Jarne Kawohl

Why this persona fits the audience

Oversees a three-person infrastructure and security team for a 400-person manufacturer with one on-prem ERP system, two Azure subscriptions, and backup storage. Overnight monitoring is outsourced, and asset and compliance lists are maintained in Excel for audits and internal reviews.

• Age: 48
• Location: Munich, Germany
• Occupation: Infrastructure & Security Lead
• Income: €98k
• Education: Dipl.-Ing. in Information Technology
• Company size: 400
• Years in role: 7

“The most secure system is the one you understand completely, down to the last byte.”

Jarne Kawohl's journey into IT infrastructure and security began not with a childhood fascination for computers, but with a deep-seated appreciation for order and function, a trait honed during his upbringing in a small, structured Bavarian town. After earning his Dipl.-Ing. in Information Technology from the Technical University of Munich, he gravitated towards roles that demanded meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to reliability. His early career involved managing server farms and network infrastructure for mid-sized enterprises, where he developed a profound understanding of the critical dependencies within complex systems. He joined his current employer, a manufacturing firm of 400 employees, seven years ago, drawn by the challenge of modernizing their IT environment while preserving the stability of their core on-premise ERP system. His current role as Infrastructure & Security Lead places him at the nexus of operational continuity and evolving digital threats. He oversees a team of three, a responsibility he takes very seriously, focusing on building their technical acumen and fostering a culture of diligence. Jarne is acutely aware of the limitations imposed by his company's budget, which often forces him to make pragmatic, cost-effective decisions rather than pursuing ideal solutions. This has led to his current reliance on Excel for critical asset and compliance tracking, a method he finds increasingly cumbersome but undeniably effective for his immediate needs. He views time as a resource to be managed with extreme care, dedicating his work hours to essential tasks and his personal time to activities that recharge his focus, like motorcycling and hiking. He is not driven by status or overt displays of wealth, finding satisfaction in the quiet competence of a well-functioning system and the personal achievements of his hobbies. His recent focus has been on bolstering the security posture around their two Azure subscriptions, a task complicated by the need to integrate them seamlessly with the legacy on-premise infrastructure. He recently pushed for, and secured, a contract for outsourced overnight monitoring, a decision that allows his team to focus on proactive improvements rather than constant reactive firefighting during off-hours.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Jarne's day begins at 6:30 AM with a strong coffee and a quick scan of overnight monitoring alerts, though most critical issues are handled by the outsourced team. After a brief review of Heise Online, he heads to the office. His morning is typically spent in team meetings, reviewing tickets, and addressing urgent infrastructure issues. He dedicates a block of time to meticulously updating Excel spreadsheets for asset inventory and compliance checks, a task he approaches with his characteristic thoroughness. Lunch is usually a quick affair at his desk. The afternoon involves planning system upgrades, reviewing security logs, and preparing reports for management, often interrupted by user support requests. He leaves the office around 5:30 PM, often reflecting on the day's challenges and planning for tomorrow.

Lifestyle

Jarne lives in a well-maintained apartment in Munich's Schwabing district, a comfortable distance from his office. His evenings and weekends are a mix of quiet solitude and focused activity. He enjoys the freedom of his BMW R 1250 GS motorcycle, taking it out for scenic rides through the Bavarian countryside whenever the weather permits. Mountain hikes in the Alps are another passion, offering a physical and mental reset. He's particular about his diet and enjoys exploring local breweries for quality craft beers. Socially, he prefers small gatherings with close friends over large parties.

Work life

As the Infrastructure & Security Lead, Jarne is the linchpin for his company's digital backbone. His days are a constant balancing act between proactive maintenance, reactive troubleshooting, and strategic planning. He manages a small but capable team of three, delegating tasks related to server upkeep, network performance, and user support. The pressure to maintain uptime for the on-prem ERP system is immense, as any disruption directly impacts production. He spends significant time reviewing logs, patching systems, and ensuring compliance documentation is meticulously updated in Excel, a process he finds tedious but essential for audits.

Relationships

Jarne is married to Sabine, a primary school teacher, and they have two grown children who have moved out. His closest friendships are with a few colleagues from university and a small group of fellow motorcyclists. He values direct, honest communication and tends to keep his circle small but loyal. His parents, still living in a small town in Bavaria, are a source of quiet support.

How they decide

Jarne is highly methodical and research-driven. He gathers all available data, weighs pros and cons carefully, and seeks input from trusted technical peers before making a decision. He prioritizes long-term stability and security over short-term gains, often opting for proven solutions rather than bleeding-edge technology. He is not easily swayed by trends and prefers to understand the underlying mechanics of any proposed change.

How they sound

Speaks with a clear, measured cadence. His German is precise, with a slight Bavarian inflection. He avoids slang and overly casual language in professional settings, preferring direct and factual communication. He often uses phrases like 'Es ist wichtig zu bedenken...' (It's important to consider...) or 'Wir müssen sicherstellen, dass...' (We must ensure that...). He is not prone to hyperbole and prefers understatement.