Meet the crew: Nanina Neumann-Klenke

When friends become colleagues 

I worked as a florist and then graduated with a university entrance qualification in design to study media and marketing. After finishing my studies, I worked in marketing in the sports sector for over a year and then entered the publishing industry. After almost two years, I was looking for a new challenge when a friend told me about gridX and asked me if I wanted to apply. She was already working there and was looking for support while she was on parental leave. I was a little unsure, as the energy industry was totally foreign to me. But after first getting to know potential colleagues and the company culture, I quickly decided to make the move to gridX. 

A diverse and flexible role

Professional development, versatility in the job and the team are my top priorities. I started at gridX as an office manager in October 2018, which involved social media and accounting tasks. I have now been an executive assistant for a year – a diverse role with many responsibilities that are always changing. Currently, I am also responsible for onboarding. I make sure that new employees feel comfortable when they start at gridX and that everything runs smoothly. I never get bored, and I'm currently doing a distance learning course to become a human resources manager. With all the flexibility of my roles, I especially appreciate the freedom to work and make decisions independently, as well as the high level of trust we are given at gridX. 

Equal treatment for all 

When I started at gridX, the team was quite small and male-dominated, as is common in the industry. Yet we have an unbelievable diversity of characters working with us – across the board. At gridX, no distinction is made between women and men, young and old, or anyone’s background. Everyone is treated the same, and I think that's great.  

Crazy yet kind-hearted

My highlights at gridX are the team events. Despite Corona, we had a great virtual Christmas party that really strengthened our team spirit. Since I ski and also coach at a youth club, there was a very special surprise for me during the virtual Christmas party: special guest and German skiing legend Felix Neureuther visited us virtually and talked about his career, as well as his incentive to live sustainably and energy efficiently. I was completely speechless.

The atmosphere at gridX is like an extended family – a bit crazy but very kind-hearted. I joined gridX when we were still a small team, but we have maintained our culture despite strong growth: flat hierarchies, short decision-making routes, open communication. I think it's great that I always find open ears and that you can talk about anything.