Elevated Futures - Coaching & Consulting

Lead business development initiatives for international clients, focusing on market entry strategies and cross-border partnerships.
Design and implement customized business strategies that align client objectives with sustainable growth opportunities - small business development.
Executive-level coaching and corporate training on international business strategy and operations.

Founder Lead Consultant & Head Coach

Hochschule Heilbronn - Hochschule für Technik, Wirtschaft und Informatik

Full Professor at the Faculty International Business.

Professor - International Business & Tourism Management 

Lauren Ugur CC

Provided consultancy to corporates, government bodies, and international organizations on strategic economic and social development, urban planning, and marketing.
Notable clients include the German Convention Bureau, Royal Caribbean Cruises, KfW Development Bank, UN-Habitat, and GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit).

Independent Development Consultant and Coach

International School of Management (ISM)

Courses taught (English and German):
- Tourism Management / Event Management
- Tourism Marketing / Event Marketing
- Tourism Markets and Policy
- Pricing and Revenue Management
- Quality Management and CRM
- Business Planning and Financial Management
- Market Research
- Intercultural Management
- Scientific Research / Academic writing

Professor Tourism and Event Management

Technische Universität Darmstadt

Consortium management for the Erasmus Mundus MSc programme "Mundus Urbano" in International Cooperation in Urban Development hosted by the TU Darmstadt in collaboration with three european partner universities. 

Key tasks:
- Consortium contract drafting and management
- Co-author and data collection for Erasmus Mundus renewal grant (approved, ca. €2,5 million)
- Management of the Erasmus Mundus scholarship application process, selection and awards
- EU annual technical and financial reporting 
- Lecturing

Consortium manager - Erasmus Mundus Master of Science International Cooperation in Urban Development

Entitled "Beyond the Pilot Project, towards broad-based integrated violence prevention in South Africa" 
this research focuses on the institutionalisation of integrated planning approaches for violence prevention and explores the question of transferability so as to conceptualise how successful pilot programmes may be scaled up beyond their initial sites of implementation.

Doctoral Researcher

I have been involved with the Erasmus Mundus funded International Masters Programme in International Cooperation and Urban Development since 2007, first as a student and from 2009 to 2011 as the programme manager. Overall this position encompassed many aspects related to the day-to-day management and overall strategic development of the programme. 

Main tasks included:
- Application and scholarship award management
- EU financial and technical annual report writing 
- European consortium partner/relationship management
- Strategic development and programme marketing 
- Curriculum planning and organisation of international guest lecturers
- Guest lecturer liaison

Programme manager - Erasmus Mundus Master of Science International Cooperation and Urban Development

I don’t fit neatly into a single box: academic, consultant, strategist.

What I bring is a perspective shaped by deep academic grounding (PhD in Sociology, MBA, MSc in International Cooperation and Urban Development) and over 15 years of experience bridging research, real-world strategy, and business operations.

I don’t teach by the book. I don’t consult from theory. I work at the intersection because today’s most pressing challenges don’t fit into boxes either. They require integrated, multidimensional thinking.

I’ve worked with corporate leaders, government institutions, entrepreneurs, and students to move beyond surface-level success. 

My focus? Making complex ideas actionable and helping people build businesses and careers that actually work, not just look good on paper.

How?

By asking better questions, challenging assumptions, and co-creating strategies that align with your goals, resources, and context. Whether in a boardroom or a classroom, my work is about clarity, alignment, and measurable progress.

As a Professor of International Business, I go beyond textbook theories guiding future leaders to navigate global markets, digital shifts, and social change with confidence and purpose.

In business, my approach is the same: clear, grounded, and forward-thinking. I’ve advised corporates, supported public sector innovation, and helped entrepreneurs define their direction and grow with purpose, without sacrificing profit.

I partner with:
➠ Corporate leaders ready to cut through the noise and lead meaningful innovation.
➠ Entrepreneurs seeking smart, scalable strategies and a business that reflects their values.
➠ Public sector teams needing fresh, actionable approaches to strategy and implementation.
➠ Students and professionals ready to lead with purpose in a complex, global economy.

Challenging the status quo isn’t about being edgy. It’s about designing something better intentionally and with impact. It’s about creating progress through sharper thinking, stronger systems, and more courageous leadership.

Curious about a different way to lead and grow?
Let’s connect. I’d love to hear what you're working on.

taplio