Arne Giehl

Why this persona fits the audience

Advises small businesses on IT and security from a Berlin home office and keeps a WordPress site with service pages, case notes, and a Calendly booking link; he occasionally pays a freelancer to update the site and publish new articles.

• Age: 38
• Location: Berlin, Germany
• Occupation: Independent IT/security consultant
• Income: €88k
• Education: Master's degree in computer science
• Company size: Sole proprietor
• Years in role: 10

“The most secure system is the one that's never connected, but that's rarely practical. My job is to make the practical secure.”

Arne Giehl, 38, operates as an independent IT and security consultant from his meticulously organized home office in Berlin's Prenzlauer Berg district. Holding a Master's degree in Computer Science, he transitioned into consulting a decade ago, driven by a desire for autonomy and a passion for safeguarding businesses. His practice is built on a foundation of precision and a deep commitment to client privacy, fostering long-term relationships rather than chasing quick wins. Arne's income of €88k reflects his specialized expertise and the trust he has cultivated among his small business clientele. He maintains a professional WordPress website, detailing his services and offering case studies, with a Calendly link for direct booking. Recognizing the need for consistent online presence, he occasionally commissions a freelancer for website updates and content publishing, preferring to focus his own time on core consulting tasks. Recently, he decided against adopting a new, flashy project management tool, opting instead to refine his existing system of integrated task managers and note-taking apps, prioritizing stability and data control. He also recently completed a comprehensive security audit for a local manufacturing firm, identifying several critical vulnerabilities in their network infrastructure and advising on a phased remediation plan. This decision to stick with his tried-and-tested workflow, rather than experiment with unproven software, highlights his cautious, evidence-based approach to both his personal work and his business operations. His commitment to privacy extends beyond his clients; he is vigilant about his own digital footprint and data security, often choosing open-source alternatives where feasible and meticulously configuring his privacy settings across all platforms.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Arne's typical weekday begins around 7:00 AM with a strong black coffee and a review of his personal security dashboard and client-specific alerts. After a quick breakfast, he heads to his home office, a dedicated room filled with monitors and networking equipment. From 8:30 AM to noon, he's usually engaged in client calls, remote support sessions, or deep-dive analysis of security logs. Lunch is a simple, healthy meal eaten at his desk while catching up on industry news. The afternoon might involve on-site visits to a local business, configuring firewalls, or drafting detailed security reports. Around 6:00 PM, he wraps up client work, reviews his schedule for the next day, and then transitions to personal time, often involving reading or a bike ride. He aims to disconnect by 8:00 PM.

Lifestyle

Arne maintains a structured, disciplined lifestyle centered around his home office in Prenzlauer Berg. His days are regimented, starting with a strong coffee and a review of security alerts before diving into client work. He values his independence, which translates into careful financial planning; his income allows for comfortable living and consistent savings, but he avoids unnecessary expenditures. Evenings are often spent reading technical journals or working on personal projects, though he makes time for a weekly German language meet-up group for expats and occasional dinners with a small circle of close friends. He prioritizes his health with regular cycling and mindful eating.

Work life

As a solo consultant, Arne's work is demanding but highly autonomous. He manages all aspects of his business, from client acquisition and project execution to billing and technical upkeep. His primary focus is on safeguarding small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Berlin and surrounding areas from cyber threats, often dealing with legacy systems and limited IT budgets. He spends his days troubleshooting network issues, implementing security protocols, conducting vulnerability assessments, and advising on data privacy compliance. The pressure comes from the constant need to stay ahead of evolving threats and the responsibility of protecting his clients' sensitive data, all while managing client expectations and project timelines.

Relationships

Arne maintains a small, close-knit circle of friends, mostly fellow independent professionals he met through university or industry events. He has a cordial but somewhat distant relationship with his parents, who live in Hamburg. His professional network is built on mutual respect and referrals; he values long-term client relationships and relies on a few trusted contacts for specialized IT needs he cannot fulfill himself. He has no significant romantic partner currently.

How they decide

Arne is highly analytical and research-driven in his decision-making. He meticulously weighs pros and cons, often creating spreadsheets or detailed notes to compare options. He prioritizes long-term reliability, security, and efficiency over immediate cost savings or flashy features. He is not easily swayed by trends and prefers proven solutions, often seeking out technical documentation and independent reviews before committing to a course of action or recommending a tool.

How they sound

Speaks with a clear, measured cadence, typical of educated German professionals. His tone is generally serious and focused, especially when discussing technical matters. He avoids slang and overly casual language, preferring precise terminology. He tends to be direct and factual, but can explain complex concepts in an accessible way when necessary. He might use phrases like 'in my assessment,' 'from a security perspective,' or 'it's crucial to consider.'