Kati Ernst’s career path is a testament to ambition, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of personal fulfillment. From the demanding world of management consulting to the entrepreneurial landscape of sustainable feminine hygiene and now, the burgeoning field of longevity, Ernst has consistently challenged expectations and redefined success on her own terms.
Her initial foray into the professional world took her to McKinsey, a leading global consulting firm. This choice, as she revealed in the "Frisch an die Arbeit" podcast, surprised both her peers and her parents. The perception was that Ernst, a person perhaps not initially associated with an unwavering, non-stop work ethic, was entering a field notorious for its grueling hours and relentless travel demands.
Indeed, the consulting world is often characterized by its intense workload and the expectation of constant availability. Ernst spent twelve years navigating this demanding environment, a period that coincided with the arrival of her two children. Balancing the pressures of a high-powered career with the responsibilities of motherhood presented a unique set of challenges.
However, Ernst managed to carve out a semblance of work-life balance, albeit discreetly. She established personal boundaries, a secret known only to herself. "I set a few rules for myself," she confessed, "I never worked after 8 p.m. or on weekends. But nobody knew that." This quiet rebellion against the prevailing culture of overwork highlights Ernst’s determination to prioritize her personal well-being without compromising her professional performance.
The birth of her third child marked a significant turning point. At the age of 43, Ernst made the bold decision to leave McKinsey and embark on an entrepreneurial journey. Partnering with Kristine Zeller, she co-founded Ooia, a company specializing in period underwear. This venture represented a departure from the corporate world and a step into the unknown.
The decision to start her own business was driven by a belief in the transformative power of learning and growth. Ernst recognized that the experience of building a company from the ground up would provide invaluable skills and insights, regardless of the ultimate outcome. "I knew," she explained, "that no matter what happens, even if nobody buys this product, what I learn in this half year will be so much better than if I just continue for half a year."
This entrepreneurial leap proved to be one of the best decisions of her life. Ooia flourished, achieving double-digit million-dollar revenues within seven years. The company’s success not only validated Ernst’s business acumen but also demonstrated the growing demand for sustainable and innovative feminine hygiene products.
Despite Ooia’s success, Ernst felt a pull towards new challenges and personal priorities. A few months ago, she stepped down as CEO to dedicate more time to her family and pursue her growing interest in longevity. This emerging field focuses on understanding and optimizing the aging process to promote long and healthy lives.
Ernst’s fascination with longevity stems from a desire to understand what individuals can do to maximize their lifespan while maintaining their physical and mental well-being. This interest has led her to completely overhaul her daily routine. She now prioritizes sleep, going to bed at 9:30 p.m. every night, and incorporates daily exercise into her schedule.
This shift in focus has brought about a profound sense of fulfillment. "My life is now, where I live like this, much fuller and richer and more alive," Ernst shared. Her commitment to personal well-being reflects a broader trend towards prioritizing health and longevity in an increasingly demanding world.
Beyond her personal pursuits, Ernst also offers insights and advice to others. In the "Frisch an die Arbeit" podcast, she discusses the lifestyle choices she makes to maintain peak performance, how she and her husband divide caregiving responsibilities, and why she recommends that young professionals begin their careers in management consulting. She emphasizes the valuable skills and experiences that can be gained in this demanding field.
Ernst’s journey is a compelling narrative of ambition, adaptation, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. From her initial foray into management consulting to her entrepreneurial success with Ooia and now, her exploration of the field of longevity, she has consistently defied expectations and carved her own path. Her story serves as an inspiration to those seeking to balance professional success with personal well-being and to those who dare to challenge conventional career trajectories. She shows it’s possible to be successful in the traditional corporate environment, leverage that experience into entrepreneurship and then shift focus entirely to new passions.
The "Frisch an die Arbeit" podcast, hosted by Daniel Erk, Elise Landschek, and Hannah Scherkamp, is released every other Tuesday. Listeners can contact the team at [email protected].
