Digital, Innovation, Tech, AI, and Operations

Forster&Co

Decisive and empathetic leader in digital innovation and operations with 13+ years of global experience spanning 20+ countries. Recognized as a “Top 100 Thought Leaders in E-Commerce”, I excel in scaling high-performing teams (from 0 to 650 FTEs), managing P&Ls exceeding €12M, and leveraging AI- and tech-driven solutions to drive growth, operational efficiency, and sustainable results.

About Me

Decisive and empathetic leader in digital innovation and operations with 13+ years of global experience spanning 20+ countries. Recognized as a “Top 100 Thought Leaders in E-Commerce” , I excel in scaling high-performing teams (from 0 to 650 FTEs), managing P&Ls exceeding €12M, and leveraging AI- and tech-driven solutions to drive growth, operational efficiency, and sustainable results.

Adaptable and reliable in complex, fast-paced VUCA environments, I combine a hands-on approach with a strategic vision to solve challenges and deliver sustainable outcomes. My expertise is underpinned by a top-notch postdoctoral education in entrepreneurship and technology, alongside certifications in Systemic Business Coaching and Generative AI -enabling me to foster trust-based cultures, empower teams, and implement transformative strategies. Known for navigating ambiguity with agility and decisiveness, I thrive on creating lasting impact through strategic change, cross-functional leadership, and cultivating positive high-performing cultures.

Beyond these lines, I invite you to explore my feature on the Entrepreneur Podcast ‘Mission: Machen’. For additional insights, hear directly from my peers about my drive, passion, and commitment to innovation.

My Focus Areas

10 December 2020

Digital

Beast creature days. This response is important for our ability to learn from mistakes, but it alsogives rise to ...

10 December 2020

E-commerce

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10 December 2020

Innovation

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24 January 2025

AI

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24 January 2025

Tech

Beast creature days. This response is important for our ability to learn from mistakes, but it alsogives rise to ...

24 January 2025

Operations

Beast creature days. This response is important for our ability to learn from mistakes, but it alsogives rise to ...

Work Experience

Download Resume

- Spearheaded agile transformations for 170 FTEs in a remote setup to a multi-platform
  business model in Germany, the UK, and Canada. Boosted operational efficiency by
  +15% and raised employee NPS by +36 bps.

Led a 20-member AI and SaaS team to develop GenAI solutions for video/text
automation, reduced costs by -75%, and drove a +50% increase in productivity and AI
adoption through targeted training programs and workflow optimization.
Managed a €12M P&L and streamlined organizational structures and operations,
driving -€1.3M in annual operating expense (OpEx) savings through AI integration,
process optimization, and partner collaboration.

• Developed and executed a Mittelstand go-to-market strategy, built and led a global
high-performing sales and marketing team of 12 FTEs.
• Negotiated and secured 10 strategic partnerships, growing the B2B customer base to
100+ and delivering the highest global basket value of +30% in the first year.
• Served as media spokesperson at 25+ industry events, boosting brand visibility and
generating 1000+ qualified leads for future sales pipeline growth

• Delivered strategic guidance to the COO and board by establishing an agile Project
Management Office (PMO, 12 FTEs), setting OKRs to prioritize operational and
strategic improvement initiatives for 300+ FTEs across 9 departments.
• Initiated the digital transformation of the global customer service team (30 FTEs, 600
agents) for 5M inquiries p.a. in 22 languages with 5 BPOs. Head of Product: launched a
new CRM, reduced total budget by -15%, and improved customer satisfaction by +25%.
• Championed a €900K carbon footprint offsetting program, optimized supply chain
processes, and positioned Zooplus as the industry leader in sustainability

• Established and led a European innovakon hub, driving New Retail and digital
transformakon while enhancing cross-border collaborakon for six European enkkes.
• Advised C-level on strategies to opkmize operakons and redesign business processes
(e.g., self-checkout, loyalty app), improving efficiency and fostering innovakon.

