Marco Ruckenbrod Strategy Consulting for Tomorrow

Startseite2025-09-22T15:02:21+02:00

Hi, my name is Marco. Nice to meet you.
I’m an independent strategy consultant working at the intersection of strategy × creativity × futures.
I help unlock meaningful momentum for tomorrow, today.

In turbulent times, I co-create sound, bold and future-ready strategies – focusing on bright opportunities and what’s next. I collaborate with forward-thinking organizations and progressive minds to re:think the status quo and re:imagine, re:design, and re:invent businesses and brands for tomorrow. I help navigate the space of possibilities between today <> tomorrow, now <> next, present <> progress, ZEITGEIST <> ZUKUNFT – with clarity, confidence, and coherence.

Let’s figure out what’s next.
Let’s move from what is to what if.
Let’s reinvent a future you desire to happen.

I bring 15+ years of experience with 125+ clients across 25+ industries. I’ve worked with rising start-ups, hidden champions, and global leaders to tackle complex challenges and drive meaningful change – including brands like Bayer, Bosch, BMW, Deutsche Bahn, Mastercard, Merck, PayPal, Porsche, Roche, Samsung, Siemens, Telekom, Toyota, and Zeiss. I’ve also collaborated with 30+ partners – including top-tier global creative networks like Publicis, WPP, and Omnicom, as well as leading brand consultancies, design studios, and creative agencies from Germany.

Beyond bespoke strategy services, I offer a few more things with purpose, passion and precision: sparring for leaders, training for teams, mentoring for professionals, lecturing for talents, and speaking for events.

Let’s start a conversation about what if…?

Offering

Let’s work on progress

I help navigate the space of possibilities between zeitgeist x zukunft. That’s why I offer a variety of services to evolve organizations, equip teams and energize people. My offering is designed to unlock clarity, confidence, creativity, coherence and capability. All services are tailored to your specific context, always delivered with purpose, passion and precision. Everything can take place remotely, on-site or off-site.

Curious?
Let’s talk.

Consulting

for organizations

As a strategy consultant, I help forward-thinking organizations, consultancies and agencies design future-ready strategies and translate complexity into actionable clarity. My work combines strategic rigor, creative boldness, and futures thinking and spans from business to brand, from insight to implementation, from now to next.
Design change, unlock potential, accelerate progress.

Formats – ways to work with me:

  • Project Support/Lead
    Working alongside your team on your ongoing strategy projects – or taking full project leadership
  • Bespoke Strategy Development
    Tailored and holistic strategy development for businesses and brands, delivered end-to-end
  • Strategy Sprints
    Accelerated, multi-day collaborative strategy drafting with teams and executives
  • Advisory & Supervision Retainer
    Ongoing access to strategic input and guidance, sparring and sounding sessions and ad-hoc support

Let’s strategize the next chapter.
Let’s move from vision to execution.

Let’s work together.

Sparring

for leaders

As a sparring partner, I provide decision-makers with a clear, challenging and constructive-minded counterpart – beyond day-to-day pressure. Together, we sharpen perspectives, prioritize options and look ahead. I am keen to offer a reflective, confidential and inspiring space to spar ideas with you.
Gain clarity, strengthen focus, expand perspective.

Formats – ways to work with me:

  • 1:1 Sparring Session
    Dedicated deep dive into a concrete challenge, burning issue or tipping point; remote, available 24/7 on request, 30-90 min per session
  • Ongoing Leadership Sparring
    Weekly or bi-weekly 1:1 check-in sessions to reflect, prioritize and stay sharp plus asynchronous on-demand feedback; remote, monthly retainer, 30-90 min per session
  • Leadership Offsite Support
    Strategic co-pilot for leadership offsites or executive retreats; available remote, on-site or off-site
  • Leadership Offsite Deep Dive
    Multi-day off-site design: from conception and planning to curating and facilitation to synopsis and follow-up

Let’s create space for better decisions.
Let’s move from complexity to clarity.

Let’s work together.

