Post by Elena Maria Recher

Ten years ago, on May 2nd 2016, I took a step into the unknown. I didn’t come from a traditional consulting background. My journey started in teacher training, standing in classrooms, trying to make a difference in a very different way. Then came a leap across the world to San Francisco, followed by an MBA at WHU. And eventually, a decision that many questioned: starting in consulting — in a completely new industry, in an environment where I had no roadmap. I still remember that feeling in 2016: uncertainty, excitement, and a quiet doubt about whether I truly belonged. I had no clear picture of what lay ahead, and certainly no expectation that my career would unfold the way it did. Looking back, what made the difference were the people. Mentors who believed in me before I fully believed in myself. Colleagues who challenged me, supported me, and helped me grow beyond what I thought possible. It hasn’t been a straight path. There were moments of doubt, setbacks, and voices saying, “this isn’t realistic.” But those moments shaped the journey just as much as the successes did. Today, I can say with full conviction: I love what I do. And I am deeply grateful — for every twist, every challenge, and every person who has been part of this journey. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: careers don’t have to be linear to be meaningful. Here’s to the past 10 years — and to everything that’s still ahead. Thank you for seeing me: Michael Fröhlich, Markus Bender, Katrin Maria Luebcke, Dr. Markus Hamprecht, Martin V., Martin Wick, Jens Kufer, and everyone in my teams. ❤️