Science & Research
Thomas was born in East Germany before the wall came down. He studied physics in Germany with some experiences in Sweden, the US, and the UK. After graduating, Thomas got even more involved in scientific research. He engaged in a Ph.D. project, exploring new techniques to visualize chemical reactions with nanometer resolution. [ Research | Physics | Chemistry | Nanotechnology | Surface Scanning Technology | Germany | Sweden | UK | USA ]
Business
After graduating with magna cum laude, Thomas decided to leave basic research behind and start learning about business. Working with a business consulting firm and the fairground in his hometown Leipzig enriched his professional experience and lead him to start working with a global automotive supplier. A variety of assignments in engineering, marketing, and strategic planning resulted in a position where he led a global team. This expanded his cultural exposure to Japan, Italy, Austria, France, and Spain.
Global Leadership
In his search to keep learning and growing, Thomas accepted a leadership position in a niche industry. This global player is significant for the success of large global corporations in various industries, providing critical cleanroom consumables. Being involved at the boundary between sales and new product development, Thomas engaged with colleagues and customers in the UK, US, France, Germany, Japan, China and Mexico, adding to his already global experience. [ Management | Sales | Marketing | Strategy | Development | Leadership | Crisis Management | China | Mexico | France | Spain | Italy | Japan | Austria ]
Organizational Transformation
In his next move, Thomas and his wife relocated to Colombia. He started a business by building a global platform for healthcare services, bringing increased transparency to this industry. Three years later he got engaged in higher education, heading the only English-speaking master program in Colombia. One year into his tenure he also took on the position to lead the university’s language center for six years. During this time he grew the organization’s influence considerably by initiating dual degree agreements in Australia, Germany, France, and the US (master program). The master program also grew in exchange agreements in Japan, South Korea, China, Switzerland, Brazil, and Germany. Thomas re-envisioned the language center’s mission and scope, expanding into new locales, creating a language center in Equatorial Guinea and creating in the organization a community of change-makers.
Problem Solving
Always looking for solutions to the problems he comes across, Thomas recently started a company. His startup has developed a solution to avoid the rampant fraud in academic degrees and certificates. [ Higher Education | Executive Management | Startup | Languages | Business Models | Innovation | Digital Transformation | Change Management | Strategic Development & Execution | Team Development & Leadership | South Korea | Switzerland | Brazil | Equatorial Guinea ]