Thomas Klüber knows what it means to dive into cold water and not only swim but also steer the direction. With over 20 years as a business coach and consultant, he has experienced both the heights of success and the depths of failure. His mission? To provide entrepreneurs and leaders with the tools they need not just to survive, but to thrive.
In this interview, Klüber speaks as directly as life itself. No room for platitudes, only real stories and hard lessons. He takes us on a journey that began with the Bundeswehr, led through the labyrinth of entrepreneurship, and ultimately brought him back to reality when the Corona crisis hit. Yet, in the ruins, he found the strength to start anew—and this strength is what he now wants to impart to others.
Introduce yourself and your company:
My name is Thomas Klüber, and I am a business coach, trainer, and consultant with over 20 years of experience. I founded my company to develop tailored training programs that integrate sales intelligence, artificial intelligence (AI), and mental intelligence. Our goal is to help entrepreneurs, leaders, and sales teams in the B2B sector improve their sales skills and achieve sustainable success.
When and why did you take the step into self-employment?
In 2003, I was an officer at the Bundeswehr’s elite university in Munich and had the opportunity to help build my first startup through an internship. This fortunate coincidence, which was certainly no accident, redefined my professional path. The chance to assist companies with various products and services in establishing themselves in the market and pursuing growth has been, and continues to be, incredibly exciting for me. I thrive on the challenge and find it incredibly motivating to continually discover new ways for companies to successfully acquire new customers and build sustainable success through excellent customer service.
Has everything turned out as you planned?
Of course not, and that’s what makes the journey so interesting. Each company I’ve founded or supported has been different and has brought new changes, learnings, and adjustments. However, when I founded my twelfth company, I learned that only in crises does it become clear what kind of person you are and whether you have the strength to get up again when things go wrong. I had started an innovative prefabricated house company in the ecological solid house construction sector, which was initially very successful. We grew to over 25 employees and completed public projects such as building a sustainable daycare center and single- and multi-family houses. Our revenues reached the millions, all without external investors, solely with our own capital. But the Corona crisis brought us difficulties with supply chain issues, construction delays, and price increases. In the midst of this chaotic situation, we could not secure new capital. Eventually, financial liquidity ran out, and we had to file for bankruptcy. The loss of this previously successful company was a tremendous burden, both professionally and personally. Yet these experiences gave me a deeper understanding of success and entrepreneurship and strengthened my resilience. Today, my clients benefit sustainably from these valuable insights.
What are the top 3 things you’ve learned as an entrepreneur?
The true strength of partners and employees reveals itself in times of crisis: In difficult situations, the true quality of your partners and employees becomes evident. It’s crucial to have a strong and reliable team by your side. At the same time, one must be willing to make the unpleasant decisions that no one else can make. This ability is often the key to successfully navigating a crisis.
Success is shared, failure is lonely: I’ve learned that success is often achieved with many people, but failure is usually borne and shouldered alone. This realization has taught me to take responsibility not only for my own decisions but also for the well-being of my team. It has helped me become more resilient and focused.
Perseverance is essential: No matter how difficult the situation, one should never give up if they truly want to make a positive impact for themselves and others. There were times when the challenges seemed overwhelming, but perseverance and a firm belief in my vision kept me going. This persistence is what ultimately makes the difference.
What entrepreneurial success are you particularly proud of and why?
I am especially proud and grateful to have built one of the most successful online marketing companies in the DACH region. Despite the intense professional challenges and over 1,100 hotel stays along the way, I managed to keep my relationship with my wife, Michelle, strong and loving. We have been together for over 28 years. Even during financial crises and professional turbulence, our relationship was a stable anchor. For me, professional success only becomes valuable when private happiness is in harmony. Finding the balance between professional engagement and personal happiness is one of my greatest achievements.
What has been your biggest low point as an entrepreneur and how did you overcome it?
The biggest low point as an entrepreneur was the collapse of my million-dollar startup during the Corona crisis in 2020. This crisis pushed me to the limits of my mental and physical endurance. However, this severe setback provided me with valuable lessons and experiences that now form the foundation of my coaching and consulting programs. A crucial factor that helped me endure this difficult time was the stable and reliable support from my family, particularly from my wife Michelle. Her support and our strong relationship gave me the necessary strength and resilience to overcome these challenges. These experiences have shown me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and a strong private foundation. These qualities are what I now teach my clients to support them on their path to sustainable success.
What are your goals for the future?
With my consulting company, I aim to support entrepreneurs and leaders in navigating challenging situations both professionally and personally. My goal is to create awareness of the balance between different areas of life and to provide effective methods and skills to achieve this harmony in life. I want both family and business to contribute to life’s happiness, helping people become more fulfilled and successful. It’s about achieving not just professional excellence but also leading a fulfilling and stable personal life.
I am grateful and validated in knowing that my experiences and methods are of great value to entrepreneurs and leaders. My clients include consultants and coaches of top athletes as well as leaders of globally known brands. This collaboration shows me that my approach is successful and creates real value.
An emotionally sustainable goal is to empower entrepreneurs to start anew after setbacks. According to current statistics, about 70% of entrepreneurs who start a new venture after a failure become successful. Yet, few take this step as the rate of those who start again after a failure is still too low. I want to change that and encourage more people to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, even if they have previously failed. Every setback is an opportunity to come back stronger, and I am here to support that process.
What advice would you give to founders in your industry?
The coaching industry is a broad field with many players. It is absolutely important and necessary to only advise and coach on topics where you have personal experience. This means you should only speak about things you have experienced, gone through, and successfully mastered yourself. Authenticity and credibility are crucial to gaining clients’ trust. Only then can measurable results be achieved, ensuring long-term client satisfaction and referrals. Another important point is to continuously learn and evolve to always offer the best methods and strategies.
Further Links
Klueber Consulting – Sales, Leadership & Business Intelligence: www.klueber.tv
