TALENT TALK with Stefan Leinesser – Director Human Resources

With 30 years of HR experience and roles at Pixelpark, StudiVZ, REWE digital, Triple A, and more, Stefan Leinesser is one of the most seasoned HR professionals in Germany’s digital industry. In this TALENT TALK, he shares his biggest learnings, his HR philosophy, and what really matters for young talents today. Stefan, thanks a lot for the interview!

1.        Question: Choosing the Right Employer

Niki: “Stefan, how do you know if an employer is the right fit for you?”

For Stefan, it’s clear: what counts is not the promises made in the job interview, but the reality in the team.Don’t just meet the head of the department — meet the people you’ll actually be working with.

“Most people don’t quit because the job is bad — they quit because of the environment, especially poor leadership.Your manager is your most important point of contact.”

💡 Tips for choosing the right employer:

• Analyze the head & team: Who would be your manager? Who’s on the team? Check LinkedIn, ask around, read Kununu reviews.

• Don’t be dazzled by employer branding: Job ads and company values often sound the same. What matters is who you’ll work with and what’s currently shaping your target field.

• Be passionate about the product: Follow your curiosity. Time is precious — do what energizes you. That’s how you’ll be able to give something back.

2.        Question: Where should you start your career?

Niki: “What’s the better starting point – corporate or startup?”

Although Stefan calls himself “allergic to corporates”, he still recommends beginning in a structured environment:

“I’d rather start in a corporate — or better yet, in a ‘speedboat.’”

He means companies that combine solid structures and processes with an agile mindset — quick feedback loops, fast learning curves, and lots of growth potential.

“You’ll learn the basics, gain experience, and after 2–3 years, you can still join a startup — then you’ll know how to handle chaos and take on responsibility right away.”

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Structure helps you grow: Corporates offer learning opportunities, experienced mentors, and great training. Surround yourself with people who know more than you.

• Speedboats hit the sweet spot: Look for dynamic corporates or spin-offs with momentum, transformation, and innovation — the mix makes the magic.

• Experience first, chaos later: Startups are great fun, but you need experience to bring structure into chaos.

3. Question: What should Young Talents bring to the table?

Niki: “What do you look for when hiring young professionals?”

💡 What Stefan looks for:

• Out-of-the-box thinking: Learn the basics first — only then can you challenge the limits. Take every “that won’t work” as a teaser to rethink and innovate.

• Abstract & analytical thinking: “I like asking: ‘What would you change about our business model?’ or ‘What are the first 2–3 things you’d improve?”

• Drive, focus & perseverance: “I want to see ambition and fire — not just questions about work-life balance and dog sitters.”

👉 Our Interview Question Guide helps you ask the right questions and stand out in every interview!

4. Question: What are your career tips?

Niki: “What are your top 3 career tips for young talents?”

💡 Stefan’s Top Career Tips:

• Take action: Don’t hesitate too long. Don’t be overly self-critical — trust yourself and go for it.

• Do good and talk about it: Build your fanbase. Organize afterworks, connect, and show what you care about.

• Show a clear profile: Don’t just blend in. Show that you understand trends and want to drive change — don’t wait for your manager to tell you.

5. Question: How important is mentoring?

Niki: “What role have mentors played in your career?”

Stefan didn’t have formal mentors but worked with truly inspiring leaders:

“I was lucky to work with visionaries — people who can trigger a ‘big bang.’ They’re not always easy to handle, but they help you push beyond your own mental limits.”

💡 Stefan’s Mentoring Tips:

• Choose mentors consciously: “Ask yourself: which leader inspires me — who would I like to be in five years? Stick close to them.”

• Don’t underestimate reverse mentoring: “Young talents bring so much to the table — creativity, new tools, fresh perspectives.”

• Show initiative: “If there’s no mentoring program, create your own — informally.”

Conclusion

Career isn’t coincidence — it’s the result of initiative, curiosity, sharp questions, and a clear sense of direction. Show that you’re in tune with what’s happening — not just part of the crowd, but one step ahead.

👉 Did you pick up something valuable?Then share this interview, send us your questions, and check out our career blog — packed with insights and tips from top career experts to take your growth to the next level!