Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Germany Expat Business Show

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I've been wowed by DanRam's LinkedIn profile for awhile, so I was delighted when he agreed to be a guest on the podcast last summer.

DanRam travels the globe as an Event MC & Speaker at over 100 events a year. Hosting changemakers like President Barack Obama, billionaire founders Sir Richard Branson and Reid Hoffman, F1 champion Nico Rosberg, Grammy-winning artists and celebrities, he works on 4 continents from college campuses to parliaments to in-house corporate innovation days for Fortune 500 companies to the biggest tech conferences in the world. His passion is to inspire people with his motto 'Start Now Start Simple' in building a future we all want to live in.

In this episode we talked about:

1. A true 4th culture person, DanRam was born in India, grew up all over the world and landed (for now!) in Aachen Germany
2. He's an event MC, speaker, start-up coach and entrepreneur. Which two of these describe what he does the most
3. How he created such an unconventional type of career for himself
4. How he built his massive network and your audience
5. How DanRam created such a distinctive personal brand and whether it evolved organically and what he does to maintain it
6. The pros of working internationally but being based in Germany
7. His experience of starting and growing his team
8. Where he gets all his energy! And how he manages it. 

Tune in to hear about all of this and more!

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Navigating German bureaucracy can be quite challenging, especially when you don’t speak German, are new to the processes and don’t know what support is available to you.

If you’re a new parent in Germany, you’ve probably heard of Elternzeit, Elterngeld and Kindergeld and are totally overwhelmed by everything you need to take care of for your baby. And after Elternzeit, many mothers want to change jobs due to a shift in priorities or the need for more flexibility at work.

Gitanjali More understands all of these challenges because she faced them too and wanted to make sure her research also benefited other parents in a similar situation.

With The Confused Mother, she supports international families to successfully apply for these and other benefits available to them here in Germany. She also offers mothers two job coaching programs when they want to make a shift in their career after their Elternzeit.

She is from India and has been living in Germany for 10 years, speaks fluent German, English, Hindi and Marathi and helps people new to Germany in all of these languages.

In this conversation we covered:

1. How she a long-standing family connection to Germany prompted her to learn German and eventually get a degree in International Politics at the University of Göttingen,
2. How and why she got the idea for The Confused Mother
3. How reach outs and direct emails to her existing network as well as strategic partners helped build her client base.
4. Her business model of coaching, consulting and tutorials
5. The difference in her marketing approach to indviduals vs. organizations
6. What percentage of her business is focused on becoming a mom in Germany vs. rebooting a career after having a child.
7. The biggest challenges she sees expat/immigrant women facing when becoming a parent and restarting their careers afterwards in Germany.
8. How stamina and having a plan are key to running a solopreneur business in Germany.

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Tetyana Pirker came from Ukraine to Munich in 2002. She studied psychology in the university of Munich and afterwards she started a career at Accenture as IT SAP consultant. 

After many years SAP consulting he looked for a ‘soul business’. After the birth of her first child in 2017 she discovered her passion; photography. 

Tetyana works for both business customers but also she loves weddings. She has 2 kids, lives in the north of Munich and still works part time in the consulting while she is developing her photography business.

In this episode Tetyana and I discussed:

🇺🇦 Her experience migrating from Ukraine to Munich as a 19 year old
❤️ Even though she landed a good job at a consulting firm, she was missing work she was passionate about
📷 Turning her passion; photography into a side hustle
🤝 How she got permission from her full-time job to launch her photography business
🤓 How much there is to learn when launching a business (Taxes! SEO, Building a website!)
🎨 Balancing managing your business with also being a creative
🗺️ How Google Maps has been helpful for getting the word out about her business

🚀 Why it’s important to just start and not worry about everything being perfect

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Time for another episode of The Germany Expat Business Show Mailbag!

This time I’m sharing a question from Nutan Jaeger.

Nutan is a trained architect turned writer who moved to Munich with her German husband. She was laid off from her job and has worked as a freelancer in Germany before but always stayed under the mini-job level and making enough to cover taxes and insurance.

Her biggest challenge is figuring out how to start.

Should she exploring business ideas as side hustles and see what takes off? OR Should she create a business right away?

She also asked about working remotely from Germany for clients in the U.S.

It’s so fascinating to hear everyone’s stories.

My advice to Nutan would be to start something as a side-hustle rather than a full on business. For a few reasons.

Listen in to this shorty solo episode to find out more!

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

It was a thrill when John Ismailoglu cheerfully accepted my request for a podcast interview. He is hands down one of my favorite LinkedIn follows, posting about - of all things - Insurance! 

A fellow American born and raised in NYC, John is a ‘4th culture’ person with a family story that spans Turkey, Bulgaria, the U.S. and now Germany.

With close to two decades in the dynamic realm of insurance, John has seen it all. John's story began in New York where he started from the bottom, selling car insurance in a call center. Over time, he climbed the ranks to handling the needs of prominent businesses and the affluent. "From Call Center to Rockefeller Center" will be the title of John's insurance biography - he just needs to put pen to paper and write the thing.

Nowadays, John is venturing into new territory in Berlin and embarking on a fresh chapter with INSRD, an insurance and risk solution provider for startups, scaleups, and tech. 

In this interview we talked about:

•  How the buzz and diversity of Berlin feels similar to being in his hometown of NYC 3.
• How a his experience working at a call center in high school led to INSRD
•  Our shared American respect for the art and talent of selling and customer service (of course!) 
• His German language journey from learning it, forgetting it, then learning it again and then learning ‘Insurance German’ 
• His rule of thumb advice for the basic insurances every business needs
•  Balancing the market opportunities with the bureacratic challenges of setting up and running a business in Germany 
• His excellent, excellent LinkedIn game and how and why he built up a following on the platform

And congrats! INSRD just received €500k in Pre-seed funding!

