“Berlin is where people come to create chapters but end up writing entire stories.” – Bianca Praetorius

Berlin has long been celebrated as Europe’s startup capital, a place where creativity, ambition, and innovation converge.
The city’s affordable rents and thriving cultural scene have drawn dreamers and changemakers from around the world. Yet for many, Berlin isn’t just a career move; it’s a transformative journey.

Bianca Praetorius shares her incredible journey, from being a finalist in Miss Germany to becoming a sought-after pitch coach for startups and co-founding KlimaUnion, a movement dedicated to integrating climate action into German politics.

A story of resilience, reinvention, and the courage to follow unconventional paths.

From waitressing to leading thousands

Bianca’s beginnings in Berlin were anything but glamorous. At 26, she was waitressing in Neukölln, unsure of what her next chapter would look like. “It would have been totally possible that I stayed an alcoholic waitress in Neukölln. That could have been my life,” Bianca reflects candidly. But instead of settling, she leaned into uncertainty, and that made all the difference.

“It would have been easy to stay in the safe lane,” Bianca says. “But Berlin teaches you to embrace the detours—they’re where the magic happens.”

Fast forward to today, Bianca has coached over 2,000 founders, helping them perfect their pitches and navigate the chaotic yet rewarding world of startups.

The courage to let go

Bianca’s journey about seizing opportunities butalso about knowing when to pivot. She spoke about the importance of not framing change as failure: “The courage to leave something behind and not see it as failure was the best decision I could have made.” Her story is a powerful reminder that reinvention often starts with letting go.

Whether you’re contemplating a career shift, ending a relationship, or leaving behind an outdated dream, Bianca’s experience shows that true transformation happens when you embrace the unknown.

The Power of Storytelling and Connection

One of Bianca’s superpowers is her ability to create meaningful connections. During her pitch coaching sessions, she emphasizes the importance of authenticity. “If you want people to feel your story, you have to believe it yourself,” she says. For Bianca, a pitch isn’t just a presentation, it’s an emotional exchange.

This approach has made her a standout figure in Berlin’s startup scene, where founders often focus more on their product than their personal narrative. Bianca’s message is clear: storytelling is mor than skills, it’s a strategy for connection and impact.

Building movements, not just businesses

Beyond coaching, Bianca is a co-founder of KlimaUnion with prominent figures like Yanis Varoufakis and supported by environmental advocates such as Pamela Anderson, KlimaUnion aims to integrate ambitious climate goals into Germany's mainstream political discourse. In the episode, Bianca emphasizes how KlimaUnion serves as a bridge between grassroots activism and high-level policy change, amplifying the voices of those who believe that a sustainable future must be a political priority.

Bianca admires leaders who take bold stances, like Yanis Varoufakis, whose fearless approach to politics continues to inspire her activism.

Berlin’s role as a catalyst

Bianca describes Berlin city as a space that invites experimentation and reinvention. Just as Janis Joplin’s music spoke to freedom and authenticity, Berlin’s eclectic culture calls for the same boldness.

Bianca’s story embodies this spirit of bold exploration. In a city known for its open doors and unfinished narratives, she found the courage to write a story uniquely her own.

Breaking stereotypes and shaping new narratives

As a Top 6 Miss Germany finalist, Bianca defied outdated notions of what it means to compete in a pageant. “Miss Germany wasn’t about looking perfect—it was about having a voice,” she explains. This experience reinforced her belief in multidimensional leadership—where strength, vulnerability, and purpose intersect.

Today, Bianca's journey of connection has led her to a new chapter: the co-founding of Cherrrish, a dating app with a unique twist. Unlike conventional dating platforms, Cherrrish focuses on meaningful interactions and encourages users to connect over shared values and experiences rather than swiping through profiles.

“At its core, Cherrrish isn’t just about finding someone—it’s about cherishing meaningful moments and building connections that last,” Bianca explains.

This latest venture reflects her belief that technology should foster authentic relationships and empower people to be unapologetically themselves. Cherrrish aims to challenge the norms of modern dating by making the process more thoughtful, intentional, and human.

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Why You Should Listen

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt stuck, questioned their path, or wondered if it’s too late to change direction.
Bianca’s reflections remind us that the future isn’t built by following a script—it’s shaped by courage, connection, and the willingness to embrace the unknown.

🎧 Listen now to hear Bianca’s full story and discover how her journey can inspire your next step. Thank you for unboxing the future with us.

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Bianca's Framework for cultivating courage and connection

Bianca’s episode is full of insights for anyone looking to build something meaningful—whether in their career, relationships, or personal growth. Here’s a framework inspired by her journey to help you navigate bold decisions and foster deeper connections.

1. Embrace the Detours

• Key Insight: “Berlin teaches you to embrace the detours—they’re where the magic happens.”
• Takeaway: Unexpected twists can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Instead of fearing the unknown, lean into it and treat setbacks as part of the learning process.

2. Find Your Voice, Even in Unlikely Places

• Key Insight: Bianca began as a waitress in Neukölln, but she used each step of her journey as an opportunity to grow.
• Action Step: Take inventory of your current environment and ask, How can this experience teach me something that will shape my future?

3. Tell Your Story with Courage

• Key Insight: “Your story matters more than you think. The courage to show who you really are can be the difference between a pitch that’s forgotten and one that changes everything.”
• Practical Application: When pitching an idea, focus on authenticity. Share your motivations, challenges, and values to create a connection with your audience.

4. Foster Meaningful Connections

• Key Insight: Bianca’s latest venture, Cherrrish, is built around the idea that authentic connections come from shared values and meaningful experiences.
• Action Step: In your daily interactions, prioritize depth over quantity. Ask questions that foster genuine understanding and seek to connect over shared passions rather than surface-level details.

5. Stand for Something Bigger

• Key Insight: Bianca co-founded KlimaUnion alongside prominent figures like Yanis Varoufakis to drive political climate action.
• Takeaway: Your personal journey can intersect with broader movements that reflect your values. Don’t be afraid to align your work with causes you care about.

6. Redefine Success

• Key Insight: Success for Bianca isn’t about fame or accolades—it’s about building something meaningful and helping others tell their stories.
• Reflection: Take time to redefine your version of success. What does meaningful impact look like for you?

Final Thoughts: Bold Moves, Big Impact

Bianca’s story is a reminder that the future isn’t something we wait for, it’s something we create.
Whether through pitch coaching, climate activism, or launching Cherrrish, Bianca has shown that bold moves can lead to extraordinary impact.

Take a moment to reflect: What bold choice can you make today that could redefine your story of tomorrow?