From Research to Product: Fiete's journey of growth at Appinio

Fiete’s fascination with human behavior and decision-making led him to study business psychology at Leuphana University of Lüneburg. “Understanding how people make decisions is so interesting to me, and market research is closely tied to that,” he explained. This made the role of Junior Research Consultant at Appinio a natural fit.

 

His connection to Appinio came through a familiar face — Louise Leitsch, our Director of Research Consulting, whom Fiete had met during his time in a student consulting firm. “When I saw her LinkedIn post about Appinio, I reached out, had a chat, and the rest is history,” he laughed. What started as a shared passion for insights and problem-solving soon became the beginning of an exciting journey at Appinio.

The transition to the Product Team wasn’t something Fiete had always planned, but a lightbulb moment changed everything. During a brainstorming session with a product team member, he realized how much he enjoyed the process of identifying issues, ideate improvements, and following through with solutions.

 

“I was looking for an opportunity to take on more ownership, where I could be responsible for something and develop strategies around it. At the time, the structure within the research team didn’t fully align with these goals, so I began exploring opportunities in other areas of the company,” Fiete explained.

 

After discussing his aspirations with his manager, Louise, and Appinio’s leadership, the path to Product became clear. A two-week internship sealed the deal, where Fiete impressed everyone with his insights on enabling sales through product improvements, marketing ideas, and pricing strategies.

Transitioning roles isn’t without its hurdles, and for Fiete, learning to say “no” was one of the biggest challenges.

 

“Making the right call is important, but how you communicate it is just as crucial,” he explained. Balancing priorities while maintaining strong relationships has become a cornerstone of his growth as a Product Manager, especially when managing stakeholders with diverse needs.

 

“When you say ‘no’ without explanation, relationships can take a hit. Keeping everyone in the loop and helping them understand the decision-making process is crucial for success,” Fiete added.

 

The transition also underscored the importance of staying informed across teams and regions. Whether analyzing user data, liaising with clients, or aligning with Appinio’s overarching strategy, Fiete’s role requires a blend of big-picture thinking and meticulous attention to detail.

 

Interestingly, some skills from his Research Consultant days turned out to be valuable. “In research, you’re often working with multiple stakeholders to align on a questionnaire. It’s similar to building a product roadmap, where different opinions need to come together,” Fiete shared. This experience has proven instrumental in helping him navigate the complexities of his new role.

For Fiete, Appinio’s commitment to internal mobility made all the difference. “People switching roles and teams breaks down silos and fosters information sharing, which is so valuable for Appinio’s success,” he shared.

 

One standout moment during his transition was when his former research team lead attended his internship presentation. “Even though switching teams meant losing a consultant, they showed up and supported me. That meant so much,” he recalled.

 

Fiete’s experience highlights how internal mobility not only fosters knowledge-sharing and extends employee tenure but also demonstrates genuine care for personal growth.

For Fiete, transitioning from a Research Consultant to a Product Manager has been a fulfilling journey of growth, learning, and collaboration.

 

“Joining Appinio as a Junior Research Consultant was the right decision then, and switching teams two years ago has proven to be the right decision for me to this day. Sometimes needs and wishes change, and I’m grateful that Appinio supported me every step of the way,” he concluded.

 

Fiete’s story is a reminder that growth doesn’t always mean leaving — it can mean evolving within. At Appinio, we’re proud to support our team members in finding roles where they can thrive and make a bigger impact.