Steven’s journey
from non-stop hustling to finding true freedom
Steven’s life has been a journey of transformation, taking him from the confines of a tiny German village to a life of empowered success and fulfillment. As a KNR® Coach and Data Scientist, today, he travels the world, supporting people and working remotely in his own business from wherever he desires. But this path was far from linear.
it was a journey of trials and triumphs…
Steven’s story began in a peaceful village, where a happy childhood filled with nature and the love of his parents and grandparents shaped his early years. However, as he grew, his thirst for knowledge led him to leave home at 16 for a city to pursue his high-school diploma. The separation from family and friends was challenging, but it was a crucible that forged his independence.
After earning his diploma, Steven embarked on a journey into physics at a bigger city. The initial excitement gave way to exhaustion as the demands of the program consumed his days and nights. Yet, after just two months, he realized this path would burn him out. Despite the perceived failure, he mustered the courage to change course, shifting to computer science. This decision not only rescued his academic journey but introduced him to Christin, who would become a pivotal figure in his life.
‘It was a very tough time for me as I thought I had failed and that it was the biggest shame to quit the Physics program just after such a short time. Regardless, it didn’t feel right and so I followed my gut.’
The relationship blossomed, but soon challenges surfaced. The stress of studies and the long distance relationship pushed Steven to a dark place. A depressive episode consumed him, shattering his world.
Emerging from this darkness, he set out to pursue his master's degree in data science, a fresh start in a new city. Slowly, life improved, and the relationship with Christin deepened.
‘My world collapsed, and nothing seemed to make sense anymore.’
Two years later, upon completing his Master's, Steven embarked on a life-altering adventure: leaving everything behind for a working holiday in New Zealand with Christin. Amidst the breathtaking landscapes, they discovered the exhilaration of freedom and self-reliance, a stark contrast to their previous life in the city.
The couple lived in a tiny camper van with just the bare essentials, traveled the whole country, worked when they needed money, and just enjoyed life. They climbed many peaks in the beautiful mountains of Aotearoa as well as in their relationship. This year of freedom revitalized and grounded them in nature, rekindling their spirits after such a long time living in different places and only seeing each other on weekends.
‘We left everything behind. This was the first time we felt total freedom, independence, and finally, LIFE!’
Contrary to what they had expected, things got worse just a short time after the couple settled and started their ‘real’ life. The drastic change from the free life in New Zealand to a clock-in/clock-out-based work schedule didn’t work for Steven, and the constraints of the corporate world quickly wore on him, eroding his happiness.
Yet, the couple carried themselves through this for half a year as they thought they needed some time to settle, but the emotional roller coaster just picked up speed. Too much had changed, their whole perspective on life had changed and what they valued most. Steven refused to settle for a life that didn't resonate with his personal values. Recognizing their misstep, Steven decided to leave his job as Christin pursued further studies abroad.
Loaded up with these renewed feelings and energy levels restored, the couple returned to Germany. Steven started a stable job at a research department in the same city where Christin enrolled for her master's degree. They thought that they had hit the jackpot.
‘I thought it was time to start a serious life with a proper job. Being back, I remember us standing in the kitchen and crying for hours, thinking what we had done to ourselves?! I knew, there was more to life than hustling in the office.’
This second cut in our lives was one of our best decisions. This decision marked a turning point.
The couple combined travel with Christin's studies, and Steven embarked on a path of entrepreneurship. Freelance contracts evolved into a thriving consulting business, allowing him to lead projects and teams. But he knew success wasn't solely technical—it required a holistic approach.
‘In my work as a data scientist and consultant to other startups and companies I quickly realised that leading teams on a purely technical level is not enough.’
Drawing from his passion for personal growth and mental health, Steven undertook KNR® and Hypnosis training, equipping him to cleanse his past, shape a vibrant future, and guide others to triumph.
Today, Steven’s life is a testament to his journey. His relationship to Christin flourishes as they succeed in their businesses, all while exploring the world. The evolution from burnout to empowerment in his life parallels a process in which every obstacle molds a new aspect of strength, insight, and resilience.