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Leaving the warm beaches of California for  Munich? Gretchen and her family did just that. The result is an inspiring story of her career evolution from a CMO in the B2B software industry to business founder and entrepreneur.

In this conversation Gretchen and I talk about  the whirlwind of relocation, unexpected career detours and the growth that comes with such a bold move.  We also discuss:

• The decision and backstory on moving to Germany based on a major opportunity for her career (rather than her husbands)
• How her substantial business acumen informs her approach to leadership consulting 
• Why she's passionate about helping leaders become the best versions of themselves so they can lead their teams to do the same
• How and why she transitioned as a successful CMO into a consulting business owner and entrepreneur
• How she developed a proprietary tool and team development method
• How she built up a LinkedIn audience of over 5k followers
• Whether it's better to use accounting apps and services or a professional Steuerberater
• Why sometimes the best thing you can do is just throw some money at a problem!

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

A subscriber to my newsletter asks the eternal question: How do I get more clients? I share my response.

Links mentioned in this episode:
4 Thrilling Things That Suddenly Happened When I Committed to a Niche
How to Find Clients Online with Enjoyment and Ease
How to Grow Your Business Online (newsletter)

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Laila is a Startup Coach from Stuttgart, who wants to create a safe space for migrant founders in Germany through the community empowerment project ‘The Migrant Accelerator’. She loves to talk about lived allyship and inclusion for investors and corporates.

She is also the host of The Migrant Accelerator Podcast.

TMA sounds like a fun place to be, it’s full of founders from: Thailand, Uganda, Russia, Palestine, India, Ukraine, Pakistan and even a few Americans!

In our conversation we discussed:

• How her bachelor thesis formed the basis of  The Migrant Accelerator.
• What The Migrant Accelerator is and how it helps
• The history of migrant entrepreneurship in Germany
• The availability of grants and non-VC sources of funding that aren’t widely known about
• The opportunities (and challenges) to founding a startup in Germany
• ‘Passport privilege’ and the the difference between the terms migrant, immigrant and expat
• Balancing motherhood (of a toddler!) and business leadership

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Imagine uprooting your life and moving to a country where you don't speak the language to chase a dream. That's precisely what Ranjit did when he left India for Germany, and his journey is nothing short of remarkable. In our heart-to-heart, Ranjit, a seasoned entrepreneur, walks us through his challenging yet rewarding path from a language novice to a thriving business owner. Tune in as he shares the pivotal moments, from landing a project with Deutsche Telekom to the strategic pivots of establishing his own company.

Navigating the complex world of business in a country that's not your birthplace requires resilience and a strong network, both of which Ranjit has mastered. His anecdotes about ensuring an employee's residency and the strategic shift to a home office are testaments to his adaptability. For all the freelancers and aspiring business owners out there, Ranjit's insights into the power of past colleagues, professional networks, and agencies can be the key to unlocking new levels of success. His tale is a striking example of how embracing change can forge unexpected opportunities.

Beyond the entrepreneurial grind, Ranjit also underscores the importance of continuous personal development. His involvement with Toastmasters shines a light on the profound impact that honing public speaking and leadership skills can have on professional growth. If you're pondering on how to handle the recurring tasks of business ownership or seeking advice, Ranjit's experiences reveal the strength found in community and mentorship. Embark on this episode for a dose of inspiration, practical advice, and a reminder that no one should navigate the intricacies of business, especially in a foreign land, alone.

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Dan's journey of transforming into an entrepreneurial powerhouse is a real inspiration and a living demonstration of the good old American 'Can Do' spirit.

He shares candid tales of his early days grappling with language barriers and the incredible stroke of luck that led him from the doing research at the U.S. consulate with a bag lunch, to the boardrooms of Siemens.

In this episode Dan shares:

• The surprising story of how and why he decided to leave a promising trajectory in Silicon valley and move to Munich (spoiler: it wasn't a relationship!)
• His life philosophy and approach to making decisions
• Living in a WG with roommates disinclined to speak English
• The relatable challenges of navigating German bureaucracy
• How he got started with no connections and no German language skills
• How he identified a gap in the German market and how he could serve it with the skills he already had
• The astonishing story of how he landed his first Fortune 500 client

Dan's story is a masterclass in adaptability and perseverance. His anecdotes about pushing through fear and the humorous realization of operating without proper permits will resonate with anyone who's ever sat dejectedly in the KVR office.

Beyond business stories, Dan also shares a wealth of knowledge on leadership dynamics. With his background in psychology and criminology, he doesn't shy away from getting into the nitty-gritty of executive coaching and the significance of investing in team relationships. 

His transition from running a successful company to focusing on improving team interactions within corporations offers an insider perspective on leadership that's both informative and inspiring. 

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

In this episode I talk  to  Karina Weber, also known as the Brand Architect.

We talk about her journey from Canada to Germany,  where she built a flourishing marketing business, specialized in branding and carved a niche within female, service-oriented businesses struggling with branding issues. 

Karina shares insightful nuggets about her unique journey, which includes a master's degree pursuit in Munich, mastering German (her Father's native language) and the challenges faced while expanding her business and utilizing social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook Ads to grow her brand and audience. 

Karina talked about her experience providing free content, fine-tuning her offerings to resonate with her target market, and her innovative approach in creating a program that responds to her clients' needs. 

We also talked about the pros and cons and necessity of building a location independent and  travel-friendly business - especially as expats. 

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Imagine taking a leap of faith, moving to a new country, and building a successful business with no university degree in hand.

This was the journey of Penny Blackmore, a sales and marketing consultant who transitioned to freelancing in Germany. 

Join us as we explore Penny's fascinating journey to Germany and how she established her successful sales and marketing consultancy, Company Studio. From working at a digital product studio to dealing with the intricacies of freelance work in Germany, Penny’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination.

Penny’s worked with clients ranging from Twitter to Tetra Pak in locations across Australia, Europe, and the US. She headed up business development at two globally recognised design agencies and has expertise in startups, innovation and design. 

