nilsjeners consulting

You know that moment when everything just clicks? When you realize you're exactly where you're meant to be? That's where I am right now as a self-employed consultant.

It's not about the glamorous "laptop lifestyle" that floods your social media feeds. It's about something far more valuable: alignment.

Here's what that looks like for me:

- Collaborating with clients who inspire me and challenge my thinking
- Experiencing a constant stream of learning through different industries, company cultures, and business challenges
- Building meaningful relationships across various organizations and sectors
- Having the flexibility to be there for my family and kids

Every new project is like opening a different book, each with its own story, characters, and lessons. The beauty? I get to write my own chapter in each one.

The best part? This isn't a destination - it's an evolving journey. Each new company, each new challenge, each new culture adds another layer to my professional DNA.

Innovation Management and Agile Business Design

TH Köln

I teach several courses at the Technical University of Cologne:
- Business Design in the Master's program Media Informatics
- Cooperation Systems in the Master’s program Web Science

Adjunct Professor

Technical University of Munich

A coincidence of my consulting position was teaching in the Executive MBA program at Technical University of Munich (TUM). 

My students? Up to C-level executives and senior managers who challenge every concept, question every assumption. They force me to evolve my teaching with each batch. Their real-world experience adds layers to theoretical frameworks that no textbook could provide.

The best moments? When a student's perspective completely shifts my own understanding of a concept I've taught for years. That's the magic of executive education - everyone in the room is both teacher and student.

It reminds me: True expertise isn't about having all the answers. It's about staying curious enough to recognize that every interaction is a learning opportunity.

Uniper

Ever notice how learning curves flatten over time? That moment when your daily "aha!" moments become monthly, then yearly? That's not stagnation - that's your growth compass pointing to change.

My entrepreneurial heart was beating louder again, but this time, I was determined to make a smarter exit. No dramatic leaps - just strategic steps.

A one-year interim management contract, three days a week. Simple math: that left two days to build my freelance practice. Who said transitions had to be cliff jumps?

But here's the plot twist: Those years in an 11,000-employee corporate giant? Pure gold. They taught me three invaluable lessons:

The View from Inside: Transforming from "outside consultant" to "internal manager" completely rewired my understanding of corporate dynamics. I earned corporate DNA: Understanding how large organizations actually work (not how consultants think they work) became my secret weapon. Network Architecture: Learning to build and leverage vast corporate networks - a skill that pays dividends daily in my freelance life.

Sometimes, the best way to embrace your entrepreneurial spirit is to first master the system you're leaving.

Innovation Consultant (external)

Orange Hills GmbH

When my startup hit a dead end, so did I. Rock bottom makes every path look equally appealing - or terrifying. One wrong turn could have sent me spiraling into a completely different career trajectory.

But here's what made all the difference: I didn't just accept the first lifeline thrown my way. Before joining a boutique consulting firm, I met EVERY. SINGLE. EMPLOYEE. Yes, you read that right. Because when you're rebuilding, the foundation matters more than the facade.

What I discovered was more than a job - it was a masterclass in everything I wish I'd known during my startup days:

- A methodical framework that addressed precisely where my startup had stumbled
- A team where every single person had something unique to teach
- The ability to dive deep into multiple industries, each with its own lessons

The irony? Sometimes you need to hit rock bottom to build something stronger. Those startup "failures" became valuable war stories in consulting. That entrepreneurial spirit? It transformed into innovative solutions for clients.

Years later, I realize that not knowing what comes next isn't a weakness - it's an opportunity to adapt and grow. Every industry, every project, every challenge adds another tool to your toolkit.

Senior Innovation Consultant

Qwingo – Sports & Performance Analysis

My $0 MBA: What building (and failing) a startup taught me

I am enthusiastic about creating things and didn't want to make innovation solely. That burning desire led me from the structured halls of academia into the wild west of startup life. Little did I know I was enrolling in what I now call my "Private MBA" - except this one came with real stakes and real consequences.