Training

for teams

As a strategy coach, I design dedicated training programs and facilitate hands-on labs and masterclasses that equip teams with methods and mindsets at the intersection of strategy, creativity and futures – blending solid input, real-world cases and applied practice. Trainings are available on-site, off-site or fully remote.
Get inspiration, build capability, grow confidence.

Formats – ways to work with me:

  • Full-day Training Labs (1 day, for teams)
    Full-day immersive labs for teams on various topics, e.g. Brand Strategy Lab, Creative Confidence Lab, Futures Thinking Lab; labs can take place remotely, on-site, or off-site
  • Team Academy (4 weeks, for teams)
    A modular remote program for building strategic confidence and capability over several weeks (same topics as above); 4 online sessions à 2 hours for each topic
  • Learning Journey (12 weeks, for teams)
    Curated learning experience combining input, exercises, peer groups, 1:1 coaching and reflection; fully remote
  • Open Labs (2 days, for individuals)
    Two days immersive labs for individuals on various topics, e.g. Brand Strategy Lab, Creative Confidence Lab, Futures Thinking Lab; labs take place on selected dates at inspiring places on-site – Join the waitlist

Let’s equip your team.
Let’s move from knowledge to capability.

Let’s work together.

Mentoring

for professionals

As a mentor, I support emerging and ambitious professionals in sharpening their positioning, developing skills and navigating the individual space of possibilities with more clarity and confidence – professionally and personally.
Clarify direction, sharpen positioning, define what’s next.

Formats – ways to work with me:

  • 1:1 Mentoring Programm
    Focused individual 1:1 support on your status quo, mindset, direction, positioning, and action points; 12x bi-weekly sessions à 90 min over a period of 6 months
  • Mentoring Peer Group
    Guided peer group exchange, 1:1 feedback sessions and shared growth; over 4–6 weeks with a small group of 4 – 8 peers
  • 3-Day Mentoring Deep Dive
    Multi-day deep dive for accelerated development and growth; off-site with a small group of 4 – 8 peers

Let’s unlock your potential.
Let’s move from status quo to next level.

Let’s work together.

Speaking

for events

As a speaker, I share insights and inspiration in the space of possibilities between zeitgeist and zukunft – no empty buzzwords, but bold perspectives. I am happy to enrich events, conferences and offsites with meaningful impulses that resonate, inspire and spark lasting dialogue.
Spark thinking, shift perspectives, start conversations.

Formats – ways to work with me:

  • Keynote Talk
    High-impact talks tailored to your event or conference theme; among others, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking at conferences like Primer, Beyond Storytelling, Arctic Design Week, Plot, or Gravity
  • Panel Contribution or Fireside Chat
    Taking part in debates and facilitated Q&A sessions that encourage dialogue, reflection, and forward-looking ideas
  • Workshop Facilitation
    Facilitation of interactive, hands-on workshop sessions – ranging from 90 min to multi-days – to co-create ideas, deepen dialogue and transform inspiration into impact
  • Company Event Input
    Curated impulses and inspiration for leadership, strategy, or transformation events and offsites

Let’s spark new thinking.
Let’s move from inspiration to impact.

Let’s work together.

Lecturing

for talents

As a lecturer, I design inspiring sessions for students, young talents and corporate education programs – focused on strategic skills, creative leadership, and futures thinking. Sharing knowledge with the next generation is both a privilege and a source of inspiration.
Inspire curiosity, spark relevance, create impact.

Formats – ways to work with me:

  • Guest Lecture
    Inspiring one-off impulse sessions bringing strategy, creativity and futures thinking to life
  • Seminar Series
    Compact learning modules for academic programs or talent initiatives – combining input, practice and reflection
  • Hackathons (1–3 days)
    Real-world challenge briefings with team collaboration, live coaching and final pitch presentations

Let’s inspire what’s next.
Let’s move from theory to application.

Let’s work together.

