I had a lot to unlearn…
Hi, I’m Manuel Schlothauer.
It’s pronounced ‘slow-tower’ but with a ‘sh’: shlow-tower (which means chimney puncher, if you’re wondering).
I grew up in a tiny fairytale village in Germany. It was peaceful on the outside, but like many of us, I didn’t always feel that way on the inside. I know what it’s like to feel out of place. And what it takes to find your way back to yourself.
Before founding heyManuel, I spent over 15 years in the corporate world, including nearly a decade in senior HR roles at Google. I’ve led teams, coached executives. I’ve sat in rooms where real culture change happened and where it doesn’t.
What else?
➔ I’ve worked in a five-star hotel in Dubai. I loved the experience, but it’s not
always the best place if you’re Queer.
➔ I love to bake and Claire Saffitz is my queen.
➔ I’ve been a musical theatre actor, a DJ, a venture capitalist, and a published author.
➔ I know a thing or two about reinvention. About starting over.
About building something that fits.
There is more in you than you think.
Being your true self is a superpower. It helps us
to become the new type of leader the world is
waiting for. But there’s friction - as it means that
people and organizations have to change.
That’s where I come in. I help to create the
foundation for a healthy and diverse workplace.
One where everyone can bring their whole self.
But for some, our past can hold us back.
Through a powerful blend of therapy and coaching,
We create solid ground and rapid transformation.
Together, we’ll redefine what success means to
you, so you can live life on your own terms.
Accolades
-
![A 3D illustration of a computer circuit board with various colored components, including green, black, and orange sections.]()
Person of the Year 2018
African Professional Network of Ireland
(Nomination) -
![Logo with the letters W, C, and S tilted on a black background.]()
Innovation & Sustainability Award 2025
We Create Space
-
![LGBTQ+ awards graphic with a prominent stylized number 3 in black and white, and the words "LGBTQ+ AWARDS".]()
Top 10 Community Initiative 2025
British LGBTQ+ Awards
-
![YouTube play button icon with a red background and white triangle]()
Top 100 LGBTQ+ Executives 2024
YouTube & INvolve
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![Logo with overlapping red, black, and orange rectangles with purple shadows, and black text reading 'BUILDINGS AND SERVICES'.]()
Future Face of Digital Media 2024
German Federal Society of Digital Media
-
![A colorful bar graph representing the National Water and Energy Rate Rankings, with bars in purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red indicating different levels.]()
LGBTQ+ Person of the Year 2019, 2024 & 2025
National LGBT Federation
(Nomination) -
![Client 2023 German Deutsch Published Author LGBT LGBTQ Queer Transgender Mental Health Anxiety 2023 Fun Depression Goals Development Manuel Schlothauer Award Therapy Coaching Pride Relationships Confidence]()
Impact of Diversity Award 2023: Finalist LGBTQIA+
Impact of Diversity & Frauen-Karriere-Index (Nomination)
-
![Yahoo Finance logo on a dark purple circular background.]()
Top 100 LGBTQ+ Future Leaders 2021
Yahoo! Finance & INvolve
-
![Graphic design referencing the German Dictionary of International Law, with stylized text 'German Dictionary of International Law' and a large 'A' in the background.]()
German Diversity Award 2021: Top 10 Audience Award
Beyond Gender Agenda
-
![Colorful pie chart with segments in red, yellow, green, blue, and red, representing data distribution.]()
Inspire Award 2021
Google
-
![Yahoo Finance logo with white text on a dark blue circular background.]()
Top 100 LGBTQ+ Future Leaders 2020 & 2022
Yahoo! Finance & INvolve
(Nomination) -
![Colorful Google logo made of overlapping colored segments in red, yellow, green, and blue.]()
Inspire Award 2022, 2020 & 2019
Google
(Nomination)
Why I do this
Because everyone deserves to feel like they belong in their body, in their workplace, in their own story.
Because I’m tired of watching good people burn out trying to meet bad expectations.
Because too many of us grow up thinking we need to be fixed.
Because your past doesn’t get to decide your future.
Because I believe emotional fluency is a leadership skill.
Because soft isn’t weak.
Because you don’t have to do it alone.
Education
B.BA
International Management & Organisational Communication with Honours
—
Hanzehogeschool / Hanze University
Groningen, The Netherlands
한양대학교 / Hanyang University
Seoul, South Korea
Manuel Schlothauer
PgD B.BA RTT RTC C.Med Cl.Hyp (He/Him)
Certified Therapist
Rapid Transformational Therapy
Clinical Therapist
Hypnotherapy
Certified Coach
Rapid Transformational Coaching
—
Marisa Peer
London, United Kingdom
Certified Mediator
Professional Workplace Mediation
—
The City and Guilds of London Institute
London, United Kingdom
PgD
Developmental Education: Adults & Workforce
—
Coláiste Náisiúnta na hÉireann / National College
Ireland Dublin, Ireland
Want to see if we click?
Let’s talk! No pressure, no pitching. Just an honest conversation.