Hello Elke!
Almost four years ago, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, you founded hearts and brains. Can you please tell us how that came about and what motivated you to establish a sustainable headhunting agency?
The idea for founding the agency actually came about before the pandemic, in the fall of 2019. I was working at a personnel consulting agency, recruiting in the field of administration, when I felt the desire to make a career change. It was clear to me that I wanted to continue pursuing my passion, which is recruiting. And I not only wanted to do it differently from all the other headhunting agencies, but I also wanted to do it better. 😊
At that time, a friend introduced me to Nadine, who has been running a very successful agency herself for almost 10 years now. We instantly connected and shared similar goals and visions. Nadine was the one who encouraged me to become independent, and she actively supported me in building the agency.
Right on schedule, in March 2020, we were ready to officially enter the market and get started. But then came the big shock – aka lockdown! That was quite a shock, and it brought uncertainty: What should I do now? Are companies still recruiting? Nevertheless, I decided to start, and to my surprise, the first year was more successful than expected, which greatly encouraged and motivated me.
It was the best decision to take this step! You become successful in what you love and where your passion lies. Hearts and Brains is my passion, and I truly love what I do.
"those who want, find ways, those who don't, find reasons."
Is there a secret that nobody knows yet, and you’re willing to reveal today?
Hmm, thinks.
What many people don’t know is that the name ‘hearts and brains’ didn’t come from me. I had several names to choose from and then shared my top 5 favorite ideas with my network. I believed that I wanted to involve my surroundings and network right from the beginning of the founding process. Someone then suggested “hearts and brains” – a variation of the suggestions. And it just fits me perfectly.
As the “boss,” founder, and supervisor, what are your challenges at hearts and brains?
It’s a challenge to juggle everything, especially as the team grows. But I founded hearts and brains because I want to do what I love – guiding people in their professional development and making those perfect matches. Therefore, my plan is not to grow too fast, so I can continue to focus on the essentials.
Hearts and Brains is your job, but who are you outside of your job?
I am a mother of two adult daughters. Additionally, I’m a sports enthusiast and have a passionate love for cooking – it’s my way of relaxing. I also enjoy singing; I was active in a band and choir in Germany. Having an apartment without immediate neighbors is ideal because there’s constantly music playing, and there’s singing while cooking! *laughs*
Ocean or mountains?
Definitely the ocean. I’m a summer and sun person. Even though my zodiac sign, Aquarius, is an air sign, my name says it all! I love everything in and around the water: water sports, swimming, sunbathing, and so on – as long as it’s warm!
Like all of us at Hearts and Brains, you’re also a foodie – do you prefer savory or sweet?
Definitely savory. I love cooking passionately – but I don’t bake. 😊 Why? Baking requires strict adherence to recipes, and that’s not really my thing – I prefer to let my creativity run wild! I also prefer savory breakfasts and only use chocolate (dark chocolate, of course) in my cooking, for example, in sauces.
Spontaneous or planned?
I lean more towards spontaneity. I rarely plan long-term and use free time spontaneously for trips or getaways with my girlfriends. The downside of being self-employed is being “self and constant,” but it can also be an advantage. That’s why I consistently use my free time to create my “little islands” where I can relax, engage in sports, and unwind. That’s important – self-care and all, you know! 😉
"There's nothing so bad that it couldn't be used for something good."
Bookworm or prefer movies?
I’m more into movies. I read books at the beach, but at home, I prefer cozy movie nights with a good glass of wine. 😊
Thank you very much, dear Elke, for allowing us to learn more about you today!
On our website we have consciously decided against gendering. We see no reason whatsoever to emphasise differences when it is actually about recognising everyone as equal. We see and value everyone as an individual, regardless of gender and for us everyone is equal and equally welcome.