Experience

Looking back to look ahead

With 15+ years of experience, I’ve worked with 125+ clients across 25+ industries – from start-ups to global leaders. I’ve partnered with leading players in the creative industries – including global networks such as Publicis, WPP, and Omnicom. And I’ve learned at renowned institutions from Stellenbosch University to IDEO to Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies. These multifaceted experiences shape my work at the intersection of strategy × creativity × futures. They enable me to think ahead and drive progress.

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Clients

I’ve worked with rising start-ups, hidden champions, and global leaders to tackle complex challenges and drive meaningful change – including brands like Bayer, Bosch, BMW, Deutsche Bahn, Mastercard, Merck, PayPal, Porsche, Roche, Samsung, Siemens, Telekom, Toyota, and Zeiss. Different conditions. Different challenges. Same ambition: to redefine the future of their markets.

Partners

During the past years, I’ve collaborated with 30+ partners – including top-tier global creative networks like Publicis, WPP, and Omnicom, as well as leading players from Germany – including Mutabor, Peter Schmidt Group, Strichpunkt, and KMS TEAM as well as Serviceplan, Jung von Matt, Scholz&Friends, and HeimatTBWA.

What people say

Michael Jordan once said: “Talent wins games, but teamwork wins championships.” Grateful to have teamed up with so many inspiring minds and diverse teams across the globe. A few of them are featured here – along with their kind words. Thank you.

“The quality of his work was first class. This enabled us to deliver a comprehensive strategy to a tier one client.”

Stephanie Trachsel, Head of Strategy // TBWA

“A fast thinker and a truly creative mind, always looking for the new and unseen.”

Vera Schnitzlein, Head of Strategy // KMS TEAM

“Working with Marco is just a pleasure. He is a genius when it comes to strategy.”

Marcel Aberle, CEO // Zukunftsinstitut Consulting

“Marco brings a strong creative mind to the table, paired with killer business acumen.”

Sebastian Wuerz, Co-Founder & CEO // Homefully

„A visionary and progressive mind. He combines smart strategic thinking with a great sense for outstanding creative work.”

Davide Tagliabue, Global Client Lead // Ogilvy

“Marco has done a fantastic job in capturing the complexity of the APF – that will allow us to clarify our future positioning.”

Tanja Schindler, Vice-Chair // Association of Professional Futurists

“He has a broad experience across industries and disciplines, and a passion for people, brands and unexpected business solutions.”

Anna Hoehn, Chief Strategy Officer // Leo Burnett

“One of the hungriest and most committed people I’ve ever met. His belief that meaningful strategies are those that create value is inspiring.”

Heidi Strunz, Head of Human Resources // Outfittery

“Not only is he a savvy strategic thinker, but also a very nice person who is fun to talk to.”

Johanna Sieveking, Head of Strategy // Jung von Matt

“His view on innovative business models combined with the knowledge to build and develop brands has given the right drive.”

Florian Wienbrügge, Partner // Martian & Machine

“Inspiring, humble, and fun. He makes people, teams and projects better. One of my favorite all-round pros with broad and deep knowledge.”

Sebastian Strubel, Executive Director Strategy // Leo Burnett

“Someone who is able to map the unmapped – and inspires others to follow.”

Wolfgang Tonninger, Co-Founder // Beyond Storytelling

“Two skills inspired me: simplifying complexity and turning an uncertain future into exciting strategic perspectives.”

Eduard Posch, Consultant // Zukunftsinstitut

“Marco is one of these super rare pros who are hard to find: he is creative and strategic both ways. A true hybrid.” 

Petra Sammer, Storytelling Expert, ex-CCO // Ketchum

“Marco has shown a deep understanding of our client’s business challenges and turned it into real opportunities through reasonable strategic advice.”

Jasmin Isabel Wodniok, Account Executive // Publicis

“A quick thinker. He grasps a strategic task and at the same time his brain is already looking for solutions.”

Erich Posselt, Independent Consultant

“An absolute engaged and inspired strategist. Always on fire, very focused and result-oriented. Our collaboration was very flexible and reliable.”

Jens Erichsen, Managing Director // Carat

“His strategic thinking is sharp and is creative approach inspiring – a combination that is rarely found. He brings passion, curiosity and playfulness into each project.”

