Women Talk Tech: From Career Change to Leadership
In a recent episode of the “Women Talk Tech” podcast, Erica, CEO and Managing Director of KUNO, joined Sade from Impala Search for an inspiring conversation. Although Erica’s background isn’t in tech, she brings valuable insights into the tech landscape — gained through her experience working with well-known start-ups and technology companies. The discussion is highly personal, offering listeners a glimpse into her professional journey, key lessons learned, and the unique dynamics of the start-up world.
👇Note: The episode is available on Spotify.
From Hotel Management to the Start-up World
Erica began her career in hotel management — a field that, at first glance, seems far removed from HR and payroll.
“Sometimes the path isn’t straight, but those detours are what make the difference later on.”
Her transition into HR opened new perspectives on people, processes, and organizational structures. Later, she worked at DailyDeal GmbH, Rocket Internet SE, and finleap GmbH, gaining valuable insights into how fast-paced tech start-ups operate and make decisions.
The Dynamics of Tech Start-ups
In the conversation, Erica reflects on typical dynamics within start-ups and tech-driven environments — fast decision-making, experimentation, and the courage to try new things.
“The most important thing I learned there was not to be biased against something new. Just try — even if it’s not perfect.”
This mindset continues to shape her leadership style today — not as a tech founder, but as an HR and payroll expert with deep insights into the tech ecosystem.
From the Tech World to KUNO
The company KUNO was originally founded by Katharina Jung. During a later restructuring, Erica’s role as Managing Director evolved — unexpectedly, but with a clear focus: to preserve KUNO, further develop it, and maintain the quality of services that clients valued so highly.
“Many things I learned in the tech world, I consciously applied at KUNO — like acting fast, building structures pragmatically, and always staying open to new approaches.”
The team played a central role in this transition. The strong foundation the employees had built was worth protecting and evolving. Taking over leadership was an unplanned step — one that ultimately shaped Erica’s own entrepreneurial path and revealed new strengths. Her journey demonstrates how experiences from different stages can connect meaningfully — and how sometimes unexpected turns can lead to new directions.
Women in Leadership
Another core part of the conversation focuses on women in leadership roles. Erica reflects on how the mindset has shifted:
“The confidence of women has changed — thankfully. Today, many believe in themselves more, support one another, and that makes a real difference.”
Mutual support, open exchange, and an inclusive attitude toward different career paths are key elements of her leadership philosophy.
Networks & Shared Learning
Networks such as Tomorrow belongs to you, founded by Vessela Krissel, are key spaces for connection, inspiration, and empowerment.
“Communities like Tomorrow Belongs to Her create bonds that go far beyond professional exchange. They give strength, inspiration, and courage.”
Hearing from others — whether their experiences are positive, challenging, or entirely different — can offer new perspectives and valuable impulses for one’s own path.
At KUNO, we regularly support events and communities that create impact — especially those empowering women, shaping the HR world, or addressing social topics that reflect our values.
Personal Reflections & Learnings
In the podcast, Erica also shares personal stories — including how her family life and work life influence one another. A guiding principle for her has always been courage to try something new, even when uncertainty is present.
“What’s the worst thing that can happen to me?”
That mindset encourages her to take chances, reflect, and grow through experience. One of her favorite quotes captures this outlook perfectly:
“Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted.”
It’s a philosophy that defines her journey — staying open to new paths, embracing change, and viewing mistakes not as failures, but as valuable lessons.
Why This Episode Is Worth Listening To
For founders, leaders, and HR professionals in start-ups, scale-ups, and SMEs, this conversation offers practical and personal inspiration: career change, leadership without a traditional tech background, the value of networks, and the courage to follow an unplanned path.