The highs? Landing that dream client everyone in the industry knows. The lows? Watching my company hit a dead end. But here's the thing about startup life - every moment, even failure, is a masterclass in business.

Three expensive lessons I'll never forget:

1. Diversity isn't a buzzword - it's survival. We were three IT nerds with similar mindsets. Great for tech talk, terrible for challenging assumptions. Today, I know: diverse perspectives aren't just nice to have - they're essential for innovation.
2. Tight budgets are secret weapons. When resources are scarce, you learn to execute fast, think lean, and never lose sight of your goals. No theoretical framework can teach you what a dwindling bank account can.
3. Product development isn't just about the product. Building from scratch taught me that great products aren't built in isolation - they're born from understanding markets, users, and business models simultaneously.

Years later, these lessons still shape every business decision I make. Sometimes the most valuable education comes without a diploma.

Founder & CEO

RWTH Aachen University

What seemed like a formal transition to RWTH Aachen turned into one of the most transformative chapters of my professional journey.

As a research assistant, I discovered three passions that would shape my career forever:

First, the joy of teaching returned to my life. There's something magical about standing in front of eager minds, sharing knowledge, and watching that 'aha moment' light up in students' eyes.

Then came the challenge of managing complex projects independently. No safety nets, no hand-holding - just pure responsibility and the thrill of steering projects from concept to completion.

But the most unexpected turn? This role planted the seed for my PhD journey. What started as a position soon evolved into a calling.

They say the best career moves often don't feel like massive leaps when you make them. Sometimes, it's those "simple switches" that lead to the most profound transformations.

Research Assistant

Fraunhofer FIT

You know: Choose your boss, not your job!

It couldn't have been more true for my first real job. The opportunity to work with Professor Prinz wasn't just a job offer – it was an invitation to join an inspiring journey to learn and grow.

What made this so special?

First, there was the incredible diversity. Imagine working alongside people with vastly different experiences and backgrounds, each bringing their unique perspective to every challenge. It wasn't just about what we knew but how differently we thought.

Then there was the environment itself. Not just an office but more a creative lab. The open mindset paired with the resources fostered innovation and collaboration.

But what really made the difference? Working on industry projects that went beyond theoretical concepts. Every day, we were creating solutions that made real impact in the real world.

Looking back, my first job already led to my enthusiasm for innovation.

I support corporates in all activities focusing on INNOVATION: 
Creating new ideas and transforming them into businesses, products, or services.

IDEATION
With my help, you and your employees will come up with new ideas to move your business forward.

INNOVATION SPRINTS
I support your team in the concrete implementation of ideas from project planning all the way to the market.

INNOVATION STRATEGY
Together we develop an innovation strategy to lead your company into the future.

INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM
I assist in building an innovation culture and an innovation ecosystem, which fosters creative work and implementation of innovation in your company.

INNOVATION TRAINING
I train your employees to enable them to perform better innovation activities.


My background: 

I am a digital native with over ten years of experience in the field of innovation. I support companies in implementing innovation strategies and new business models. I catalyze ideas from corporate leaders in the areas of strategy and innovation and provide advisory from the initial thought to market entry.

I have studied computer science and business administration with a focus on human-computer interaction and management accounting at RWTH Aachen University. I continued as a scientist at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology FIT. I hold a Ph.D. (Dr. rer. nat.) in computer science and founded a start-up for algorithmic sports performance analysis based on big data.

Furthermore, I hold several teaching positions at the TU Munich, TH Cologne, and TU Dortmund. 

Dr. Nils Jeners

Headspace Strategies Limited

We are a strategy consultancy with a distinct difference.  

We help leaders in complex international businesses and their teams build for growth.

We believe Strategy isn’t just a document or a meeting. It’s a system. 

We design for growth - built with flexibility, and purpose. 

We help make sense of complexity and simplify the approach.  

Allowing teams to learn, align, and design an approach that adapts, while delivering tangible outcomes. 

Stronger, smarter, clearer - every time.

