Ep. 12
This episode brings us back to the early days of the internet in Germany, exploring the lives of four digital pioneers through their online resumes from the late ’90s. Rather than offering a corporate view of the digital revolution, it provides a more personal, granular look into how these individuals built the web.
Lars, who started as an electrician, transitioned to coding in the mid-’80s, eventually establishing his own company and consulting on early internet infrastructure, demonstrating the allure of the internet across various industries. Mat, with a background in design and publishing, bridged the gap between the print world and the digital realm, showing how art and technology collided. Step, a bandleader turned web developer, focused on the human aspect, emphasizing teamwork and understanding user needs as websites became more complex.
Together, they formed a digital “dream team,” offering businesses a one-stop-shop for web development, e-commerce, and team-building coaching. Their combined approach illustrated how the internet wasn’t just about coding—it was a collaborative effort that required communication, creativity, and adaptability.
The takeaway? While the technology has evolved, the core skills of problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability that drove the pioneers remain timeless. These stories remind us that the digital world was built by real people navigating the unknown, and that same spirit continues to shape the future.