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From Engineering to Entrepreneurship

Growing Together: My Journey

I started as an industrial engineer, drawn to systems, processes, and optimization. For almost 30 years, I built my career in commercial leadership navigating complex market challenges with my guiding star always being "working with people for people".

In 2024, I founded S.TONE Consultancy and Coaching because I realized: the same principles that drive growth at IKEA and Metro Cash & Carry work for startups - systematic processes, customer-led strategy, and operational excellence.

I don't just give advice. I work alongside you - facilitating workshops, building your GTM strategy, setting up your BD systems, and holding you accountable to execution during your growth journey.

Growing together means partnership. Your success is my success.

kaan
Currently working with

Today, I work with:

  • Underrepresented and under-resourced startups through incubators
  • Micro-SMEs expanding internationally through BSR Go Abroad (EU/Interreg funded)
  • Growth companies needing commercial strategy and business development support
  • Teams requiring hands-on workshops in lean methodology, Go to market strategy and customer discovery
Education

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from Istanbul Technical University, graduating in 1994.

Additionally, I have achieved a Lean Management and Manufacturing Expert Cerrtificate from Six Sigma Academy Amsterdam, Master Mindset Coaching Certificate from Transformation Academy, completing four certification programs in Confidence Life Coaching, Emotional Intelligence Life Coaching, Cognitive Behavioral Life Coaching, and Rational Emotive Behavioral Life Coaching.

Furthermore, I have been honored with an Expert Coach Certificate by Clients On Automation and Ed JC Smith (Accredited by International Authority for Professional Coaching and Mentoring).

Background

Throughout my corporate journey, I've had the opportunity to delve into a diverse range of roles, companies, and countries.

I've navigated through 11 different companies (mainly IKEA and METRO Cash & Carry), held 11 positions spanning from entry-level to executive leadership, made a successful career transition from finance to sales and business development, worked in 4 different countries, and lived in 6 unique cities.

My passion for working with people for people, recruiting over 2,000 individuals, and training more than 2,000, has truly been a rewarding experience!

For more details, please check out my LinkedIn profile (links below).

Foundation

I acknowledge that I am not perfect and never will be.

I embrace challenges with resilience and mindfulness, avoiding reactive behavior.

While I have experienced much, I recognize that there is always more to learn.

I offer empathy and attentive listening, without seeking approval from others.

I believe in personal growth and am committed to supporting your journey, but ultimately, the effort must come from within yourself.

I value authenticity and strive to be genuine in all my interactions.

I believe in the power of community and support, knowing that together we are stronger.

I set realistic goals and celebrate progress, no matter how small.

Beyond the professional

I find a great source of energy in spending time outdoors, engaging in activities like bushcraft, camping, hiking, yoga, and biking. I feel incredibly fortunate to live in Norway, where these activities are easily accessible in such pristine, beautiful, and clean environments.

I have a never-ending curiosity, which drives me to dedicate significant time to reading, listening, watching, and observing in order to learn, explore, and grow.

For many years, I have had a passion for electric guitars. I enjoy playing them for my own entertainment and have also modestly built a collection.