Hi, I’m Heike

I support organizations and their teams in achieving their goals and overcoming challenges—both in German and English, in person or digitally.

With over 15 years of experience in owner-managed companies across various growth phases, I accompany people in their personal and professional development. As an organizational designer, coach, and mediator, I combine agile work practices, solution orientation, and Nonviolent Communication (according to M. Rosenberg) to enable sustainable change.

My approach is process-oriented and individualized: Together with my clients, I develop tailored strategies that align with their goals.

Services

I support teams in finding answers to their key questions and successfully navigating challenges or conflicts. I firmly believe that continuous development and a constructive approach to difficult situations connect us, drive us forward, and bring us closer to our goals.

My focus is on developing self-organized ways of working that are tailored to the individual needs of each team. To achieve this, I design and facilitate customized workshop formats or apply proven methods from agile work and self-organization.

In my work, I empower and encourage participants to take an active role in shaping the process. This strengthens team performance, as teams learn to respond flexibly to change and resolve conflicts sustainably.

Organization Design & Development

I support companies, teams, and leaders in shaping structures and workflows to become more effective, adaptable, and future-ready. My approach aligns with the definition provided by the Organization Design Community (ODC): Organizational design is the deliberate shaping of structures, processes, and practices to align companies optimally with their strategy, environment, and goals.

At the company level, I guide organizations in designing modern work environments (New Work)—ranging from optimizing corporate structures and developing strategies to fostering self-organization. My focus is on creating work processes that meet both business demands and employees’ needs.

At the team level, I help teams collaborate more efficiently, resolve conflicts, and sustainably improve their teamwork.

For (future) leaders, I offer career, personal development, and resilience coaching. I support them in defining their role more clearly, making confident decisions, and leading sustainably in the long term.

Mediation

As a mediator, I help my clients view conflicts not as a confrontation but as a shared search for a viable solution. I assist participants in articulating their concerns in a way that ensures they are understood as intended. At the same time, I encourage active listening and mutual understanding—key prerequisites for sustainable solutions.

Once the framework is established, we begin with an initial topic that we define together and address with everyone’s agreement. We use the four steps of Nonviolent Communication (according to M. Rosenberg), supported by a structured, phased process and established communication guidelines. Once we find a (provisional) solution for one issue, we move on to the next—working systematically through all topics that matter to the participants.

In my mediation process, I help parties resume communication—especially when this seems impossible. I create a space where all concerns are heard and valued. Once the interpersonal connection is stable enough, we collaboratively develop objective, sustainable solutions.

Organizations

Teams

Individuals

Two-person conflicts

Groups

Potential Check-up

Let’s take a closer look at your organization! In a one-time, free 45-minute consultation or a short audit, I help you gain clarity about your vision and future goals. We’ll assess where you want to go, what obstacles stand in your way, and which first steps will truly move you forward.

This conversation not only provides orientation but also gives you a sense of how I work—and whether we’re a good fit. I look forward to getting to know you!

How I Support You

Change often starts small—with first experiments, trial runs, and prototypes. This requires courage and a space where it’s safe to try something new. Together, we create exactly that space, where change isn’t just conceptualized but tested.

From my experience, change works best when it involves the entire organization—as many people as possible should have the opportunity to contribute. For me, participation doesn’t mean that everyone must make every decision, but that anyone who wants to be involved has the chance to do so.

I see my role as designing this space with you, developing structures, and gradually expanding the circle of influence—clearly, effectively, and without chaos.

Who I Work With to Drive Change

In daily operations, there’s often little time to focus on the future of the company. But at some point, the question arises: Do we simply continue as before, or do we actively shape the future?

I prefer working with organizations that don’t just focus on their daily business but also think ahead. The question that drives me is: What is this change for? The core business—what keeps things running day-to-day—is important, but the purpose of change matters even more to me.

I particularly enjoy supporting owner-managed businesses and organizations where founders or leaders are actively shaping the company. I love working with people who are eager to develop their organization consciously. For me, company size is secondary—what matters is that leaders and teams are open to trying new approaches.

One thing that’s especially important to me: Change is most successful when as many people as possible can participate. For me, participation doesn’t mean that everyone must make every decision, but that anyone who wants to be involved has the opportunity to do so. I see my role as creating this space with you, developing structures, and gradually expanding the circle of influence—clearly, effectively, and without chaos.

Let’s talk—I’m curious to hear your story and explore how we can drive meaningful change together.

Cases

Here, you can get an impression of some of my projects. You’ll find more in-depth insights on my blog.

Creative Agency

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NGO

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IT Full Service Provider

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Global Distribution Business

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Customer Testimonials

  • "I was extremely satisfied, without any reservations (unless one could achieve something like perfection, which in my opinion isn’t possible) – 9 out of 10 is my maximum. The exchange was constructive, motivating, very well-structured, intelligently designed, and long-lasting."
  • "… By the way, the 10 points for the recommendation aren’t fishing for compliments—that’s the real damn shit ;)! You’re helping us A LOT!"
  • "I don't think there's much you could do better – for me, it's still important to always find the simplest and most easily explainable solution for our organization to make it as digestible as possible for everyone – and you're already doing that. That's exactly what you should keep doing."