• Launched ultra-fast delivery service in 9 months, exceeding revenue targets by +50%
through cross-functional collaboration with a team of 8 and 5 strategic partners.
• Designed and implemented a new logistics and organizational structure, reduced costs
by 25%, and improved delivery efficiency and scalability through technical leadership.
• Co-founded a recognized initiative promoting inclusivity across thousands of Amazon
employees, improved cross-team collaboration, and drove employee engagement.

• Co-founded and shaped a thriving business accelerator, spearheaded fundraising
efforts that raised €1M+, and supported the growth of 13 start-ups.
• Initiated and led multiple founder programs, increased awareness and participation,
and received awards for excellence in public communication.
• Admitted as the youngest faculty member in the prestigious HSG-MBA program,
recognized with the highest rating for teaching excellence and entrepreneurial drive.

• Pioneered an entrepreneurial ecosystem of >100 students, alumni, and corporations
• Established and managed a mentoring program for entrepreneurial students, focused
on strategic planning and business development – secured €500K in venture funding.
• Participated in and supported two international business plan competitions.

• Cultivated strategic partnerships with leading European corporations (DTAG, KPM, and
XING), driving market penetration in the telecommunications and media sectors.
• Developed a scalable peer-to-peer business model, drove growth to 2M+ hotspots
globally, and pivoted through pre-SaaS innovations.
• Introduced an innovative urban Wi-Fi Community showcase, resulting in a 3x increase
in user engagement and expanding the network’s public presence in key urban areas

Education

Swiss National Science Foundation fellow
Research on Cluster of Innovation and Sustainability
Lean LaunchPad Educator facilitator, MBA staff
Member of the Berkeley Postdoc Entrepreneur Program
Diplomas in Executive Venture Capital and Executive Program in Innovation

Key Roles:
- Faculty in HSG MBA program.
- Ph.D. granted by WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management.
Skills:
- Problem Solving, University Lecturing, University Teaching, Teamwork, New Business Ventures, Management Consulting, Social Entrepreneurship, Expert Networks, Presentations, Analytical Skills.

Grade: Magna cum laude.
Key Roles:
- Lecturing undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students.
Skills:
- Problem Solving, University Lecturing, University Teaching, Teamwork, New Business Ventures, Social Entrepreneurship, Expert Networks, Presentations, Analytical Skills.
Academic Achievements:
- Extensive academic records of publications, teachings, and accolades.

Grade: Magna cum laude.
Key Roles:
- Graduate student of Management and Computer Science (Dipl.-Kfm. Univ.).
- Distinguished thesis on Business Process Improvement Patterns.
Skills:
- Problem Solving, Computer Science, Teamwork, New Business Ventures, Management Consulting, Expert Networks, Presentations, Analytical Skills.

Key Roles:
- Joint research project at the Center for Corporate Social Responsibility, Prof. Dr. Höckerts.
Skills:
- Problem Solving, Teamwork, New Business Ventures, Social Entrepreneurship, Expert Networks, Presentations, Analytical Skills.

Grade: Summa cum laude.
Key Roles:
- Visiting student and scholar for two terms.
- Thesis on Business Process Improvement Patterns with distinction as Best Student Paper Award by BPTrends.
Skills:
- Problem Solving, University Lecturing, Teamwork, New Business Ventures, Management Consulting, Expert Networks, Presentations, Analytical Skills.

Skills:

Problem Solving, Computer Science, Teamwork, New Business Ventures, Expert Networks, Presentations, Analytical Skills.

Awards

Internet World Business hat die 100 zurzeit interessantesten Persönlichkeiten der Commerce-Branche gekürt, von denen sie glauben, dass sie die Branche bewegen und vorwärtsbringen. Sie alle stehen für ganz unterschiedliche Bereiche des Commerce – sie alle eint aber die Leidenschaft für den Handel, egal ob als Online-Pure-, Multichannel- oder Omnichannel-Player.

