Christian Schmitt

Since I began teaching at universities and educational institutions, and in particular as one of the directors of the University of Cologne’s start-up center, I have always seen myself as a “development worker” for the visions and ideas of the teams and founders I supervise. As an open person with strong communication skills, I am also a good listener and, thanks to my analytical skills, quick comprehension and entrepreneurial thinking, I can recognize existing potential and suggest solution-oriented recommendations. Since my time at the University of Cologne, I have been able to successfully supervise numerous spin-offs or support them in their career orientation. My network of cooperation partners, which I built up during this time and which has been growing steadily since then, provides the necessary basis for incorporating relevant practical experience into answering the questions that arise.

A good coach does not work alone, but in a team and is well connected. He finds out what a participant is passionate about and ensures that the participants use their own fire to get their own balloon to rise. Because whoever lets their balloon fly and begins their individual balloon ride inevitably expands their personal horizons. On the balloon ride, a good coach does not leave the balloonists alone, but is always on hand as a ground team if help is needed. At the end of each stage of the balloon ride, they provide the necessary space to reflect on the experiences and to develop the individual development processes in a targeted manner.

A coach should want to develop the existing potential of each individual through individual development processes and offer solution-oriented approaches to do so. Above all, however, a coach should make the necessary experience spaces accessible to the participants so that they can align themselves with their interests and strengths and discover and develop their own potential in an appreciative environment.