Redirecting your life or following your gut to change your personal and professional trajectory scares the living shit out of most of us—and I understand that all too well!

2018 🌍Move:
 Returned to Germany after 10 years in the U.S., hoping for more work-life balance. Spoiler Alert: Found burnout instead. Cool.

Each transition brought a new set of challenges, fears, and, most importantly, lessons. But since you are not here to read my freaking memoirs (yet), let me share the part of my story that might resonate with you the most:

My biggest turning point came in 2019, when I suddently faced health issues like an insulin-resistant state, unexplained inflammation, and was on the verge of burnout. Sound familiar? If you’ve found yourself stuck in a life or career that no longer aligns with your health, values, or vision for the future, you’re not alone.
At 36 years old, this forced me to ask myself what was really next for my life and my career in the long-run.

My next move was somewhat predictable. What else is on the mind of someone who spent a big part of her life in good old Startup Central, also known as Silicon Valley? Sure as shit, let's build a startup! For 6 months, I poured my time and savings into a shiny new app idea while freelancing on the side to keep the lights on. And here’s where the surprise twist comes in—my freelancing took off, despite not even having a website or social media presence. I was making good money, doing work I loved, and suddenly, I was faced with the fact that I had unintentionally built myself two very different lifestyles and work options for the future. I had to confront the crucial question of what I wanted my life to look like and how work should fit into it.
This was a profound, new experience for someone like me. I had been running my life on corporate career autopilot in the past, craving the sense of “security” and seldomly considering the only essential variables one has in life: TIME and HEALTH.

I finally had to be honest with my damn self and acknowledge what I didn’t want my life to look like given the choice:

Realizing these facts hit me pretty hard. I had to ask myself: Why was I clinging to this outdated belief that success only came from a corporate career or a startup destined for unicorn status? I had spent months and my savings on a startup idea without thoroughly considering my values and non-negotiables in life first before starting a business because I didn't know better, didn't have any mentors for guidance, and followed my old business belief system. It is definitely time to acknowledge that alternative career possibilities have massively evolved over the last few years. And most importantly, it was time to question the mindset that had been ingrained in me repeatedly: fit your life around work, not work around your life. Well, guess what? It only truly works the other way around!

Fast forward four years to 2024, and I now run a thriving 6-figure online business on my own that fits my desired, freedom-generating lifestyle at 40 years old. If you’re sitting there wondering if you can do the same in midlife, believe me—you absolutely can. You don’t need a unicorn startup or a corporate badge to feel accomplished and have a purpose. You need clarity, conviction, and the right systems and tools to build the life you want. If you’re ready to question the status quo and design a career that fits your life (not the other way around), I’m living proof it’s possible—even after 35+ years, even after setbacks, even when you're starting your personal and professional life over from scratch all at once.

That’s exactly where I come in to help you face your challenges head-on and pivot to thrive in your next chapter. I’ve learned invaluable lessons along the way, especially for midlife reinvention—based on real experience, not just theory. So, if you’re dreaming of a bold fresh start—whether it's escaping the corporate grind, redefining success for yourself, rebuilding your personal life after divorce or traumatic events, or simply creating a freedom-generating lifestyle as solopreneur—join my tribe in The Open Lock Letter and let’s get this midlife reinvention party started!

I packed my bags, waved goodbye to Germany, and relocated myself and my business to the sunny, stunning shores of Lagos in Portugal's gorgeous Algarve!