Founder

growyze

Growyze is a female-led startup revolutionising inventory management in the global hospitality industry, estimated at £15 billion. By harnessing advanced technology and insightful analytics, Growyze enables restaurants, bars, and hotels to reduce waste, leakage, and inefficiencies—addressing the sector’s enduring ~10% shortfall that can lead to almost half of all business failures. As a Non-Executive Director and Strategic Advisor, I support Growyze’s vision for reshaping operational processes, enhancing profitability, and championing a responsible approach to inventory control. My role focuses on guiding the company’s long-term strategy, ensuring robust governance, securing vital funding channels, and nurturing strong leadership capabilities.

This comprehensive advisory approach empowers Growyze to develop reliable solutions that optimize cost management, enhance user experience, and drive sustainable growth. By forging partnerships, refining internal structures, and adhering to best practices, we are collectively revolutionizing how hospitality businesses manage their stock—from procurement to consumption. Through transparent reporting, data-driven insights, and forward-thinking strategy, Growyze aims to curtail waste, safeguard margins, and create a thriving, future-focused hospitality sector. Together, we strive to empower businesses globally to excel in a competitive marketplace, reduce environmental impact, and foster resilient, profitable growth. My involvement ensures that Growyze remains at the forefront of innovation and industry excellence.

Strategic Advisor & Non-Executive Director

KanataQ

Ecosystem Partner

Micro Thermal Energy Ltd

Micro Thermal Energy Ltd is a female-founded renewable energy pioneer, transforming the industry with its patented geothermal technology. By harnessing the Earth’s natural heat, Micro Thermal Energy delivers a clean, cost-effective solution to meet global energy demands, significantly reducing carbon footprints while promoting sustainable development. In my role as a strategic advisor to the CEO/founder, I provide guidance on key business decisions.

Committed to shaping a greener future, Micro Thermal Energy’s revolutionary geothermal solutions address the pressing global need for clean, reliable power. My involvement helps the company make the most of the next stage as it is poised for success, helping it scale effectively, maintain a competitive edge, and forge new paths in sustainable energy. Together, we’re championing a dynamic, eco-conscious approach that promises to reshape the renewable energy landscape.

Mentor & Advisor

Nexus Digital Technology Limited

Non Executive Director

SUSXL: Sustainability. Excellence. Leadership.

SUSXL is a minority-founded business dedicated to driving real-world impact on sustainability challenges by hosting dynamic, action-focused events. By uniting diverse audiences—from large corporations to innovative startups—SUSXL fosters meaningful collaboration across multiple industries, ultimately accelerating eco-conscious solutions. In my capacity as a strategic advisor, I support SUSXL’s mission by helping shape event agendas that prioritize tangible outcomes and scalable business strategies, rather than mere discussions.

Leveraging my experience in sustainability, governance, and leadership development, I guide SUSXL in curating inclusive forums that encourage cross-sector networking, knowledge-sharing, and the formation of strategic alliances. This approach empowers participants to not only learn from varied perspectives, but also to devise practical action plans that address pressing environmental and social challenges.

Through tailored programming, expert-led workshops, and constructive panel discussions, SUSXL enables businesses of all sizes to forge transformative partnerships that drive lasting sustainability progress. By integrating best practices, advanced technologies, and forward-thinking strategies, SUSXL is at the forefront of fostering actionable initiatives that promote accountability, resilience, and responsible growth in the global marketplace.

Strategic Advisor

Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P.

I was appointed as a member of the ExCo team, with a dual remit, for this $5BN specialty chemical business producing two billion gallons of product annually. 

I lead the development of ‘Total Calumet’, our sustainability strategy, integrating international legislation and working to enhance the product offering in collaboration with the top 15 key accounts. 

I also oversee the $0.5BN Performance Brands business: Lubricants, Greases & Alkylate Fuels, with 500 employees on four sites and customers in 90 countries.

EVP Sustainability & EVP Performance Brands

Over this period, I took on a variety of interim leadership roles, including CCO, CSO and Program Lead for global blue chips such as Ordnance Survey, Associated British Foods, and Dubai World. 

