That is me, Nora >> 100+ ideas >> 1000+ happy moments

Originally I was born in Karl-Marx-Stadt, but raised in Zwickau  (Saxony), so actually part of the GDR, East Germany. I was brought up with a strong sense of humility and a desire for freedom as well as mindfulness and gratefulness for the smallest things. We didn't always have everything, so I learnd to appreciate what we had. Moreover there was the impulse for the distance. Already during school time I lived one month in South Africa, attended the school there and experienced life aboard ofr the first time - not as a tourist, but as a local. This experience taught me how to navigate challenges and developed the talent to handle even difficult situations quick and get myself comfortable whatever I had. I learned that there are always positive aspects, no matter where you are. Growing up in a small town, I was sheltered in many ways, but we traveled extensively, which fueled my curiosity and thirst for knowledge.

For my studies I went to a new, slightly bigger town, Erfurt, Germany. I studied how to learn and learned how to live. During this time I  completed an internship in Singapore, enduring the ACs and gaining valuable work experience. This motivated me to take the leap and study aboard:  I chose Madrid, Spain, where I pursued project management. I learned Spanish on the go, which was challenging but also a life lesson - teaching me that with courage, consistency, and willpower, anything is possible. It was probably during this time that I developed my never-ending optimism. After two years I needed a  break from constant learning and occasional setbacks. I opted for Trondheim, Norway, where I took part in an Erasmus exchange program while writing my master's theasis. Threre, I experienced the darf winters and came to appreciate them, as well as the long, bright summers. Moreover I became acquainted with the competitiveness of the Norwegian people, where success is solely dependent on the individual. Only you can determin your own path.  

Due to love, I eventually moved back to Germany, but this time to the unfamiliar region of Bavaria, to a small town. I became acquainted with the local pride, beauftiful nature, many enriching experiences. Firstly I enjoyed being close to Munich with all its opportunities, but later I found contentment in the quiet of the small town. We were on the verge of getting rid of our car, enjoying the freedom of walking everywhere. 

While working for BMW, I was able to work my way up from almost no IT knowledge to be a SAP design lead. Persistence, determination and consistency were my guiding principles. I also learned the value of teamwork - how to grow together and rely on one another. Eventually, I embraced agil working methods and project management. I began as an agile master,  eventually  became a coach. I played a key role in introducing and advancing change management within the company. Change doesn't happen overnight, it requires small steps, midnfulness, and humor. I loved inspiring and convincing people, and I put in a lot of work.

It wasn't until I became a mother of two that I truly felt grounded. This shift in my life changed my perception of myself, my children and the  wolrd aroudn us. While I had always been interested in sustainability, I became more deeply committed to it, implementing sustainable practices wherever possible - whether it was in our choice of toilet paper or our financial investments. At the same time, I expanded my organizational skills and grem more self-assured. I'm proud that my children are happy, balanced, and curious - traits that I've passed down to them. 

Then came an offer to explore Houston, Texas, USA. Driven by a love for the world, curiosity, and openness, we decided to pack up and start anew. Of course, I packed my optimism in my hand luggage. It was a huge leap out of our comfort zone, away from established routines and familiar surroundings. It was an opportunity for transformation - a journay toward mindfulness, sustainability, and fulfillment. It was a learning experience in every sense of the word, especially in learning how to take root once more. I discovered yoga, which taught me the importance of calmness and mindfulness, and how crucial it is to pay attention to our bodies. 

While my husband took an expat job in Houston, I was responsible for our home and children. Although this kept me busy, it didn’t fully engage my mind. I was still working on finding balance, managing everything on my own—work, adventures, relaxation, breaks, and regeneration. Thanks to my corporate career, I felt a deep need to create and actively support that balance. I wanted to bring more mindfulness into our lives and reconnect with others.

The concept of IKIGAI (a Japanese term for "a reason for being") led me to create Mind The Fox: a controlled Work-Life Balance program designed to foster mindful interaction within teams, respecting the individual while considering the team as a whole. It is a service where I can bring many different ideas to life.