About Anna Knieriem
In 2020, I founded Changellence. Since then, I've been guiding organizations through change as an independent consultant
– before that, 10 years as an internal organizational development leader with management responsibility.
Why I Know What Transformation Means
Many consultants tell you how change works. I've lived it myself – multiple times.
At age 6, I was torn from my life without warning – my parents fled with me from communist Poland to West Berlin. The first months were hard. I didn't speak German, I didn't know anyone, and I wasn't exactly welcomed with open arms. I fought my way through and learned that you can get out of even seemingly hopeless situations if you don't give up.
What this means for my work:
I know what it feels like when everything is foreign and you don't know if you'll make it. That's exactly where many teams and leaders find themselves during change processes. I know that feeling, and I know how to get through it.
What this means for my work:
I know what it's like when a project escalates and still has to move forward. When costs rise, nerves are frayed, and decisions still need to be made. That's exactly what leaders experience in change processes too.
In 2024, I renovated an old house.
What was supposed to be a renovation became a complete gutting. At one point it looked like a bombed-out building.
I managed the construction, coordinated tradespeople, learned about topics I knew nothing about. What kept me going:
First, I had a clear vision of what would stand at the end.
Second: I never give up just because things get hard –
that motivates me even more.
Third: What would the alternative have been? Give up?
Today we live in a wonderful house – with offices and seminar rooms for my work on the ground floor.
These experiences are what the butterfly logo stands for:
Metamorphosis means letting go of the old so something new can emerge.
Not everything needs to be destroyed – what's worth preserving remains.
That's how I work with you: We look at what can stay and what needs to be dissolved.
The path is hard and more uncomfortable than you expect. But in the end, something stands that carries weight.
What I Bring
I've lived and worked in 7 countries: Germany, Netherlands, USA, Poland, Singapore, China, UAE. This taught me: There is no "right" or "wrong."
Every solution fits its context. What seems strange to us works perfectly elsewhere.
This experience shapes my work: I don't come with ready-made solutions. I develop with you the solution that fits YOUR context.
My Background:
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Deutsche Bahn (German Railway): Assistant to the Chief HR Officer, later Head of HR M&A – first international experience with organizational development and management responsibility
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MSA Safety: Responsible for international organizational development in Europe, Asia, and Middle East
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Remotely: Organizational consultant in a self-organized startup – tension-based work without traditional hierarchies
Over these 15 years, I've facilitated hundreds of workshops and change processes – in German, English, and Polish, with teams from diverse cultures and industries.
What I learned:
Orientation: Even when things are chaotic, people need to know where we're going.
Responsibility: Taking it even when uncomfortable – that's what builds trust.
Trust: I earn it anew every day through honesty, reliability, presence, and competence.
What drives me
Waste makes me angry.Wasted potential, inefficiency, lack of willingness to perform – because usually it's not lazy or bad people behind it, but a framework that doesn't work.
I believe: Most people, teams, and organizations have more in them than is being used. I want to bring out that "more."
What gives me energy
When I notice something is moving. When people suddenly see a situation differently than before. When they say: "That was exhausting, I need to digest that – but I'm taking it with me." When leaders have the courage to take responsibility and clearly name uncomfortable truths.
That's the moment when I notice real development is happening. That's exactly what releases joy and energy in me.
What frustrates me
Leaders who don't dare to clearly tell their employees what they've long since told me. Leaders who aren't willing to ask themselves: "What's my part in this?"
Why I never stop developing
I'm convinced that everyone can keep developing until their last breath – and that there's enormous joy in that.
For you as a client, this means concretely:
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I bring best practices from various industries and organizations – you benefit from cross-industry knowledge
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I remain methodologically flexible – no "one-size-fits-all," but always the right solution for your context
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I'm not afraid of unexpected developments
What Clients Say
It's remarkable how quickly Anna grasps context. Within a short time, she understood the dynamics, priorities, and challenges of our organization – and developed solutions that truly fit.
Anna addresses the uncomfortable topics others avoid – always focused on getting to the core and finding real solutions. She combines clarity with empathy in a way that builds trust, even when it's challenging.
What impressed me most: Anna doesn't stick to the plan when it no longer serves the goal. When she realizes we need to pivot, she adapts – even mid-workshop. That flexibility made the difference.
My Qualifications
Systemic Organizational Consulting, Systemic Process Facilitation, Team Coach, Business Lawyer
and numerous further training programs in facilitation and organizational development.
But more important than certificates: I know what I'm talking about.
Who I Work With
I work with CEOs and leaders who are willing to question themselves.
Who understand that real change means: First it gets worse, then it gets better.
I don't work with people who want to delegate change.
If you're looking for someone to 'fix' your team while you stay out of it – I'm not the right person.
But if you're ready to be part of the transformation – let's talk.