I led major interventions to drive better financial performance, deliver commercial improvement or change strategic direction for complex multinational businesses.

Independent Consultant, UK, US, Middle East - Ordnance Survey, Associated British Foods

Appointed to lead a 50-person Strategy and Transformation team operating in four regional hubs across global business, I ensured the effective management of a $2BN CAPEX budget for this $10BN, 10,000-person organisation operating in 100 markets. 

I managed the development of all 23 key country strategic plans, and all oversight for the other 47 markets. 

As Programme Director, I oversaw a team of 100 in a business transformation programme spanning systems, structure, reporting and other organisational changes that impacted all 10,000 employees and 2,000 contractors.

Global Strategy Director, Programme Director, Business Transformation / London

Commissioned by global multinationals, including BP, EMI, Premier Farnell and Vitec plc, I undertook a series of consulting and interim leadership roles that included CMO, Transformation Director and Retail Operations Director, with the remit to lead the identification and execution of global marketing, commercialisation and transformation activities.

Independent Consultant / London - EMI, BP, Dubai World, Premier Farnell & Vitec plc

Strategy. Simplified. Connecting the dots in complex international businesses. | Human centered approaches to transformation that sticks | Global Business Advisor | Ethical & Sustainable Practices

I am a global business leader and innovative strategist with nearly 30 years of international experience driving transformational growth for blue-chip companies, private equity-backed ventures, and SMEs. 

I provide expert support, advice & proven frameworks to leaders searching for ways to deliver strong, bold growth, or turnarounds.

With expertise spanning commercial strategy, business transformation, and sustainability, I consistently deliver strategies that unlock superior performance in dynamic and complex global markets.

As EVP of Performance Brands at Calumet Specialty Products, I spearheaded record-breaking results in the Lubricants, Greases, and Alkylate Fuels business. By streamlining operations, appointing high-impact leaders, and championing sustainability initiatives through the ‘Total Calumet’ strategy, I positioned the company as a leader in addressing energy-sector challenges. My creation of a comprehensive roadmap to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 exemplifies my ability to balance bold vision with actionable solutions.

Throughout my career, I have a proven track record of driving profitable growth by aligning strategic priorities with market opportunities, launching innovative ventures, and delivering pioneering products that create measurable value. I specialize in turning complexity into opportunity, navigating global and environmental challenges to deliver future-focused, high-impact results while enhancing margins.

A dynamic leader known for uniting diverse, global teams, I excel at building alignment across executive stakeholders and navigating cultural and operational complexities. By rallying teams around shared objectives, I ensure strategies are not only visionary but also executable, enabling sustainable growth and enduring commercial success.

Marc Lawn

What happens when the lights go out…

…or your systems are hijacked.

Business continuity planning, sounds dull, but if the proverbial hits the fan - can you carry on.

In a world where cyber attacks are seemingly a matter of when, rather than if, how we plan to manage the inevitable fallout is crucial.

As AI supercharges & it’s possible to buy ‘phishing (and more) as a service’ on the dark web it has never been more critical to be prepared.

But it’s not just IT & OT hacks, power cuts, mobile services, and almost all our connectivity is susceptible to outages that could be catastrophic for the business.

The average cyber attack now costs the business in excess of $10m, yet around 85% of executives are still surprised by outages…

…and half believe that they are woefully unprepared for issues…

…despite over 90% expecting an issue to occur in the next 12 months.

So maybe it’s about time we understood our manual workaround, we’ve seen Jaguar-Land Rover and Marks & Spencer both suffer significant losses for not being able to.

After all, while the dynamo may not be cutting edge, it can keep powering those lights after the battery 🪫 fails for good.

How well prepared are you?

Strategy. Simplified. | Human Centred Strategy | Global Business Advisor | Ethical & Sustainable Practices | Performance Delivered

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Are we utilising what we already have?

One of the most valuable opportunities for business is the referral.

Yet, it’s an area that so often gets overlooked.

A strategic ‘faux pas’ let’s say.

