From Sports to Sales Leader: How Katie Found Her Drive in Tech with hyrise

“For the first time, I feel real purpose in my job. I’m more productive, I can prioritize better, and I see how my work makes a difference.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

After years spent coaching on yoga mats and running surf camps, Katharina Mittler wanted more than just another job - she craved growth. Today, she’s Business Development Team Lead at heycater!. She went from total beginner to leader in under a year.

Katie didn’t just break into tech. She found a team where she could lead, learn, and lift others up - all while smashing her sales targets and building a career with meaning.

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The Turning Point

For years, Katie’s world revolved around movement and coaching. From the gym and yoga mat to surf therapy camps for underprivileged kids. On paper, her life looked active and meaningful - but inside, she felt restless.

She’d just finished her Sports & Training Science degree, juggling work as a personal trainer and NGO project manager. Yet something was missing.

“I was happy in a way, but I couldn’t see a future for myself in sports. The industry is crowded and underpaid. You need an extreme niche to stand out - and I didn’t see that for myself.”

It was a familiar crossroads for many: stay in a safe but limited field, or risk starting over?

Discovering hyrise

Her leap didn’t start with a plan - but with an Instagram scroll. She spotted a hyrise ad right after submitting her thesis. The idea of a fresh start caught her eye. Tech sales, though? Completely foreign.

“Honestly, I didn’t even know what tech sales was. I barely use my laptop - I don’t have Netflix or a TV. I only applied because it said ‘career changers welcome.’ If it hadn’t, I’d never have dared.”

hyrise didn’t throw her in the deep end. Instead, they guided her step by step.

“hyrise really took me by the hand. They explained everything and gave me all the prep I needed. Without that, I’d have been totally lost.”

The Transformation

The process was intimidating. Coming from outside the tech world, Katie battled massive imposter syndrome at every step. But with hyrise’s coaching, mock interviews, and tailored prep, her confidence grew.

She got multiple introductions - but charles stood out. A Berlin startup with an ambitious culture. She poured herself into the prep, squeezing every drop out of hyrise’s support.

“Looking back, I was actually really well prepared - even if I didn’t feel it at the time. I still use my old interview notes now that I’m on the hiring side!”

Within weeks, she landed the BDR role at charles. The learning curve was steep, but her sports background gave her an edge: resilience, discipline, and people skills.

Month by month, she smashed targets and built a reputation for drive and teamwork. Eight months later, she got promoted to Team Lead. Overnight, she went from hustling solo to hiring, coaching, and shaping her team’s culture.

“The promotion was my biggest win. But it’s more than a title - it’s a whole new level of growth. Now I get to help others rise too.”

It wasn’t always smooth. Balancing her own goals with supporting her team pushed her out of her comfort zone - exactly what she wanted.

“I was always good with people, but leading is a whole new game. You have to adapt to everyone’s style. That’s something I’m still learning - and I love that.”

Life After hyrise

Today, Katie’s daily life looks very different from her days in sports. Instead of the chaos of events, she now has structure, clear goals, and visible impact.

After her time at charles, Katie took on her next challenge as Business Development Team Lead at heycater!. There, she continues to grow as a leader and drive impact in a new team.

“For the first time, I really feel purpose in my job. I’m so much more productive, I can prioritize better, and I see the impact I make. There’s more stress - but it’s the kind I choose.”

And she keeps balance non-negotiable. Mornings still start with a run or yoga - the old discipline, now fueling her new chapter.

Advice for Others

Katie’s clear-eyed about what it takes.

“Be honest with yourself: Are you ready for a high-performance job where results matter every day? Try it, don’t just think about it - doing 40 cold calls is way different than imagining it. But if you’re hungry to grow, you’ll make bigger steps than you ever thought possible.”

Want to land a job in tech sales just like Kathi? Apply now!

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