Penny now brings this unique expertise to her hyper-specific niche helping her clients to with their sales and marketing. Other things to know? Penny is working on a novel as well as writing an occasional newsletter, And Another Thing, with an accompanying podcast.

 She loves writing and has been published in the Guardian and the Huffington Post. Penny competed at the Olympics as a gymnast in 2004, which has taught her infinite lessons about tenacity, motivation, and resilience.

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Hey everyone! Season 3 is FINALLY underway.

Also, big announcement! I'm excited to introduce The Germany List. 

This came out of the need to connect and support the expat business community in Germany, this open directory is a centralized resource for international entrepreneurs, creators, and service providers. 

Together with my co-founder, Lindsey, we're publicly building a platform that aims to make finding and promoting Ausländer English-friendly services easier than ever. 

Tune in to learn more about the Germany List and how you can add your business, service or community group if you have one and discover new ones nearby.

Links:
https://thegermanylist.de/

Add your business:
https://thegermanylist.de/add-your-business/

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Ever wondered how a successful entrepreneur and side-hustler from a foreign land made it big in Germany? 

Aazar Shad is a hustler, entrepreneur and marketer. He loves ads, tearing them down and figuring out why they work. He runs an expat newsletter, The Munich Post with 5500+ subscribers.

Originally from Pakistan, Aazar made Munich his home and showed us that resilience and a never-say-quit attitude can lead to incredible success. 

Buckle up as Azar takes us through his entrepreneurial journey filled with trials, tribulations, and triumphs, along with his in-depth insights into the fascinating world of performance marketing and consulting.

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Get set for a thrilling journey through the intriguing world of SEO with our remarkable guest, Sarah Moon. With her roots in Luxembourg and extended stay in Ireland, Sarah 

Is it possible to get SEO traction if your content and marketing is in, say English (for example!) but you live in Germany?

In this episode I talk to Sarah Moon, who is not an expat and doesn’t live in Germany. What she is, is a SEO and movement marketing expert.

Sarah is the founder of Sarah Moon & Co, a Portland, Oregon-based boutique SEO-first marketing & business strategy firm that helps audacious change-makers, thought-leaders, and transformational causes get found and make an impact. SM&Co is one of the original Squarespace Specialists, and the original marketing studio to optimize SEO services for Squarespace users.

I’ve been searching far and wide for someone who could provide guidance on how to do expat/multi-lingual SEO and she's the first and only person I’ve found who had some thoughtful, meaty answers.

Some of the things we discussed:

→ Why low search terms can be your friend

→ Why it’s important to listen for terms people use repeatedly when talking about your business IRL

→ Branded search, what it is and why it’s important for expat businesses

→ Why you should have a Google business profile even if you are a totally remote business

→ How outbound links on your website send signals about your location to Google

→ The impact of top level domain (.de vs. com)

→ SEO Considerations for setting up multilingual websites

This a nerdy but highly VALUABLE conversation if you want to up your SEO game and you’re producing content in a language differs from the region where you live.

Sarah also generously created a resource page full of free resources and a big discount code on her website just for listeners!

https://sarahmoon.net/expat/

You can find her both at her website and on LinkedIn here:

https://sarahmoon.net https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmoon/

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Emily Hughes is an American and the founder of Emily Claire & Co an agency that specializes in copywriting and influencer marketing for B2C female founders, based out of Hamburg.

Emily has a great 'How I ended up in Germany story.' She was working as a performer on a German cruise ship! After docking in Hambugg her singin' dancin' self took a look around and said 'I love this place!' 

This was a fun episode with a lot of digital marketing shop talk.  Emily and I discussed:

• How a creating a course as a lead generator, sales asset and authority builder lead to thousands of euros in client contracts
• What exactly influencer marketing is. My (and maybe your?) understanding was a little, uh…simplistic
• Our different understandings of what a ‘start-up’ is and why so many industries and businesses suddenly started ending with ‘tech
• How she got her initial clients by reaching out to people in a very niche industry which she where she had connections
• How she cleverly bridges the gap between no influencer marketing and ridiculously expensive influencer marketing for her clients

Emily also shared her insights into how startups can leverage influencers to get their brand in front of their target audience and what it's like to have two skill sets (copywriting and influencer marketing). We discuss the difference between influencer marketing and PR and share some tips on how to find the influencers that will best represent your brand. 

It's not all business talk; Emily opens up about the challenges she faced when becoming self-employed in Germany and shares some advice for those considering the same path. This episode is packed full of insights, advice, and inspiration, so grab an Astra (or a Fritz Kola) and  enjoy my convo with Emily Claire Hughes.

Where to find Emily:
https://www.emilyclaireand.co/
https://www.instagram.com/emilyinhamburg/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-claire-hughes-366108181/

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

In this episode I talk with Laura Ung, a  performance marketing manager by day and along with her partner Stewart is a  tea master when not at her 9-5. 

Coming from Southeast Asia, she trod an uncommon path, navigating language barriers, cultural differences, and a challenging experience with a micromanager that ultimately led her to carve out her own path in the business landscape.

Turning their passion for tea into a thriving business, Laura and Stewart created Hungry Tea Masters, a unique platform to promote tea appreciation events. 

We'll explore her marketing strategies, the channels she uses to promote her business, and her vision for the future of Hungry Tea Masters. 

Listen in as Laura shares her insights on hosting virtual events, her take on alcohol-free gatherings, and her experiences leveraging Eventbrite.

Laura's entrepreneurial journey extends beyond her tea business. As a prominent member of the Southeast Asian Entrepreneur network, she sees the power of community bonding and networking first hand.

Hear about her experiences living in various German cities, from the welcoming environment of Dresden to well, a little less welcoming Munich. 

We'll also delve into  a brush with a business scam and how it promted Laura and Stewart to found a group for South East Asian entrepreneurs.

