Hey!
I'm Carina, a communications consultant specializing in mindful communication and health. I love the fact that I love my work for over 20 years now.
I live in Brooklyn, New York and I'm also at home in southern Germany. Hence my Hänglish (High German with Swabian Dialect meets English).
You know exactly what to say in sensitive or heated situations. Most of the time the perfect response comes to you later in front of your bathroom mirror and you wonder why you didn't think of this answer in the moment?
You entered your profession with a vision to help others. Sometimes this vision feels unattainable because you can't seem to get through to your communication counterpart?
You attend communication training courses where all exercises are logical and simple. Does your sense of achievement dissipate quickly once you've returned to hectic everyday life and what you have learned seems already gone?
I know these moments all too well. In my years as a nurse and as the Director of Global Health Programs of an international organization focusing on health communication, I gained a lot of first-hand experience with interpersonal and behavior change communication. A turning point in my communication practice came when I discovered mindfulness. Mindfulness enables me to connect to myself and maintain authentic relationships with others.
Good communication gives me the strength and energy for whatever comes up each day. I really enjoy passing on my knowledge. I look forward to accompanying you on your journey to mindful communication.
What I think about when I hear the following words
For everyone who would like to know more about me.
Meditation has changed my life for the better. Before, I sometimes felt like a balloon swirling through the air. Everything felt unsafe and out of control, I followed other tempting balloons and wasn't quite sure which direction was mine. Meditation sets an important anchor that gives me security and clarity.
When I'm on stage with nothing but a vague idea, I have no choice but to trust myself, to be present, and to follow my fear. Everything starts with the sentence: Yes, and. No no, no but, no maybe. It's not about how good I am, but how I create something new together with my fellow players.
We humans like to learn through stories. As Director of Global Programs, I inspired change through soap operas, with lots of drama, villains, and heartbreak. This passion is not just professional, as I'm an avowed fan of the German show Storm of Love. I’ll spare you the details, but yes, it is as cheesy as it sounds.
I'm at home in many places and love to travel. Through my work with UNICEF and various health ministries, I was able to get to know many people and cultures in Africa, Asia, South and North America, and Australia. Despite all these wonderful experiences, Oberstdorf has remained my favorite place since I was a child. When I'm in the Alps, I can take a deep breath and let go. Maybe that's why I'm a Kluftinger thriller fan (think Monk but set in the Alps).
I am the oldest of three girls at home and if there is one place where communication is important, it is in our family. As sisters, we learned to negotiate early on. This was essential, for example, on daylong car trips to the Adriatic Sea when my dad brought a ready supply of cassettes of local oompah bands. It took SOME “Are we there yet” before we heard music to our liking.
One of my favorite mottos is: “If you stop learning, you stop being good.” I love learning, growing, and discovering new things. My first graduation was the lowest high school degree in the German school system. Now I teach at my alma mater Columbia University here in New York and really enjoy exploring with my students.