Associated with Amazon

Associated with Amazon

Associated with University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business

Associated with University of St Gallen

Associated with University of St Gallen

Associated with University of St Gallen

Associated with Queensland University of Technology

Associated with Technische Universität München

https://www.tum.de/en/about-tum/facts-and-figures/awards-and-honors/awards-presented-by-the-technical-university-of-munich/karl-max-von-bauernfeind-medal

Associated with Technische Universität München

Associated with Technische Universität München

Trusted Partners

Atreus GmbH

Bott GmbH & Co. KG

Deutsche Post AG DH

Pandion Partners

Eisbach Group

Ewald Dörken AG

Fon Wireless Limited

Group 3G QUAM

Vodafone

Mannesmann

Siemens AG

B&O Telekommunikation

What my network says about me

Florian is my manager at the Rossmann innovation team in Munich and a true mentor. His strong work ethic is inspiring, his analytical skills and eye for details create an environment to strive in. One or more whiteboards, markers, a fresh set of data – that was the recipe for some of the most fun and rewarding experiences I had with Florian to date. I also appreciate his continuous and positive feedback as well as his insights from past experiences and rich knowledge: I have never learned so much in such a short time! Working with Florian means not to settle for mediocrity and not to allow yourself to focus on proxies. He leads our team with a mix of close guidance and full liberty, encouraging us to question everything, have pet projects, and take uncertainty as the default – all in spirit of finding exciting, new answers.

Florian dove head first into a complex and dynamic environment at IU Group, demonstrating a strong desire to learn and an open-minded approach from day one. He prioritized and championed the issues raised by his team on multiple occasions, effectively addressing challenges and creating meaningful improvements. He played a pivotal role in supporting our AI initiatives, heavily encouraging AI adoption and ensuring alignment across various teams and departments. Florian fostered a leadership culture based on empowerment and collaboration, encouraging ownership and decisiveness amongst the leadership team. Overall, working with Florian was an exceptionally positive experience, and I would be thrilled to work together again in the future.

I had the pleasure of working with Florian at the IU Internationale Hochschule GmbH. During this time, I found our collaboration to be consistently positive and productive. Florian's clear and organized approach made our teamwork efficient and enjoyable. Florian's supportive nature created a professional environment for me, where mutual respect was evident. He was always approachable and willing to listen, which made our interactions smooth and constructive. Overall, I greatly appreciated working with Florian and found our interactions to be both pleasant and beneficial. I am pleased to recommend him and wish him success in his future endeavors!

Florian is a result-driven manager with a rare combination of superb analytical and communication skills as well as extensive professional basis. I have worked with him at Rossmann's Innovation Team in Munich. He took on quickly his new responsibilities, connected the right people inside and outside the international organisation, and delivered first results in no time. His outstanding ability to motivate a team and the way he takes care of individual needs, makes it easy for others to contribute to goals. Moreover, he has an excellent sense of shifting between the introduction of new ideas and the focus on tangible outcomes. I'm thankful to have worked with and learned from Florian.

"I got to know Florian as the teacher of the MBA elective “Hightech Venturing/Entrepreneurship” at the University of St Gallen (HSG) and later on as supervisor of my final master thesis in entrepreneurship. Florian was a great teacher and supervisor, easy approachable, always very supportive, with a great network! He is very reliable with a solid hands-on approach, always giving great spot-on feedback. He has solid academic knowledge but on top brings in his own personal, entrepreneurial experience which is really great. He is one of the people who inspired me and had a great impact on me being able to take the necessary steps to found my own start-up. Many thanks Florian!"

Florian is a result-driven manager with a rare combination of superb analytical and communication skills as well as extensive professional basis. I have worked with him at Rossmann's Innovation Team in Munich. He took on quickly his new responsibilities, connected the right people inside and outside the international organisation, and delivered first results in no time. His outstanding ability to motivate a team and the way he takes care of individual needs, makes it easy for others to contribute to goals. Moreover, he has an excellent sense of shifting between the introduction of new ideas and the focus on tangible outcomes. I'm thankful to have worked with and learned from Florian.