Depending on the specifics, and with some thought & consideration, Wharton University found that the total value of referred customers could be as much as 200% higher than those from other channels.

The Athens Journal of Business & Economics published research that suggests that not only is total value higher, retention rates are much higher. 

But…

…referral programs have a big sting in the tail - if they are badly designed - because they crowd out genuine advocacy & intimacy.

So referrals are powerful, but only under the right circumstances. 

Maybe we don’t want dad to make that referral then!

Do you have a referral program, or one you’d point to as an excellent example?

(Meme courtesy of memedroid)

graphical user interface, text, application, chat or text message

‘Quick to take credit…

…faster to apportion blame.’

Planes, a little like corporate environments, have that unnerving ability to bring out the worst in people.

I’ve been travelling this week & I was reminded of this stimulus for my Sunday Reflection.

A couple of conversations. One with an ex professional referee, and one with a retired senior cabin crew professional.

Both recounted situations that, while rare, do happen, and when they do the results can be catastrophic.

It reminded me of some the poor behaviours I’ve seen in businesses over the years.  

Behaviours that have gone beyond competition, to become vindictive.

It’s little wonder that most people leave their jobs, because of their managers & those around them.

I just wish we could find a way so that it wasn’t so.

Maybe like buying this domain? We could work together in a more engaging & lighthearted way.

What do you think?

graphical user interface, text, application

Petty theft…

…or accidental misappropriation!!

According to surveys & research 3 in 4 employees admit to taking pens, and stationery.

While that was an eye opening stat…

…nothing prepared me for the real punchline.

Small misappropriations like this correlate with employees suggesting that they are not: 

1. Supported by their employer

2. Trusting of their employer

3. Feeing that they are treated fairly by their employer

So, a petty theft situation, could reasonably be the least of your worries.

In fact some studies suggest that act alone accounts for 1 in 3 of the total business stock losses.

It’s interesting to think that the reason our strategy is doomed to fail is because we don’t address the root cause of open theft!

Loud and proud…

…or quietly getting on with it?

When it comes to leadership there are several viewpoints here. 

The extroverted individual, when emerging in to a leadership position, tends to be rated more highly.

Yet, the introverted individual tends to be more highly rated once in role.

So…

…we have a contradiction..

…or do we?

In reality the answer is much more nuanced, more like - it depends.

While we pay (around 5% if you were wondering) more for extroverted CEOs, introverted leaders can achieve as much as 20% improvements in productivity.

This is based mainly on their openness to listen to new ideas & thoughts - however it also comes with a caveat, proactive followers required.

Grant, Gino & Hofmann discuss these things at length, as do the Myers-Briggs foundation.

When shows up, at least in my mind, in the reporting, is that there is no one single answer here.

And that’s the killer - we keep looking for that silver bullet that will solve everything for us, and it doesn appear to exist.

In fact the biggest solution isn’t whether we are introverted or extroverted - the best approach is much more about being open to differences, understanding of circumstances & being able to park our ego.

The big question now - will you still buy natural looking flaming hot Cheetos?

Are we being awkward…

…or are we just being difficult?

That’s the question we should be considering at every point of our customer journey.

Why?

Because according to Gartner - ‘Effort is the strongest driver to customer loyalty’.

Make it easy to spend money with you, and customers will, so much so that if the effort to interact is high then we stand a 96% chance the customer will defect.

An easy, low effort interaction, just 9% chance of leaving.

The most powerful question we can have asked of our customers….

‘On a scale of 1-10, how easy was it to do business with company x, where 1 is really easy, and 10 is really hard’.

Not only that but the lower that score, the lower the cost of dealing with the customer - up to 40% lower.

And employees feel better too, with a 17% increase in their intent to stay with the business.

The question - how easy have we made it to access the contents of the business’s offer?

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The Battle

Dr. Nils Jeners

Marc Lawn

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taplio

The Battle

Dr. Nils Jeners

Marc Lawn

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Marc Lawn's LinkedIn Performance

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