  • "Working with you over the past year has been truly enriching for me. Your perspectives and contributions have impressed and inspired me. Despite all the challenges, I see your seriousness and clarity when it comes to making your impact. At the same time, I admire how quickly you embrace and implement new approaches. This not only makes working with you easy and productive but also a lot of fun. Thank you for your trust and openness!"
  • "It has helped me immensely that you joined us – I feel like a form of communication is starting to take hold that can make us much clearer and faster."
  • "Heike has a keen sense for the people, relationships, and dynamics within an organization. As an 'observation sharer,' she helps the team and individuals reflect and grow through regular retrospectives. Heike's specialties are her targeted and appreciative provocations, which consistently support and motivate us in our change process towards self-organization. Her passion for Nonviolent Communication is a loyal companion and a valuable force in fostering collaboration among people."
  • "We've been working with Heike since 2020 in the area of Agile Coaching and Organizational Development. Heike consistently impresses us with her practical approach and in-depth knowledge. She is not dogmatic in her work, but instead, she collaborates with the team to develop the relevant context and moderates their progress, which I find especially remarkable. The sessions, whether workshops or other formats, are always excellently prepared. We value the collaboration and look forward to the next opportunity for optimization."
  • "Mein Leben hat sich durch die Zusammenarbeit mit Heike grundlegend verändert - und nur zum Besseren! Durch ihre positive Energie und einfühlsame Herangehensweise baut Heike ein Vertrauen auf, das es einem als Klient erlaubt, sich richtig zu öffnen und sich auf Veränderung einzulassen. Durch die Coaching-Sessions mit Heike habe ich mich selbst besser kennengelernt und bin motiviert, auch schwierige Themen aufzuarbeiten. Und dank ihrer humorvollen und natürlichen Art macht der Prozess dazu noch Spass! Ich kann Heike nur wärmstens als Coach empfehlen."
  • "In a long-standing conflict, several leaders had already tried to intervene, but without being able to bring about any improvement. The breakthrough idea at that time was to bring someone in from outside. From the very first session, Ms. Ehmann was highly effective and immediately improved the collaboration among colleagues. Looking back, I’ve realized that conflicts always have an impact on other team members, and I would therefore always turn to mediation again."
  • "The mediation with Ms. Ehmann was a breakthrough for me in a long-stagnant situation. Together, we were able to structure and agree on concrete next steps and look beneath the surface. Both of these aspects have helped me immensely."
  • "Heike is a coach that you could only wish for: energetic, empathetic, humorous, and solution-oriented. She asks the right questions and helps you find the answers within yourself. Through our collaboration, I’ve learned to follow my strengths and be more honest with myself – because we all already carry the resources within us. Heike motivates with her understanding nature. She helps me define my development goals and take the next steps with confidence. Anyone who has her as a coach is truly fortunate!"

  • "Heike can lead a discussion in a neutral way, steering it with objectivity and sensitivity towards the core of the topic and the desired outcome. She takes the participants' personal concerns into account and consistently manages to refocus everyone on the result through reflection. It’s not uncommon for it to be recognized that, in order to reach the desired outcome, something else needs to be clarified first. This also shows in the support she provides to individual employees. They become aware of their personal challenges and behaviors in their work role, both professionally and personally, in order to improve their work outcomes. Whether that’s a positive and necessary development in the existing position or a transition to a more suitable role. In my departments, I’ve had both cases, even a transition to a different company. But in the end, this is a positive development process for both sides because the primary goal is to find employees who are not only suitable but also satisfied. This also involves carefully identifying a misfit."

Background

I’ve always been fascinated by how things interconnect and how our actions influence outcomes. That’s why I first studied (Human) Geography and gained initial experience in international cooperation in Malawi. There, I discovered my passion for teams and collaboration—an area that has captivated me ever since.

After working in the startup world at i-potentials and optivo (now optimizely), I took on the role of Head of HR at mymuesli in 2015. There, I shaped HR strategy, supported the transition to greater self-organization, and implemented agile processes in the HR department.

Since 2019, through Heike Ehmann Coaching & Mediation, I have been guiding organizations, teams, and individuals through change processes. In 2021, I founded your life matters GmbH to further expand this work.

Trainings & Skillset

• 2024 | Advanced Team Mediation – klären & lösen

• 2024 | Agile.Coach CAL Training –  agile.coach

• 2022 | GO BEYOND PROJECT: Native in Change

• 2020-2021 | Knot Solutions: Team Mediation with Nonviolent Communication (M. Rosenberg), Empathic Mediation with Nonviolent Communication (M. Rosenberg), Basic Course in Nonviolent Communication (M. Rosenberg)  – Akademie Blickwinkel

• 2019 | Certified Scrum Master – agile.coach (Scrum Alliance)

• 2019-2020 | Solution-Focused Brief Coaching & Team Coaching – SolutionSurfers

Process

Every collaboration begins with an initial introduction. In this conversation, we clarify what you need, what your goals are, and how I can best support you. From there, we define a clear project scope, followed by a tailored proposal—then we get started.

Introduction

In an initial video call (15–90 minutes), we discuss:

  • Your concerns and initial goals
  • Framework conditions such as budget, billing modalities, and timeline

Contracting the Assignment

Once we agree to work together, billing begins at the agreed hourly rate.

  • We dive deeper into the task and define the desired outcome—the point at which my role is complete.
  • We schedule the kick-off for the change process.

Collaboration

The support is customized to your needs and may include the following formats:

  • Designing and facilitating workshops
  • One-on-one coaching
  • Training sessions
  • Moderation, facilitation, and shadowing of meetings

Contact

You can schedule an appointment via the button below. Alternatively, you can reach me here:

  E-Mail: heike@yourlifematters.de
    Phone: 0163 4662151
   LinkedIn: Heike Ehmann
   Instagram @yourlifematters.de

Meet for a Virtual Coffee

Let’s have an informal conversation. In a 15-minute introductory call, we can see if we’re a good fit and decide whether to move forward with a project scope discussion.

Feel free to book an appointment here. Maybe we’ll already gain some initial clarity about a potential collaboration. I look forward to it!