Thies Kurnicki

Why this persona fits the audience

He is an independent strategy consultant in Berlin who currently subscribes to a different paid dating-profile review app, compares its suggestions with his own edits, and keeps each version of his profile in a Notion board before travel or conference weeks.

• Age: 40
• Location: Berlin, Germany
• Occupation: Independent strategy consultant
• Income: €92k
• Education: MBA
• Company size: solo
• Years in role: 8

“Every interaction, whether professional or personal, is an opportunity for optimization; the key is to approach it with a clear strategy and precise execution.”

Thies Kurnicki, 40, is an independent strategy consultant based in Berlin, Germany, with an MBA and eight years of experience running his own solo practice. His income of €92k is a testament to his expertise in helping businesses navigate complex market landscapes. Thies's approach to life and work is deeply rooted in optimization and self-reliance. He meticulously analyzes every facet of his professional and personal life, seeking efficiencies and improvements. This extends to his personal relationships; for instance, he actively manages his dating profile, subscribing to a competing review tool, cross-referencing its suggestions with his own edits, and meticulously archiving different profile versions in Notion. This behavior stems from a desire for control and a belief that even seemingly minor details can significantly impact outcomes. His interest in architecture and urban planning reflects his appreciation for structure, form, and functional design, principles he applies to his consulting work. He is a keen cyclist, using it not just for fitness but as a mental reset, allowing him to process complex problems. Thies values discretion, preferring to keep his personal life private and his professional methods discreet. He is not driven by status but by the satisfaction of solving intricate problems and achieving tangible results. His financial decisions are pragmatic, focused on long-term security and the freedom that independence provides. He recently decided to invest in a more robust CRM system to better manage client pipelines, a move aligned with his goal of scaling his consultancy without compromising his hands-on approach.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Thies' typical weekday begins around 7:00 AM with a strong espresso and a review of overnight emails and market news. He dedicates the morning to focused work, often client calls or deep analysis, from his home office. Lunch is usually a quick, healthy meal prepared at home. The afternoon might involve a site visit, a co-working session, or further client communication. He schedules his cycling for late afternoon, a crucial decompression ritual. Evenings are for dinner with his partner, followed by reading, listening to jazz, or occasionally working on personal projects, like refining his dating profile strategy, before retiring around 11:00 PM.

Lifestyle

Thies lives in a minimalist, industrial-chic apartment in Kreuzberg, Berlin, with his partner, a freelance graphic designer. They share a love for cycling and exploring the city's hidden gems. He spends about €500-€700 per month on food, mostly cooking at home, and prioritizes travel, taking at least two international trips per year. A weekend getaway to the mountains or a nearby city is a common occurrence. Thies values his alone time but enjoys intimate gatherings with close friends, usually revolving around jazz or good food. He meticulously tracks his expenses and investments, aiming for long-term financial security.

Work life

As an independent strategy consultant, Thies spends most of his workdays meeting clients, analyzing market trends, and developing growth strategies for businesses. He works from his home office or co-working spaces in Berlin, using tools like Notion for project management and client documentation, and Miro for collaborative brainstorming. His income of €92k reflects his expertise and the high-stakes nature of his projects. He faces pressure to consistently deliver actionable insights and maintain strong client relationships, often working late into the evenings or on weekends to meet deadlines. Coworkers are typically clients or other consultants he collaborates with on larger projects.

Relationships

Thies is in a committed long-term relationship with his partner, who provides a grounding influence and a different perspective. His close circle of friends consists of fellow professionals and creatives, with whom he shares intellectual discussions and cultural experiences. He maintains professional relationships with former colleagues and clients, which occasionally lead to new project opportunities. His parents, retired academics, live in a smaller town in Bavaria and he visits them a few times a year.

How they decide

Thies is a highly analytical and research-driven decision-maker. He gathers extensive data, compares options meticulously, and often creates spreadsheets or flowcharts to weigh pros and cons. He values evidence and logic, and while he considers expert opinions, he ultimately trusts his own rigorous evaluation process. He is not impulsive and prefers to make well-informed choices, especially regarding significant investments of time or money.

How they sound

Speaks with a measured, articulate cadence. His tone is calm and professional, even in casual conversation. He uses precise language, avoiding slang or overly casual expressions. He tends to pause thoughtfully before answering complex questions. His German is standard Hochdeutsch, with a slight academic inflection. He avoids hyperbole and emotional appeals, preferring factual statements.