Over the past decade, I’ve collaborated with mission-driven brands, creative communities, and global organizations to build meaningful, scalable, and sustainable change.
From leading teams through transitions to designing strategies that connect people with purpose, these selected references reflect my interdisciplinary experience across sectors and cultures. Below, you’ll find a curated selection organized by area of focus.
Leadership Case Studies
Over the past decade, I’ve collaborated with mission-driven brands, creative communities, and global organizations to build meaningful, scalable, and sustainable change. From leading teams through transitions to designing strategies that connect people with purpose, these selected references reflect my interdisciplinary experience across sectors and cultures. Below, you’ll find a curated selection organized by area of focus.
NEW STANDARD.S – A Bold Attempt to Rethink Agency Business from the Inside Out
Company: NEW STANDARD.STUDIO GmbH
Role: Co-Founder, Head of Strategy
Timeframe: September 2020 – April 2025
Interim Change Management at Veganz GmbH
Client: Veganz GmbH
On behalf of: Create Meaning GmbH
Role: Interim Head of Marketing
Timeline: January – April 2018
Project Management Case Studies
Complexity doesn’t scare me – if anything, I enjoy bringing clarity to moving parts. These references showcase my ability to manage multi-stakeholder projects with precision, empathy, and strategic oversight, always keeping outcomes aligned with long-term vision.
Lange Tafeln: Neighborhood conversations across Berlin-Neukölln
Client: Bezirksamt Neukölln, Stabsstelle für Dialog und Zukunft
On behalf of: NEW STANDARD.S
My role: Project Lead
Timeline: December 2023 – June 2024
Schön wie wir: Making Sustainability Part of Everyday Life in Neukölln
Client: Bezirksamt Neukölln
On behalf of: NEW STANDARD.S
Role: Communications Coordinator & Content Creator
Timeline: April 2021 – March 2022
KOMBI: Working together for more biodiversity in agriculture
Client: WWF
On behalf of: NEW STANDARD.S
Role: Project Lead
Timeline: November 2023 – March 2024
Tag des guten Lebens 2021: What Is the Good Life?
Client: Bezirksamt Neukölln, Stabstelle Dialog und Zukunft
On behalf of: NEW STANDARD.S
Role: Project Lead
Timeline: July – October 2021
The Impact of a Donut: Brammibal’s First Sustainability Report
Client: Brammibal’s Donuts GmbH
On behalf of: NEW STANDARD.S
Role: Project Lead, Strategist & Copywriter
Timeline: January – October 2023
#Innovate2030 – Scaling Solutions for Sustainable Cities (SDG 11)
Client: GIZ – Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
Role: Project Assistant
Timeline: January – April 2022
Impact Strategy Case Studies
Impact is more than a buzzword – it’s a direction. I’ve worked on shaping sustainability strategies, organizational values, and communication frameworks that not only meet targets but inspire lasting cultural and behavioral change. Many of these projects are grounded in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
LifeStart by Virgin Money: From Idea Competitions to Paid Internships
Client: Virgin Money & Virgin StartUp
On behalf of: HANZO STUDIO SL
Role: Community Strategist
Timeline: January – December 2018
Neukölln’s Bulk Waste Has Its Price
Client: Bezirksamt Neukölln
On behalf of: NEW STANDARD.S
Role: Project Lead
Timeline: July – September 2021
Frag nach Mehrweg: Keep Your Hood Looking Good with Reusables
Client: Bezirksamt Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
On behalf of: NEW STANDARD.S
Role: Concept
Timeline: December 2021 – November 2022
Sustainability at Hof Leutenecker
Client: Hof Leutenecker – Jürgen & Christa Leutenecker GbR
On behalf of: NEW STANDARD.S
Role: Project Lead, Workshop Facilitator & Consultant
Timeline: April 2021
Lange Tafeln: Neighborhood conversations across Berlin-Neukölln
Client: Bezirksamt Neukölln, Stabsstelle für Dialog und Zukunft
On behalf of: NEW STANDARD.S
My role: Project Lead
Timeline: December 2023 – June 2024
Sustainable Camping Vacations at Fehmarn
Client: Camper’s Friend GmbH
On behalf of: NEW STANDARD.S
Role: Project Lead
Timeline: July 2021 – February 2022
Community Building Case Studies
Communities are built on trust, shared values, and intentional design. These projects highlight my work in creating spaces – online and off – that foster connection, learning, and co-creation. From grassroots outreach to strategic partnerships, I help ideas grow by rooting them in community.
Kickstarter DACH Launch
Client: Kickstarter PBC
Role: Community Lead DACH
Timeline: April 2015 – June 2017
LifeStart by Virgin Money: From Idea Competitions to Paid Internships
Client: Virgin Money & Virgin StartUp
On behalf of: HANZO STUDIO SL
Role: Community Strategist
Timeline: January – December 2018
HoCoSo: Designing Hospitality for Human Connection
Client: HCS Hospitality Consulting Solutions LLC GmbH
Role: Community & Experience Consultant
Timeframe: Since April 2024
The Insightful Guides for Creative Freelancers
Role: Self-published Author
Timeframe: November 2013 – June 2017
I believe the most effective strategies are the ones that start with people, not just policies. That’s why I always look for individual, context-specific solutions that put the human at the center – whether it’s a team member, a user, or a community. I thrive not by sketching ideas in theory, but by shaping solutions that can be meaningfully implemented in practice. Because real impact doesn’t live in the deck – it shows up in what we build, change, and make possible together.
My Services
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Translate requirements, goals, and numbers into actionable tasks
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Communicate plans and results in an engaging way
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Establish sustainability within your organisations
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Craft compelling, compliant bids that align with strategic goals and stand out to evaluators
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Upskill your team on sustainability and impact
I’ve worked with clients such as:
Let’s work together
hello@nikavanolst.com
+49 1 777 94 29 73