This episode is full of insights, whether you're a burgeoning entrepreneur, a tea enthusiast, or someone trying to adapt to life in Germany.

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Ever wonder how a French expat found success with her own business in Frankfurt?

Stefania Laventure, the brilliant mind behind Pimp My Product, shares her journey from love-struck expat to agile goal-setting guru in this episode. 

Listen in as Stefania reveals how she assists startups in finding focus, setting goals, and achieving them through quarter-long teamwork sessions – both remotely and on-site. Join us as we delve into the energetic world of startups and discover how a simple coffee break can lead to great insights.

Stefania's entrepreneurial spirit and passion for self-development shine through in the second part of our conversation. Learn how she honed her agile skills to help clients prioritize and focus their resources, and the challenges she faced in building her clientele and pipeline. 

She also shares the value of referrals, but why it's important to maintain control over your growth. Plus, don't miss Stefania's take on the delicate balance between work and family life – juggling three kids and a full-time job is no easy feat, but her 50/50 partnership with her husband makes it all possible.

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Originally from America, Lisa moved to Germany from London and launched her online bookshop Story Post. We literally talk shop about why she chose Shopify, Facebook ads, and the challenges of marketing in the EU.

In this episode Lisa and I also talked about:

• Some of the post-Brexit challenges of launching an online shop in the EU when her merchandise was originally sourced in the UK
• How she approached market research in a linguistically fragmented European Union market
• Her journey from working in publishing to finding a way to promote great books and bring more diversity to children’s book market.
• Her experience with using Facebook ads to market her e-commerce business
• Lisa’s tips on making reading a fun and enriching experience for children.

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey? Join me as I chat with Jesus Navarrez, an expat from Mexico City living in Munich, who shares the story of his Mexican food import business that changed the game for authentic Mexican cuisine Germany. 

From the origins of his venture to the hurdles he faced in starting a tortilla business in Germany,  Jesus opens up about overcoming bureaucracy, learning the art of tortilla-making and trying to convince reluctant restaurant owners in Germany to buy authentic corn tortillas.

Stay tuned for his insights on staying positive while starting a business, and where you can buy his delicious products to satisfy your Mexican food cravings. You won’t want to miss this flavorful conversation!

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Tim is a native Californian who has been in Germany over 20 years. 

He's an experienced coach, facilitator and trusted advisor. For over two decades he has helped young professionals to C-level executives generate clarity, confidence and momentum for lasting change.

In addition People & Organization Development, Tim has first-hand work experience in Financial Services, Education and the Media across 4 continents.

As blog, newsletter and coaching practice, 'The Path To Peak Performance' is the product of this diverse experience.

In this episode Tim and I talked about:

• The challenge of measuring the effects of content marketing
• What he did to pivot from corporate coaching to coaching private individuals when the lockdown hit
• Tim’s ideal mix of corporate vs. clients
• What to focus on instead of tasks
• His experience with LinkedIn Sales Navigator and whether or not it ‘worked’
• What makes a client ready to buy

Where to find Tim:

https://pathtopeakperformance.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/timnash-peakperformance/

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Emilia Puentes is a stop motion and paper artist originally from Wisconsin.  Emilia co-owns  Pairem with her business partner, Natalie, the brand director who takes care of all things marketing for Pairem.

Pairem creates eye-catching visuals with the magic of stop motion and paper animation. It's a creative production partner for agencies and for brands who want more motion and magic in their marketing strategy.

When she's not working on her creative business she's usually doing something with her hands like coloring, crocheting, and photography - creativity is in her soul. 

Emilia and I talked about:

• How a job opportunity for her husband was a chance for her to freelance full time
• Her approach to sharing her work on IG and getting noticed by large brands
• How LinkedIn is in some ways better than IG for her visual business
• Working permission with a Blue Card visa
• How often she had to pitch to get her first two German projects
• How feeling isolated as an expat lead her to her business partner
• The process and services they used to start their GbR (and what that is) and how much it costs
• The clever productized offering for brands they created (launch)
• Why it’s never to late to get started with something your passionate about
• MCBW in Munich
• The power of networking

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

In this episode, I had a fun and insightful conversation with Genevieve Retzlaff about her journey from being a successful HR professional in Montreal to moving to Germany and starting her own business, Grow Better Together.

We discussed:

• How 3 years of ‘reflection’ helped her refocus building her career
• How she built her coaching business using a combination of networking and targeted advertising
• Building momentum by working with clients in her home country while building up a local client base in Germany
• The importance of authenticity, leadership and female empowerment, and the benefits of self-leadership.
• We also touched on harnessing the power of websites and how she expanded her network through industry groups and platforms.

Genevieve shared her experience transitioning from the corporate world to freelancing and how her passion for coaching led her to create Grow Better Together.

We also discussed the growth of Grow Better Together, and how Gen leads a remote team that works collaboratively to create offers and share opportunities.

We shared insights on embracing the possibility of failure and surrounding oneself with quality people for support and guidance.

If you're interested in learning more about Genevieve's journey and the insights she's gained along the way, be sure to tune into this episode of the Germany Expat Business Show.

Find out more about a group for women entrepreneurs Gen is hosting to finish 2025 strong.

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Lora McInturf supports high-performing lawyers and business professionals primarily in law, IT, finance, accounting, and coaching.

Lora's business is 100% virtual. She's worked with professionals and businesses around the world - from over 40 countries and counting.

She is also a founder and co-leader of the following groundbreaking online networking communities: Lawyers Coaching Lawyers - International Network, Women Expat Lawyers and Law Students, and Women Expat Entrepreneurs Empowered Germany.

