In retrospect, careers often appear to be the result of a carefully crafted plan. In reality, however, they usually feel quite different—shaped by chance events, doubts, and changes in direction, but also by unexpected opportunities.

Drawing on my own journey—from dropping out of psychology studies and working in email support to becoming a Chief Product & Technology Officer—I want to show why apparent detours often yield the most valuable experiences. The focus is on practical insights for your own career path: How do you turn setbacks into opportunities? How do you make decisions without knowing the entire road ahead? And how can a non-linear career path become a unique strength? After all, the goal remains to shape your own path with confidence—even if it doesn’t follow the traditional career blueprint.

I am the Chief Product & Technology Officer (CPTO) of a mid-sized software company. My career path was anything but linear: after finishing school, I began studying psychology, entered the IT sector as a student worker in email support, and progressed through roles in product management, marketing, software development, and various leadership positions to reach the C-suite.

Supporting people on their professional journeys has long been a passion of mine. I have been active as a mentor since 2021 and was initially involved in coordinating the RAHM mentoring program.

Today, I combine technological, strategic, and human perspectives, and I enjoy sharing my experiences in a practical, peer-to-peer manner.