My Education Journey.

With over 12 years of experience as an educator, I’ve had the honour of teaching at universities across the globe. I began my academic career as a Lecturer at Bournemouth University (UK) and have since been invited as a guest lecturer and visiting researcher at leading institutions, including the University of Surrey, Edinburgh Napier University, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Vistula University Warsaw, University of Bolzano, MODUL University, University of Innsbruck, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, and Breda University of Applied Sciences.

I currently serve as Professor of Experience Design at the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, Honorary Professor at IMC Krems University of Applied Sciences, and Visiting Professor at IULM University in Milan.

My journey began in Salzburg, Austria — the cultural heart of Europe and birthplace of Mozart — where I developed an early passion for languages, cultures, and global experiences. This curiosity led me to pursue a Diploma in Tourism Management at the Tourism Schools Salzburg, and gain practical experience in hospitality across Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. I went on to complete my full academic training in the UK, earning a BA (Hons) in Travel & Tourism Management and Public Relations, an MA in Tourism Management from the University of Derby, and a PhD in Management from Bournemouth University, followed by a PGCert in Higher Education Practice. In 2024, I earned my Habilitation in Business & Management from the University of Innsbruck, receiving the academic title Privat-Dozentin.

Researching.

My research explores the leading edge of experience design, human and digital transformation, innovation, and positive psychology across sectors including tourism, hospitality, events, and the broader service industries. I examine how experiences can be intentionally designed — not only to create meaning and memory — but to unlock human potential and spark deep transformation at individual, organisational, and systemic levels.

I have authored over 70 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and conference contributions across management, marketing, design, tourism, and technology. My most recent work includes pioneering studies on transformative experiences, positive tourism, and experience-led innovation. In 2023, I was honoured to be recognised among the world’s top 2% scientists for my scholarly impact.

Speaking.

Sharing my work on international stages is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. As a global thought leader and keynote speaker, I have presented at over 100 academic conferences, business summits, and industry events, combining personal transformation stories with scientific insights and future foresight to inspire change.

In 2019, I co-created and delivered the TEDx talk “The Global State of Awe” at TEDxBucharest — a multi-sensory, science-art performance exploring the transformational “overview effect” experienced by astronauts, reimagined through experience design.

Designing.

One of my most meaningful creations is the Experience Design Summit Year Zero, an immersive global event I co-designed in 2020 and 2021 for personal and collective transformation. The Summit brought together an international community of experience designers, changemakers, and thought leaders to learn, connect, and grow through curated talks and facilitated experiences.

The event received 2nd Place at the CONVENTA Best Event Award 2020 (Crossover Category) — one of Europe’s most prestigious recognitions in the meetings and events industry.

Coaching.

As a Transformative Coach, I work with visionary individuals, leaders, and academics who are ready to grow — both personally and professionally. My coaching draws on the principles of experience design, positive psychology, and systems thinking, guiding clients through deep, presence-led journeys that reconnect them with their purpose, strengthen their leadership, and unlock the highest expression of their Self. My style is intuitive, science-based, and profoundly human — empowering people to navigate transitions with clarity, embody their potential, and create meaningful impact in the world.

Consulting.

As an Experience Design Consultant, I partner with forward-thinking organisations to reimagine how they design experiences — not just to perform, but to transform. With over a decade of expertise at the intersection of experience design, innovation, technology, and transformation science, I help companies and consulting firms evolve from transactional services to purpose-driven, human-centred experiences and value propositions.

I facilitate co-creation journeys, strategy workshops, and design-led innovation processes that help leaders and teams reframe their challenges, clarify their values, and bring experiential and transformational offers to life. As a certified LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® facilitator, I integrate creative and intuitive methods that support rapid ideation, deep insight, and powerful breakthroughs in experience design and strategic alignment.

Recognitions & Awards.

Over the course of my academic and professional journey, I’ve had the honour of receiving more than 20 international awards for my research, teaching, and innovation. Early in my career, I was named ITT PhD Student of the Year (2013) at the British Parliament and recognised among the Top 15 PhD Students in Management worldwide. My research has since been honoured with multiple Best Paper Awards, including: Electronic Markets Paper of the Year (2016), The Service Industries Journal Paper of the Year (2019), Best Paper Award – ENTER Conference (2020), Best Paper Award – THE INC Conference (2020).

For my contributions to higher education, I received the “You’re Brilliant” Teaching Award twice at Bournemouth University (2015 & 2016), the Outstanding Achievement Award for my Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice, and was honoured as the youngest ever FH-Professor appointed at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences. In 2023, I was listed among the world’s top 2% scientists for the impact of my academic work.

Global Community Service.

In addition to my research, teaching, and consulting work, I am deeply committed to contributing to the global academic and professional communities. I currently serve as an Executive Committee Member of the Experience Research Society (EXPRESSO), and I was a Founding Circle Member of the World Experience Organization (WXO). I previously served on the Board of Directors of IFITT (International Federation for IT and Travel & Tourism), where I co-founded IFITT Next Generation and launched the global Doctoral Summer School initiative to support emerging scholars in eTourism.

I have organised and chaired several international academic and practice-focused events, including: IFITT Doctoral Summer School (2013, 2017), Digital Work-Life Balance Summit (2016), ISCONTOUR Conference (2018), Experience Design Summit – Year Zero (2020, 2021). I am also a regular reviewer for over 50 scientific journals and committees, and serve on the editorial boards of three leading academic tourism journals.

On the website you will find more information about my areas of expertise, publications, teaching as well as coaching and consulting, and latest news on my stories.