful story and how to conquer stage fright as a performing artist.

So if you're an entrepreneur looking to inject creativity into your life, grab a cup of coffee and let Ariane walk you through it.

link here: linktr.ee/berlinerzinner

31/03/2021

"When you have balance in your life, work becomes an entirely different experience. There is a passion that moves you to a whole new level of fulfillment and gratitude, and that's when you can do your best... for yourself and for others." - Cara Delevingne

For Alicia Aswani, it is all about the right composition. As a trained cook, her expertise lies in combining contradicting flavors - professionally, as a financial consultant, she helps her customers balance out their needs, capacities and ambitions.
And in life, she values the importance of of knowing when to take and when to give.

In our podcast, she shares her experiences as a passionate traveler and tells us, what she wishes for in German society - flexibility, diversity and a hint of spice.

Listen to.Alicia's story:
https://linktr.ee/berlinerzinner

24/03/2021

"Be yourself, everyone else is taken." - Oscar Wilde

We had the pleasure of speaking with Romanian entrepreneur Andrei Stoleriu, founder and CEO of Explicat: Studio Video, a company that produces animation and video content.

What we expected to be a business talk turned into an interesting discussion about life, connecting with each other and the value of authenticity. Andrei reflected on his Romanian roots, how Genghis Khan influenced his private goals and how his artistic background influences his career.

Andrei stressed the importance of being true to who you are rather than being afraid of it. It was great to talk to you, Andrei, we look forward to Part 2.

Listen here: https://linktr.ee/berlinerzinner

22/03/2021

Its not every day we get blessed with some brilliant art!

We love this wonderful illustration of a conversation between Olaf and Ariane Vera!

We're really excited to bring you the episode with Ariane and her amazing journey so far.

18/03/2021

We're bringing back an oldie but goldie episode!

Karsten Kossatz is a Berlin-based entrepreneur and the co-founder of Independesk, which helps you work from anywhere by sourcing great, comfortable office spaces in a number of cities.

In this episode, Karsten walks us through a range of topics from his experience in advertising to understanding society and shared responsibility. The shared-responsibility is reflected in the initiative he founded Helfen.Berlin to support restaurants hit by the pandemic and one year into this pandemic, its still going strong

If you're a PR exec, you're going to want to listen to this one as Karsten provides some great insights on how to crisis-proof your company and how to strengthen a community, post-crisis.

So pick up your almost-friday beer and tune in to this great episode: https://linktr.ee/berlinerzinner