Kira Tschierschke, Freelance UX Consultant

“Clear, smart, open-minded, a good listener, a consultant, fast, intelligent, helpful, empathic, structured, and highly creative. Always on my wishlist.”

Markus Freilinger, Director Client Services // Publicis

“Marco has got a very sharp mind combined with the ability to reveal business issues and turn them into strategic solutions.” 

Katharina Lohse, Vice President Marketing // E.ON

“Marco is a brilliant strategist. His strategic vision was always incredibly clear which created an inspiring direction for the team.”

Thilo Friedrich, Executive Client Service Director // Saatchi Pro

“A fresh mind and exceptional attentiveness to detail combined with great expertise.”

Andreas Schill, Client Service Director // SYZYGY

“A solid strategist with a strong creative lead, a driving force in proactive thinking with a wide range of skills. Someone who brings energy and passion to the table.”

Hugo Moura, Head of Design // BBDO

BA

Bachelor of Arts
Marketing
2008 – 2011

MA

Master of Arts
Cultural Management
2011 – 2013

PGD

Postgraduate Diploma
Futures Studies
2021 – 2022

Education

I hold a Bachelor’s in Marketing, a Master’s in Cultural Management, and a Postgraduate in Futures Studies from Stellenbosch University. Additionally, I’ve enjoyed trainings with institutions such as Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies, Hyper Island, IDEO, Institute for the Future, Miami Ad School, Zürcher Hochschule der Künste, and Zukunftsinstitut.

Thinking

Where strategy x creativity x futures converge

Different schools of thought from theory and practice have shaped my own way of thinking. At the intersection of strategy x creativity x futures, I’ve formed a perspective that connects intelligence, intuition and imagination. Here’s my understanding of what happens at this sweet spot.

The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.

The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.

Albert Einstein

As a curious and critical mind, I aspire to rethink the status quo. Because “We’ve always done it this way” is neither the smartest answer nor the most thriving mindset. Together with forward-thinking partners and ambitious clients, I help reimagine the world of tomorrow: how cultures and human behaviors shift, how business models and market landscapes evolve, and how circumstances and environments change.

As a consultant, I work at the intersection of strategic, creative, and futures thinking. I combine the intelligence and acumen of business and brand strategy with the intuition and unruly power of creative thinking – and ultimately with the unlimited spirit of imagination, inspired by bold futures thinking and grounded in sound foresight. I am confident that this mighty blend enables us to solve almost any strategic challenge of the modern age – and paves the way to a brighter and more inspiring future.

Hybrid Thinking
Strategy x Creativity x Futures

The sweet spot of strategy × creativity × futures brings intelligence × intuition × imagination together. This is what I call ‘Hybrid Thinking’ – the combination of different schools of thought and different ways of thinking, cross-fertilizing each other. This combination aims to create true momentum for brands and real business impact. It’s all about making businesses and brands the best they can be.

How to get there? I believe that incremental changes can keep you in the game for a while, but these times require bold thinking and iconic moves to stay in – or even ahead of – the game in the long run. Because someone else is already rethinking your category and trying to redefine it. So it might be a good idea to invent the future before they do.

If you want to learn more about my understanding of strategy, creativity, and futures, keep reading.
Otherwise, feel free to jump ahead to my Services or to my Work.

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

Leonardo da Vinci

Today, we live in a world some characterize as VUCA: volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. In this world, business models are changing dramatically. Organizations of all industries, sizes, regions, and cultures are increasingly confronted with ‘wicked problems’: problems that are simply too complex to solve. Instead, these kinds of problems can be tackled, tamed, and ideally managed. Translating wicked problems into manageable challenges – and ultimately into valuable strategic solutions that not only address current issues but also focus on future opportunities – is the ultimate sign of sophistication. Strategy always deals with the tension between today and tomorrow. Strategy is moving from today’s problems to tomorrow’s possibilities. From what is – to what if..?

Strategy

Strategy

Don´t do the right thing.
Let´s do the brave thing.