In this episode we talked about

• How being exchange student lead to her putting down roots in Germany
• The native English speakers conundrum when it comes to learning German while working in an international corporate environment
• How multiple international moves prompted her to create a portable business that made use of her background in law without actually being a lawyer 
• How marketing ourselves on our backgrounds is effective; 
• Why it’s important to try and do ‘all of the things’ when first starting out
• Where she got her first clients
• How and why she founded several successful Facebook groups and the highs and lows of running them
• Visas versus permanent residency permits
• The joy of a good tech stack

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Jen and her husband Paul Higgins are originally from NJ. A career opportunity for Paul brought them to Munich in 2003 and Jen kept her IT career on track so they stayed.

In 2018 they founded a small craft beer brewery in the heart of Munich's brewing district, creating American styled ales. In 2022, they opened a taproom next door to the brewery and have enjoyed meeting locals, expats, craft beer fans and brewers from around the world.

In our conversation we discussed:

How they expected to stay in Munich ‘A couple of years’ and why they’ve been here for almost 20(!)

Even though Munich is the beer capital of the world, they missed craft beer and slowly but surely, they pursued their passion to found Higgins Aleworks in 2018.

The process of establishing a business that involves beer and consumables

Starting a business as a hobby and leveraging the luxury of time

The ‘Reinheitsgebot’ and how it impacts beer innovation (or lack thereof)

A lucky coincidence that has to do with starting a brewery in a bakery

Controversy! Can vs. Bottles

How the pandemic actually forced them forward with their business and make strategic partnerships with competitors

How they found a space for their taproom in Munich’s impossible commercial real estate market

How they use Google Maps and LinkedIn for marketing

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Thermodemand, founded by Irapua Santos Ribeiro, is a consultancy focused on sustainable energy solutions for industrial applications, particularly in solar and renewable process heat technologies.

His company aims to help industrial clients reduce their carbon footprint and operational costs. Ira has started the business as a sole proprietorship, but plans to expand by forging strategic partnerships and delivering innovative, high-quality services worldwide.

Irapua an impressive professional background in renewable energy. He earned degrees in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA in Business and Project Management, and a European Master in Renewable Energy, specializing in Solar Thermal Energy.

He’s also the father of twins (two little girls) and sports enthusiast who also writes on his free time about life related subjects.

In this episode we talked about:

🇧🇷 How he moved from Brazil to Australia and then to Europe to pursue a career in renewable energy

🇪🇺 Why it was easier to get his qualifications recognized in Europe rather than Australia

🤓 Per my request, Ira explained solar thermal energy to me ‘like I’m five years old’ (basically, it’s using solar to generate heat rather than electricity)

🧠 How his specialized knowledge in the industrial solar space was an opportunity to found a consulting business

💼 The gap between what’s happening in academia and useful products and services being brought to the market

💪 Why he went directly to work in the industry after getting his mechanical engineering degree to get out of the ‘research mindset’

🤝 How his extensive industry network provides an immediate customer base

⚙️ Why he is spending a lot of time working on SOPs and documenting his processes in this early phase of the business

🕶️ Why (for now) he’s remaining an Einzelunternehmer instead of a UG

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

A Canadian in Berlin for 10+ years, Cheryl has the unique experience of moving to Berlin – not once, but twice. During her time in Berlin, she's had five different visas and worked as both a freelancer and a permanent employee for numerous German companies.

Her day jobs include working as a hiring manager, overseeing the recruitment of countless individuals, as well as a team coach helping people work better and find happiness in their careers.

The combination of her personal and professional experience means she knows exactly what it takes to move to Germany and find work. In 2021, she created the The Berlin Life, with a mission to help make moving to Germany and finding work easier. The Berlin Life provides guides to life in Berlin, career coaching services, and connections to a wider community.

In our conversation we covered:

• How and why Cheryl started The Berlin Life
• How she balances The Berlin Life as a side hustle with her full-time job.
• How she focuses on organic SEO for growth
• Some pracitical tips for crafting powerful CVs and cover letters tailored to the German market
• Why she switched form ConvertKit to Substack for her newsletter
• How she generates revenue with the website and newsletter
• The current state of the German job market and broader economic trends
• Whether or not you can find a job in Germany just speaking English
• How to find more efficient ways to manage time and the idea of reducing regular working hours to focus more on a hustle.

Where you'll find Cheryl and The Berlin Life:

The Berlin Life website
The Berlin Life Instagram
The Berlin Life Facebook Group
The Berlin Life on LinkedIn

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Mandy Borchardt is a German marketing strategist and translator helping small non-German businesses to market their brand in Germany.

In 2015 she went freelance full time as a translator for English and Spanish into German, working for translation agencies and direct clients.

After a few years, she started to notice that most end clients need more than just marketing translations. They also need to understand their new target group and adapt their marketing efforts accordingly.

This was when the idea of helping her non-German clients with their marketing in Germany slowly started to grow.

I invited her on to the show to help those marketing and selling to Germans understand the mindset of the German customer.

We talked about:

• The importance of understanding German customers' preferences and cultural nuances.
• The importance of detailed product descriptions, compliance with local regulations, and personalized content in German.
• Specific marketing tips for German audiences including guidance on machine translation, legal text and culturally appropriate visuals
• The factors that influence many German buying decisions
• Advantages and disadvantages of running a business in Germany
• The importance of networking, collaboration, and continuous learning for all business owners
• How cooperation over competition among freelancers and small business owners has served her well

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

I stumbled across Jen and Yvonne of Simple Germany through their YouTube channel, and boy am I glad I did!

Jen was born and raised in Guatemala and sought better quality of life due to LGBTQ+ rights and security concerns. Yvonne was raised in Germany but always wanted to explore the world and worked for many years on a cruise ship (side note: This is the second Germany Expat Business Show guest that worked on a cruise ship!)

Jen and Yvonne met in Düsseldorf where they became partners in life and business. Together they became the founders of Simple Germany where they create English content to empower internationals to settle into life in Germany more smoothly.

