Lena
Gierl

Before Unconventional Media began, I traveled for a year with a backpack. I quit two study programs — one dual program and one online program — and instead wrote a book and published it myself. Then I started to work remotely and support small self-employed projects. I learned a lot, sold my book — and at some point, I could also offer that as a service.

At first it was simply the home for my freelance work: marketing, project management, customer success, e-commerce, writing, web design and media buying. I did not know which projects would grow from it. Later, it became a small performance marketing agency — without me planning it. I worked very hard there and did a lot. But at some point, no new clients came anymore. Other agencies still got clients. For me, that was a sign that God wants to move me forward.

At the same time, I started Relax Outside because I wanted more freedom and a life outside set paths. It never grew as much as I once hoped. But it brought people together through free ideas, conversations and clothing. Today it is part of my story, not a current offer.

The first clients came at the end of 2022. I had started the project while still running the agency. When the agency work no longer brought me joy or meaning, no new clients came anymore either. I left the agency behind and focused fully on helping people with their work and careers.

From this work came the Academy, a way of thinking about meaningful work and, in 2026, our Living CV software. Today I want to help people see their skills and their own path more clearly — and help companies see more than job titles on a CV.

In every company I worked in and with every client I served, the same thing happened: I ended up personally supporting people — automatically, almost by accident. Today I do it on purpose: my private sparring, a discreet 1:1 space for people with responsibility and impact. I feel called to this.