Welcome to another edition of the bpExperts Employee Spotlight - a series dedicated to introducing the people behind bpExperts. In this edition, we highlight Jochen, Partner at bpExperts, who shares his unconventional career path, his perspective on curiosity in consulting, and the importance of maintaining balance in a demanding work environment.
From scientific research to IT consulting, Jochen’s journey reflects the diverse backgrounds that shape bpExperts today.
From Microbiology to IT Consulting
Jochen’s career path is far from traditional. Despite his current role in IT consulting, his academic background lies in microbiology, where he completed his PhD and spent several years working in a laboratory environment.
His transition into the tech industry began during the early days of the Human Genome Project and the rise of bioinformatics. At the time, digital tools were still evolving rapidly.
“I was still writing my first emails on a black screen using command line commands,” Jochen recalls.
He later joined a bioinformatics company in Switzerland, where he combined his scientific expertise with roles in sales, consulting, and project management. Acting as a bridge between software providers and pharmaceutical researchers, he developed a strong foundation for his future career in consulting.
Founding bpExperts
Jochen’s professional journey eventually led him to collaborate with Russell, Marcus, and Carlo. Recognizing their shared vision and complementary strengths, they decided to establish bpExperts as an independent consultancy.
Looking back, Jochen describes the experience as a “wild ride,” shaped by both challenges and successes. Despite the ups and downs, he emphasizes that the journey has been worthwhile from the very beginning.
“I don’t regret a single minute of it,” he says.
The Role of Curiosity in Consulting
A defining element of Jochen’s approach to work is his strong sense of curiosity. Rather than viewing projects as routine tasks, he approaches each engagement as a unique opportunity to learn.
“The moment you stop taking an interest in what a project is really about, you’re losing it,” he explains.
Throughout his career, this mindset has allowed him to stay engaged across a wide range of industries. Whether working on early risk management projects for a German metal refinement company or leading IT initiatives today, Jochen remains focused on understanding the underlying context and purpose behind each project.
A Global and Remote Work Culture
From the beginning, bpExperts has operated as a remote-first organization. This approach was initially driven by the nature of consulting work, where employees are often based at client sites.
While Jochen appreciates the flexibility and efficiency of remote work - particularly the absence of long commutes - he also emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal connections. Regular in-person meetings play a key role in strengthening collaboration and team cohesion.
He also highlights the company’s international diversity as a major strength. At the same time, he encourages awareness of cultural differences and cautions against oversimplifying them.
Understanding different perspectives, he notes, is essential for effective collaboration in a global environment.
Balance and Everyday Habits
For Jochen, maintaining balance in the workday is essential. One of his key principles is surprisingly simple: taking a proper lunch break.
He deliberately avoids eating during meetings, viewing it as both ineffective and inconsiderate.
“If you’re eating during a meeting, I find it impolite to everybody else,” he says.
More importantly, he sees this habit as part of a broader commitment to well-being—ensuring that time is taken to pause, recharge, and stay focused throughout the day.
Looking Ahead
Jochen’s story reflects the values that define bpExperts: diverse career paths, continuous learning, and a strong sense of curiosity. His journey demonstrates how adaptability and openness can lead to new opportunities—even across completely different fields.
As bpExperts continues to grow, experiences like Jochen’s highlight the people and perspectives that shape the company.
Stay tuned for more bpExperts Employee Spotlights—featuring the individuals who drive innovation and collaboration across the organization.