They’ve got some eye popping stats including: A devoted following of 55k YouTube subscribers, 15k newsletter subscribers, 3M Annual website visitors and 1k happy customers

In our conversation we talked about:

• How their own experiences as immigrants and a native German led to the creation of Simple Germany.
• How they were able to leave their corporate jobs in 2022 to focus full-time on Simple Germany after starting it in 2020.
• Their business model which primarily relies on affiliate sales.
• How they build trust through YouTube and SEO efforts, emphasizing authenticity and human connection.
• Content creation on Simple Germany has evolved into inspiring stories of successful immigration to Germany, providing hope and empowerment to others.
• How through Simple Germany Jen and Yvonne aim to inspire people to realize that a life abroad is possible and that they have control over making positive changes for a better life.
• How they ventured into creating digital products like templates and e-books to offer more detailed resources to their audience.
• The challenges of finding the right e-commerce platform in Germany, particularly with regards to European regulations like displaying final prices including VAT and variable VAT rates.
• How and why they ended up getting married three times in Germany!

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

In this episode I talk to May and Peter Kamya, the Berlin-based founders of Kidsimply.  Peter is originally from the UK and May’s family immigrated to Germany from Thailand when she was five years old.

Kidsimply is an online shop selling diverse and inclusive books and toys. Through the KidSimply brand, and inspired by raising their child, Peter and May want to celebrate cultural diversity, but most importantly send out a message to ALL children that their experiences matter.

In this episode of The Germany Expat Business Show we talked about:

💪 How ‘learning by doing’ is part and parcel of starting a business

📱Working with influencers to spread the word

📦 How Peter and May approach order fulfilment and stocking inventory

💕 Balancing values and mission with brass tacks business outcomes

⬅️ What to outsource and what to keep in house

💁‍♀️ The value of getting to know customers and their community and in-person markets

🏪 Staying online vs. opening a brick and mortar shop

🛒 Their experience using both WooCommerce and Shopify

🫶 How they navigate being partners in both life and business

✏️ Using translation tools in combination with manual translation, writing and editing

📥 Their experiences with founding a Ltd. in the UK and a GmbH in Germany, including  impacts on cash flow

🇩🇪Their hope to one day expand to markets in Köln, Hamburg and other cities in Germany.

Visit and follow Kidsimply here:

Kidsimply.de website
Kidsimply on Instagram
Kidsimply on Tiktok

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Gelyn, a mom who moved to Germany at the height of the pandemic in 2020, found herself jobless and very pregnant. Inspired by her daughter (and probably a few hormones), she wrote her first children’s book, "Most of All, You Are Loved," a response to the pandemic, divisiveness, demonstrations, the Ukraine war, rising stories of bullying and increase in suicide rates amongst teens. She started asking herself "What can I do to protect my child?" 

So, she created her company called Polkaducks and started creating stories and products that promote kindness, hoping they might make a difference. In less than two years, Gelyn diversified her efforts by creating a supportive mama network, expanding her business to custom book printing and stuffed toy services, and fostering a community where moms can find encouragement and inspiration.

Originally from Manila, Philippines, Gelyn isn't a stranger to stepping out of her comfort zone. After nearly a decade in finance, she randomly chose Shanghai from a map, enrolled in language school, and never looked back. She's lived in China and Mexico and now calls Munich home, where she lives with her husband and daughter. 

This year, Gelyn embarks on her latest ambitious project, Mama macht Markt, an event celebrating women by inviting them to showcase their creations.

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

After a decade as a competitive gymnast in South Carolina, Erin found both excitement and uncertainty in shifting her focus. Her college years, filled with new opportunities and inspiring mentors, led her to discover a passion for yoga and fitness—not just as a student, but as a teacher. A six-month study abroad in Italy in 2014 also cemented her love for Europe.

In 2015, Erin moved to Germany after graduating from Clemson University with a degree in veterinary science (which was no longer her passion), driven by a desire to live abroad. After seven years of juggling part-time jobs with the US Army and teaching yoga locally, she took the leap into self-employment.

In April 2024, Erin founded The Third Place in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, aiming to grow her yoga and fitness business by hosting European retreats, collaborating with local businesses, and offering more private and group classes. Her goal is to create a space where students can explore their potential, honor their bodies’ boundaries, and feel guided on their journey to reach their goals.

Erin’s teaching emphasizes movement, anatomy, breathwork, and introspection as essential elements of total wellness, and she’s eager to share this with people from all walks of life.

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Afshan Samani's journey from Iran to becoming the CEO and co-founder of PinoSell is a masterclass in resilience and innovation. After navigating cultural challenges and personal setbacks, including a broken engagement during her PhD in Canada, Afshan pivoted from academia to a dynamic career in tech and startups. Her relentless pursuit of new opportunities led her to Rocket Internet and eventually to the creation of PinoSell, a company inspired by the burgeoning potential of social media selling. Through her story, Afshan provides a fascinating look at how personal perseverance can drive professional success.

From identifying an unexpected e-commerce trend in the Middle East and Africa to launching a platform that transforms Instagram feeds into shoppable storefronts, Afshan's insights are invaluable for anyone interested in the future of retail and entrepreneurship. She shares her experiences working on a pilot project with L'Oreal and explores how her platform empowers micro-businesses to harness the power of social media effectively. With examples like a Munich-based cake business and a California-based letterpress hobbyist, Afshan demonstrates the platform's versatility and its potential to revolutionize how small businesses connect with their customers.

For those intrigued by the intricacies of setting up a business in Europe, Afshan's discussion of the logistical and financial hurdles in Germany, compared to the advantages of Estonia's e-residency program, offers eye-opening insights. Her experiences highlight the broader trends and challenges within the European startup ecosystem, including the increasing focus on innovation and international collaboration. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, there's much to learn from Afshan's experiences and the ever-evolving landscape of startups and investment in Europe.

[👆The above description was spit out by hosting AI — We're a two woman operation here! Human show notes on the website.]