What my network says about me

				
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Florian is my manager at the Rossmann innovation team in Munich and a true mentor. His strong work ethic is inspiring, his analytical skills and eye for details create an environment to strive in. One or more whiteboards, markers, a fresh set of data – that was the recipe for some of the most fun and rewarding experiences I had with Florian to date. I also appreciate his continuous and positive feedback as well as his insights from past experiences and rich knowledge: I have never learned so much in such a short time! Working with Florian means not to settle for mediocrity and not to allow yourself to focus on proxies. He leads our team with a mix of close guidance and full liberty, encouraging us to question everything, have pet projects, and take uncertainty as the default – all in spirit of finding exciting, new answers.

Florian is my manager at the Rossmann innovation team in Munich and a true mentor. His strong work ethic is inspiring, his analytical skills and eye for details create an environment to strive in. One or more whiteboards, markers, a fresh set of data – that was the recipe for some of the most fun and rewarding experiences I had with Florian to date. I also appreciate his continuous and positive feedback as well as his insights from past experiences and rich knowledge: I have never learned so much in such a short time! Working with Florian means not to settle for mediocrity and not to allow yourself to focus on proxies. He leads our team with a mix of close guidance and full liberty, encouraging us to question everything, have pet projects, and take uncertainty as the default – all in spirit of finding exciting, new answers.

Florian dove head first into a complex and dynamic environment at IU Group, demonstrating a strong desire to learn and an open-minded approach from day one. He prioritized and championed the issues raised by his team on multiple occasions, effectively addressing challenges and creating meaningful improvements. He played a pivotal role in supporting our AI initiatives, heavily encouraging AI adoption and ensuring alignment across various teams and departments. Florian fostered a leadership culture based on empowerment and collaboration, encouraging ownership and decisiveness amongst the leadership team. Overall, working with Florian was an exceptionally positive experience, and I would be thrilled to work together again in the future.

I had the pleasure of working with Florian at the IU Internationale Hochschule GmbH. During this time, I found our collaboration to be consistently positive and productive. Florian's clear and organized approach made our teamwork efficient and enjoyable. Florian's supportive nature created a professional environment for me, where mutual respect was evident. He was always approachable and willing to listen, which made our interactions smooth and constructive. Overall, I greatly appreciated working with Florian and found our interactions to be both pleasant and beneficial. I am pleased to recommend him and wish him success in his future endeavors!

Florian is a result-driven manager with a rare combination of superb analytical and communication skills as well as extensive professional basis. I have worked with him at Rossmann's Innovation Team in Munich. He took on quickly his new responsibilities, connected the right people inside and outside the international organisation, and delivered first results in no time. His outstanding ability to motivate a team and the way he takes care of individual needs, makes it easy for others to contribute to goals. Moreover, he has an excellent sense of shifting between the introduction of new ideas and the focus on tangible outcomes. I'm thankful to have worked with and learned from Florian.

"I got to know Florian as the teacher of the MBA elective “Hightech Venturing/Entrepreneurship” at the University of St Gallen (HSG) and later on as supervisor of my final master thesis in entrepreneurship. Florian was a great teacher and supervisor, easy approachable, always very supportive, with a great network! He is very reliable with a solid hands-on approach, always giving great spot-on feedback. He has solid academic knowledge but on top brings in his own personal, entrepreneurial experience which is really great. He is one of the people who inspired me and had a great impact on me being able to take the necessary steps to found my own start-up. Many thanks Florian!"

Florian is a result-driven manager with a rare combination of superb analytical and communication skills as well as extensive professional basis. I have worked with him at Rossmann's Innovation Team in Munich. He took on quickly his new responsibilities, connected the right people inside and outside the international organisation, and delivered first results in no time. His outstanding ability to motivate a team and the way he takes care of individual needs, makes it easy for others to contribute to goals. Moreover, he has an excellent sense of shifting between the introduction of new ideas and the focus on tangible outcomes. I'm thankful to have worked with and learned from Florian.

