JustinBachem_PolasBerlin_IRP7500-2

Hi, I'm Justin

Freelance Business Psychologist
in Business Development / 
Project Management /
Strategic Data

JustinBachem_PolasBerlin_IRP7814

WHAT I DO

As a freelance consultant, project lead, and interim manager, I help companies move from vision to execution.

Specializing in business development, project management, and strategic data analysis, I bring clarity to complex challenges and structure to bold ideas.

Whether it’s launching a new initiative, aligning teams around priorities, or turning data into actionable insights, I step in where ownership is needed.

Clients turn to me when they need a versatile thinker and communicator who can quickly understand context, cut through complexity, and turn plans into progress. I work best in dynamic, fast-paced environments—bridging the space between thinking and doing.

WHO I AM

Based in Berlin with a background in Business Psychology (M.A.), my passion lies in translating technological change into actionables that empower businesses and individuals alike.

Over the past years, I have worked with startups, scale-ups, and established organizations such as Porsche, Deutsche Telekom, AVM, Axel Springer, Heartfelt (former APX), CODE University, WeAreDe­ve­lopers, and more. I have led interdisciplinary teams, built strategic partnerships, designed data-based frameworks, and helped shape innovation-oriented education models.

I have lectured on Digital Media Management as well as Personal & Social Competency Development, and have spoken at prominent events including WeAreDevelopers World Congress, EMMA Conference, and Axel Springer’s TechCon.

While I’m a true Berliner (but don’t worry, I’m friendly!), my husband and I choose to divide our time between Berlin, Cologne, and Cape Town. I love exploring our planet and have visited every continent except Antarctica—which is definitely on my bucket list.

JustinBachem_PolasBerlin_IRP7686-2

WHAT I'VE WORKED ON

Challenge: Enabling companies to upskill their workforce in the rapidly evolving field of AI required a flexible and scalable learning solution tailored to diverse business needs.

Approach: Designed a modular training program using a building-block approach, allowing organizations to combine AI-related learning units based on their strategic focus. Developed the overall concept with multiple learning dimensions (e.g., strategy, application, ethics), built a curated pool of expert instructors, and led the program’s positioning and go-to-market strategy.

Outcome: Successfully launched the program and established it as a flexible B2B offering, enabling tailored AI education across industries and creating a scalable foundation for future learning formats.

Challenge: CODE University’s highly unique, project-based learning model had no existing blueprint for evaluation. Classic assessment dimensions were not applicable, requiring a tailored solution to measure its success.

Approach: Developed a structured semester evaluation that translates CODE’s innovative education model into measurable insights. Developed a scalable survey framework tailored to CODE’s non-traditional education model, analyzed the results, compiled a comprehensive report and ensured that the documentation also enables third parties to conduct follow-up surveys. 

Outcome: Enabled continuous measurement of academic and organizational success, providing actionable insights to improve learning experiences and refine strategic data-driven decision-making. 

Challenge: Creating a master’s program that aligns with market needs and remains relevant in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Approach: Led the program development in close collaboration with faculty and university leadership. Collected data to identify key content areas and target audiences. Managed the full project lifecycle – including alignment with leadership and all relevant departments.

Outcome: Developed a master’s program tailored to market demands, ensuring strong industry alignment and academic excellence.

Challenge: Companies often struggle to attract and engage young tech talent early in their education, making it difficult to build a strong employer brand and long-term talent pipeline.

Approach: Developed a strategic partnership model with multiple pillars to connect companies with relevant talents early on. Designed a dual-study concept that allowed companies to actively engage with students while supporting their professional and academic growth.

Outcome: Strengthened employer branding for partner companies, provided students with hands-on industry experience, and created a sustainable framework for early talent engagement.

Challenge: Traditional journalism and tech education often operate in silos, limiting collaboration between future media and technology professionals.

Approach: Co-founded FreeTech Academy (now Axel Springer Academy of Journalism & Technology) and led a Tech Program that united young tech talents and journalism trainees, enabling them to collaborate on real-world projects. Integrated the approach into the company’s ecosystem to foster interdisciplinary innovation.

Outcome: Fostered cross-functional collaboration, enabling participants to gain real-world experience and strengthening the company’s talent pipeline.

Challenge: Assessing the potential success of early-stage startups is challenging for an accelerator, given the high uncertainty and unreliable financial projections.

Approach: Developed a predictive model based on founder surveys, analyzing a variety of science-backed dimensions. Built an interactive dashboard to compare startups using data-driven insights.

Outcome: Enabled investors to make informed decisions, improving transparency and objectivity in startup evaluations.

REFERENCES

"Working with Justin to build the Axel Springer Academy of Journalism & Technology was a true privilege. She played a key role in shaping the concept, aligning stakeholders, and building strong foundations for an interdisciplinary learning experience. Beyond that, she recruited and led an international team of tech talents from over 20 countries, showing not only great leadership skills but also a sharp eye for potential and team culture."
Dr. Ulrich Schmitz
Managing Director of Axel Springer Digital Ventures
„Justin brings a great mix of clarity, drive, and genuine care to every project. With her sharp thinking and curiosity, she's not afraid to challenge ideas, always striving for the best possible outcomes. Her supportive, straight-talking style builds bridges across diverse disciplines, backgrounds, and perspectives. I’m proud to have her as an ambassador at Inclusive Tech.“
Mina Saidze
Founder of Inclusive Tech & Forbes 30 Under 30
„I’ve worked with Justin on multiple projects, and every time has been inspiring and highly effective. She brings a clear vision, sharp thinking, and the focus to follow through. I particularly value her proactive approach, her ability to challenge the status quo, and her talent for making complex concepts clear and actionable. Collaborating with her is always smooth, thoughtful, and full of momentum."
Manuel Dolderer
Co-Founder & Founding President of CODE University of Applied Sciences

DROP ME A LINE

Want to work with me? Just drop me a line and we’ll hop on a quick call to discuss how I could support you best.