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

“The solopreneur journey really is a mirror that reflects your deepest beliefs, fears, doubts, and limitations. It's a process of growth that forces you to confront not only the external and practical challenges but also the internal ones—those that affect how you see yourself, the world around you, and how you make decisions.”

— Roberto Brito, from his Substack Burning Thoughts post ‘Building a Business, Re-Building Yourself,

I really enjoyed this conversation with Ricardo. It was late on a Friday, and I kind of wanted to just go home, but as with every interview - I ended up energized and excited after we talked.

How Ricardo ended up in Germany

Ricardo ended up in Berlin around 2010/2011 during the economic crisis in Portugal. He had a good job in his field, but realized that there wasn't a promising future for him there, so he decided to quit design a better life for himself.

He had a contact in Berlin who offered him a place to stay for a month. He’d previously done an Erasmus program in Hanover, and was somewhat familiar with German culture. With a thousand bucks saved and no job or house, he moved to Germany.

Now Ricardo helps senior tech and creative professionals navigate their next career move, pivot into new roles, or launch their solopreneur ventures.

After 15 years in Design, Product and Innovation a burnout made him rethink about where his life was heading, and decided to face his worst fear: having his own business.

Listen in to get Ricardo's insights, perspectives and unique take on making a career shift, solopreneurship, content creation and building a personal brand.

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

I became familiar with Olivia and her work through the WEM Facebook Group (Women Entrepreneurs in Munich). It was clear to me from the jump that she’s a go-getter. We had a coffee chat and then we actually met in person at the I Am Expat fair in Berlin in the summer of 2024.

Olivia Marcu-Iordănescu is an attorney-at-law known for leading corporate projects for 15+ years. She is the founder of spotlegal.io, the legal solutions platform for small businesses.

After moving to Germany with her husband and their three kids, she opened her own law office where she helps coaching and consulting professionals launch and grow their online business, with tailored legal solutions, so they can thrive fast and confidently.

In this episode we talk about :

1. Her journey from corporate life in Bucharest's corporate to founding her own legal platform, Spot Legal, in Germany.
2. How and she got the idea for her business Spot Legal and how she can leverage her professional legal qualifications within her home country of Romania, the EU and Germany
3. I asked about strategies for selecting the right legal jurisdictions and we discussed how Spot Legal's tailored templates make legal services more accessible to freelancers worldwide.
4. The ideal customer for her legal contracts
5. How she is different from other contract/legal start-ups out there with things like contract flat rate offers.
6. How she markets her business
7. The challenges and opprotunities of building a business in Germany
8. Lessons learned, and advice she has for other expat entrepreneurs in Germany.

Part of Olivia’s personal story stresses the importance of patience and the iterative process of identifying and understanding your target audience, not only in Germany, but also in a global market.

As most of us know, building a business in Germany comes with a very specific set of challenges. Like so many other guest on the podcast Olivia highlighted the significance of networking.

Finally, she shared her thoughts on balancing personal and professional life, particularly as a parent. Our conversation concluded with a hopeful look at the potential for growth in the German market (especially with the impact of AI).

Here’s where you can find Olivia:

https://spotlegal.io
https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliviaiordanescu/ https://www.instagram.com/olivia.iordanescu/

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

In this episode of the Germany Expat Business Show, I caught up with a  friend, and sort-of-former-colleague, Gray Dawdy. I met Gray while I was contracting at a service design agency, where he often enjoyed a friendly chat while making a coffee in the agency Teeküche and bonded over our mutual Californian backgrounds.

Gray is an industrial designer and expat solopreneur who’s built a successful freelance career in Munich, Germany. He talked about his journey from California to Germany, his experiences in the industrial design field, and the ectasy and the agony of freelancing here in Deutschland.

This conversation will be very instructive for anyone considering a move to Germany, thinking about leaving a full time job or looking to start a business in Germany.

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

In this episode I talk to Tarek  Abousamra, an inspiring entrepreneur who journeyed from Syria to Germany. Tarek's story is one of resilience and determination, culminating in the founding of Co-Tasker, a platform that connects people with service providers for various tasks.

Tarek fled Syria due to the war, eventually making a home in Germany. Despite starting from scratch, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Co-tasker, a platform designed to make finding help for tasks easy and safe. His story highlights the power of resilience and community support.

Episode Highlights

• 🌍 Resilient Journey: Tarek's path from Syria to Germany, overcoming challenges to start from scratch.
• 🏢 Co-tasker's origin story: The creation of a platform connecting users with service providers for diverse tasks.
• 🤝 Co-Founder Dynamics: The importance of complementary skills and mental support in a business partnership.
• 📈 Funding Strategies: Insights into securing funding and the role of accelerator programs.
• 🗣️ Language and AI: How AI tools have transformed communication across language barriers.

More about Co-Tasker here: http://bit.ly/Co-Tasker_

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

From opera singer to bureaucracy expert, Kathleen Parker shares her unconventional story of building Red Tape Translation—a business she started by showing up at Berlin's immigration office at 7 AM and asking strangers if they needed help. 

In this episode, she breaks down the real costs of freelancing in Germany (hint: multiply your employee salary by 2.5-3x), explains why the Künstlersozialkasse is a game-changer for creative professionals, and reveals what actually goes into getting a freelance visa. 

If you've ever wondered whether your international client base will help you get residency, or why that €20/hour freelance rate won't cut it long-term, this conversation delivers honest answers.

Kathleen gets refreshingly candid about the messy reality of growing a business in Germany—from the steep learning curve of German employment law to surviving her first tax office encounter (complete with yelling and threats), to why she wouldn't change her slow-growth approach despite never getting rich. 

Whether you're considering the move to Germany as a freelancer, already navigating the system, or wondering if you should convert from freelancer to UG, this episode is packed with practical wisdom from someone who's spent 15 years helping immigrants crack the code of German bureaucracy while building her own business alongside motherhood and an opera career.