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Certifications

Download Resume

In the fast-evolving world of AI, autonomous agents are reshaping business innovation, decision-making, and leadership. In this interview-driven course, AI thought leader Charlene Li explores the world of agentic AI—AI agents capable of autonomous, adaptive actions. Gain insights into implementing AI solutions aligned with strategic goals, overcoming challenges like executive hesitation, and building trust.

In this module, we have some important topics to discuss regarding safety considerations when using AI and expanding your learning. We’ll explore key limitations and challenges of AI. You’ll learn how to use AI ethically and safely, and we’ll discuss practical concerns related to current AI models and their applications. You’ll comprehend the implications of AI’s lack of transparency and explainability then identify privacy and security risks associated with sensitive data in AI.

Course Certificates Completed

This course is intended for individuals who’d like to work with data from their organization but don’t know where to start. We’ll combine generative AI and your insights to structure research questions, understand the variables in your dataset, and begin describing the data for the purpose of generating insights into better decisions.

Generative AI Overview for Project Managers is a hands-on microlearning course for project practitioners that will empower you to harness the power of AI in your project work. Throughout this course, you’ll actively explore and apply generative AI techniques. Watch skilled project managers discuss practical applications of generative AI in real-world scenarios.

Design Thinking

Trainingsprinzipien & Belastungsnormative, Reizschwellengesetz, Aktiver und passiver Bewegungsapparat, Gelenke & Bewegungsrichtungen, Herz-Kreislauf-System, Blutkreislauf, Laktat & Muskelkater, Trainingsmethoden im Ausdauertraining, Nervensystem, Sport & Immunsystem, Kommunikation, Motivation & Körpersprache, Verletzungen & 1. Hilfe, Rückengesundheit, Sporternährung, Intervallfasten, Theorie und Praxis zu Squat, Deadlift, Warm-up & Mobility

Passing grade is 96.75%.
What are people most afraid of? What do our dreams mean? Are we natural-born racists? What makes us happy? What are the causes and cures of mental illness? This course tries to answer these questions and many others, providing a comprehensive overview of the scientific study of thought and behavior. It explores topics such as perception, communication, learning, memory, decision-making, persuasion, emotions, and social behavior.

In the era of Generative AI, the demand for personalized and specialized Generative AI assistants is skyrocketing. Large language models like GPTs have demonstrated their remarkable capabilities, but what if you could harness their power to create custom AI assistants tailored to your specific needs? Welcome to the world of custom GPTs, where you can build intelligent systems that understand your domain, speak your language, and solve your unique challenges.

If you’re an organizational leader or senior executive, you’ve probably been thinking about the future of AI. What will its impact ultimately be? How will AI affect your workforce and organization? This course prepares you to navigate the most important opportunities and challenges presented by AI, particularly its effects on decision-making, strategic planning, and business leadership.

Generative AI for Kids, Parents, and Teachers

Fachkraft für systemische Beratung und Coaching, Zertifikatslehrgang, IHK & SCGD zertifiziert, 163 UE

Leaders are constantly seeking innovative tools to amplify their impact. Dive into the realm of Generative AI, a groundbreaking technology poised to redefine the leadership landscape more profoundly than the Internet itself. This course offers a comprehensive journey into understanding, applying, and mastering Generative AI as a robust tool to amplify leadership capabilities.

Generative AI for Executives and Business Leaders (part 1)

Generative AI for Executives and Business Leaders (part 2)

Introduction to Generative AI
Introduction to Large Language Models
Introduction to Responsible AI

In this course, you learn what generative AI is and how it functions. You also discover how GenAI can be applied in different business scenarios as well as navigating the concerns around its usage. Then you explore how to incorporate GenAI into your data analytics efforts to streamline processes and improve data quality.

See details in my CV.

Download Resume

Let's grab a coffee and jump on conversation chat with me.