Don´t do the right thing. Let´s do the brave thing.

Lee Clow

Creativity

Creativity

Don´t do the right thing.
Let´s do the brave thing.

Lee Clow

Strategy alone can’t win. It can’t inspire people, it can’t move people. What it needs to make an iconic move is game-changing creative thinking. Strategy is good at defining the right playground and the right direction – but only creativity adds the punch. To frame it with the words of Lee Clow from The Disruption Company TBWA: “Don’t do the right thing.” Instead: “Do the brave thing. The thing that troubles your sleep. The thing with a million unknowns. Do the brave thing.” Obviously, creativity is not the safe bet. But it challenges the status quo and aspires to invent something new. It means discovering new and unknown territories: “Do the thing that disrupts. Do the thing that not only defies the status quo but reshapes it.” That’s why I absolutely believe in the creative impetus of strategic thinking. The mantra for every strategy should be: no vision is too bold. Because in these rapidly shifting times, iconic moves are the most reasonable ones.

Everything you can imagine is real.

Everything you can imagine is real.

Pablo Picasso

Strategy should be creative to move people. But is this really enough? I don’t think so. Great strategy is imaginative. It follows a future-first approach. And it not only moves people – it moves people forward. It anticipates opportunities that don’t yet exist and gives the right direction to reach them. From today’s perspective, the future is not one but many. It’s an unknown space. Anything is possible, anything can happen. We can shape it. Reshaping the future requires two skills. First: understanding what’s going on in the world. Making sense of major shifts. Sound foresight with comprehensive trend-watching helps us gain critical knowledge of what might happen in the future. It’s about potential. Secondly, reshaping the future requires a visionary and inventive mindset that defines what’s desirable – and how to make it happen. Or to quote the unmatched Walt Disney: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” I believe futures thinking makes strategy bold. It has the power to build momentum and shape the zeitgeist of tomorrow. It puts progressive businesses at the forefront of what’s next.

Futures

Futures

Pablo Picasso

Everything you can imagine is real.

Work

Some stories to share

Over the years, I’ve collaborated on projects that challenged conventions and opened new possibilities. Each case tells a story of rethinking the status quo and shaping what’s next. Here’s a glimpse into some of that work, along with other things I do.

Like to know more?
Let’s talk.

PayPal enters a new era of mobile payment

3. Juni 2025|

It was launched in the US last year, and now it is Germany’s turn, as one of the most important markets worldwide: PayPal is now 'everywhere', driving the mobile payment behavior – which is still in its infancy in Germany – forward. Germans are now increasingly saying goodbye to their beloved cash. And with PayPal, it might be easier for them in doing so – because more than 30 million Germans use it already. Over the past few months, I've been lucky to strategically prepare this huge launch with a fantastic team from PayPal and Publicis Groupe.

Category: Strategy Project
Partner: Leo/Publicis Groupe
Client: PayPal

Futures thinking meets creativity

22. Mai 2025|

In May, I had the amazing opportunity to spend two jam-packed days exploring the creative side of futures thinking with inspiring people at an inspiring place called Talent Garden in the inspiring city of Copenhagen. What can I say: it was inspiring ;) Big thanks to the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies and Hyper Island, who collaborated to put together a fantastic on-site training. It was truly the best of both worlds and exactly the sweet spot where I thrive: futures x creativity.

Category: Learning
Topic: Futures Thinking & Creativity
Provider: CIFS x Hyper Island

Positioning for the future: mobile.de

15. Mai 2025|

New corporate design after 29 years: Mutabor is revamping the mobile.de platform – Germany's largest vehicle marketplace: "mobile.de is a pioneer of the internet era. Since then, both the internet and the automotive industry have changed radically. With the new iconic design, the brand is positioned for the future – without severing its roots," says Mutabor. This was preceded by an extensive brand strategy process, in which I was able to support the Mutabor team. More than just a revamp.

Category: Strategy Project
Partner: Mutabor
Client: mobile.de

Marco Ruckenbrod
Strategy Consulting for Tomorrow

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