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Polish-born Paulina moved to Munich for love nearly eight years ago and ended up finding herself. After being laid off from her corporate data analyst role during the pandemic, she transformed into a somatic wellness coach who built a thriving membership business and retreat community through authentic connection rather than aggressive marketing. Paulina discusses transitioning from yoga teaching to emotional healing work, the challenges of finding affordable event spaces in Munich, and why community building beats competition every time.

Connect with Paulina:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/with.paulina/
Website: https://www.withpaulina.com/

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

When Katie Rustler moved to Munich in 2016, her therapy credentials weren't recognized - a crushing blow for any licensed professional. But instead of starting over in the German system, she got creative. 

Today, she runs a thriving online practice serving high-achieving international couples from Japan to Dubai, has written two books, appeared on 80+ podcasts, and built communities that have helped hundreds of expat women rebuild their professional confidence.

In this episode, Katie shares her blueprint for turning professional obstacles into opportunities, the Facebook group strategy that built her client base before she officially launched, and why she wishes she'd ignored her German husband's Excel spreadsheet approach to starting her podcast. 

Plus: the cultural clash every American entrepreneur in Germany will recognize, and Katie's upcoming venture supporting women navigating perimenopause while living abroad.

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

From corporate burnout to 11,000+ newsletter subscribers – Igor Ranc built his Handpicked Berlin newsletter starting with just 20 friends. 

In this episode, he reveals why he ditched Substack for better business tools, how he's monetizing without paywalls in the German market, and why human curation beats AI every time. 

Plus: navigating German bureaucracy as a newsletter entrepreneur, the distribution problem that kills most startups, and why authenticity trumps copying other creators' formulas. 

Essential listening for anyone building a creator business in Germany.

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

From student exchange to successful event business serving clients prominent Berlin clients like Lingoda, Moss, Hello Fresh and more. Rachel Wright's Berlin entrepreneurship story is one of persistence, smart pivots, and systematic growth.

Originally planning just one semester in Germany, Rachel has spent 15+ years building a thriving event design company serving international tech scale-ups. She shares the real story behind navigating German visa bureaucracy, using design thinking to find product-market fit, and why she dissolved her agency to rebuild as a solo consultant.

Packed with practical insights on B2B networking, strategic content marketing, and the mindset shifts that turn obstacles into opportunities. Plus: why Rachel treats apartment hunting like a numbers game and her best advice for expat entrepreneurs ready to bet on themselves in Germany.

Topics covered: Immigration & visas • Design thinking methodology • B2B client acquisition • Business model pivots • Berlin startup ecosystem • Expat entrepreneurship

Perfect for entrepreneurs, expats/Ausländers/immigrants and anyone curious about building a business in Germany's international market.

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

What happens when you delete 3,500 LinkedIn connections and start over?

Sanjeev Thapa, a three-time founder from Nepal, reveals the unexpected strategy that transformed his consulting business in Germany. From burning through €700,000 in 15 months by over-engineering a startup to discovering why German language skills matter more than a stellar resume, his journey is packed with hard-won lessons about building companies in one of Europe's most regulated markets.

In this very candid conversation, Sanjeev shares how he went from student visa struggles to German citizenship in record time (hint: organization is everything), why he chose Munich's mountains over Berlin's startup scene, and the daily networking system that finally cracked the code to landing international clients. 

Whether you're navigating German bureaucracy, building your first startup, or wondering if you should wipe your own LinkedIn network clean, this episode delivers the unfiltered truth about succeeding as an expat entrepreneur in Germany.

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.

Like the show? Have a burning question? Send a text?

Jordan Beck Wagner - American expat entrepreneur who built a successful digital marketing agency in Germany after transitioning from politics to marketing through travel blogging.

Episode Highlights:

The Unexpected Path to Germany

• Started with a rebellious high school decision: choosing German over Spanish
• Led to Germanic languages degree, study abroad, and eventually 12+ years in Germany
• Classic expat story: "18 months" turned into a permanent move
• Met future husband at a ball in Heidelberg

From Travel Blog to Digital Marketing Career

• Started "Wayfaring with Wagner" blog in 2013 (originally "Beer Time with Wagner")
• Used blogging experience to land job at Hamburg digital marketing agency
• Worked on major campaigns including Ritter Sport's US/Canada marketing
• Leveraged unique position as native English speaker in German market

COVID Pivot and Community Building

• Shifted travel blog focus to northern Germany content with "Hamburg and Beyond"
• Discovered SEO goldmine in niche German locations
• Created Facebook women's group in Kiel that grew to 1,000+ members
• Organic community spin-offs: yoga classes, book clubs, art groups

Launching Jordan Beck Media (2022)

• Went solo after getting Niederlassungserlaubnis
• Celebrates 3-year business anniversary next week
• Specializes in B2B social media strategy (LinkedIn, Facebook)
• "Work smarter, not harder" content philosophy

Business Reality Check

• Interesting insight: sustainability content consistently underperforms across all clients
• Client acquisition: 100% word-of-mouth and networking
• operates as selbstständig in Germany (above Kleinunternehmer threshold)
• Uses Accountable for bookkeeping, MyExpat Taxes for US compliance

Future Plans

• Exploring Substack for premium content monetization
• Combining expat expertise with northern Germany travel content
• Planning point-hacking guides and destination content behind paywall
• Timing coincides with Booking.com affiliate program cancellation

Key Business Takeaways

1. Networking beats everything - Start before you quit your job
2. Niche content can outperform big players in SEO
3. Solve your own problems - personal needs can become business opportunities
4. Repurpose successful content - don't reinvent the wheel
5. Join Künstlersozialkasse if you qualify for significant savings
6. Research tax software thoroughly before committing

Guest Contact Information

• LinkedIn: Jordan Beck Wagner
• Instagram: @jordanbwagner
• Company: Jordan Beck Media

You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.