Systemic LeadHolistic Approach to Engineering Leadership

Privacy Policy

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Note: This English version is for information only. The is legally binding.

Preamble

With the following privacy policy, we would like to inform you about the types of your personal data (hereinafter also referred to as "data") that we process, for what purposes, and to what extent. This privacy policy applies to all processing of personal data carried out by us, both in the context of providing our services and in particular on our websites, in mobile applications, and within external online presences, such as our social media profiles (hereinafter collectively referred to as "online offering").

The terms used are not gender-specific.

Status: January 31, 2026

Table of Contents

Controller

Miloš Ðelić
Sandkamp 42
22111 Hamburg
Germany

Authorized representative: Miloš Ðelić

Email address: info@systemiclead.com

Imprint: systemiclead.com/impressum

Overview of Processing Operations

The following overview summarizes the types of data processed and the purposes of their processing and refers to the data subjects.

Types of Data Processed

  • Inventory data
  • Contact data
  • Content data
  • Contract data
  • Usage data
  • Meta, communication and procedural data
  • Log data

Categories of Data Subjects

  • Service recipients and clients
  • Prospective customers
  • Communication partners
  • Users
  • Business and contractual partners
  • Training and course participants

Purposes of Processing

  • Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations
  • Communication
  • Security measures
  • Direct marketing
  • Reach measurement
  • Office and organizational procedures
  • Administrative and management procedures
  • Feedback
  • Profiles with user-related information
  • Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness
  • Information technology infrastructure
  • Public relations
  • Business processes and business management procedures

Relevant Legal Bases

Relevant legal bases under the GDPR: Below you will find an overview of the legal bases of the GDPR on which we process personal data. Please note that in addition to the provisions of the GDPR, national data protection regulations may apply in your or our country of residence or domicile. If more specific legal bases are relevant in individual cases, we will inform you of these in the privacy policy.

  • Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR) - The data subject has given consent to the processing of personal data relating to them for one or more specific purposes.
  • Performance of a contract and pre-contractual measures (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR) - Processing is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is party or in order to take steps at the request of the data subject prior to entering into a contract.
  • Legal obligation (Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR) - Processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the controller is subject.
  • Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR) - Processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by the controller or by a third party, except where such interests are overridden by the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject which require protection of personal data.

National data protection regulations in Germany: In addition to the data protection regulations of the GDPR, national data protection regulations apply in Germany. These include in particular the Federal Data Protection Act (Bundesdatenschutzgesetz (BDSG)). The BDSG contains special provisions on the right to information, the right to deletion, the right to object, the processing of special categories of personal data, processing for other purposes, and transmission as well as automated individual decision-making, including profiling. Furthermore, state data protection laws of the individual federal states may apply.

Security Measures

We take appropriate technical and organizational measures in accordance with legal requirements, taking into account the state of the art, implementation costs, and the nature, scope, context and purposes of processing, as well as the different probabilities of occurrence and the extent of the threat to the rights and freedoms of natural persons, to ensure a level of protection appropriate to the risk.

Measures include in particular ensuring the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data by controlling physical and electronic access to the data as well as access to, input of, disclosure of, ensuring availability of and segregation of data. Furthermore, we have established procedures to ensure the exercise of data subject rights, deletion of data and responses to data threats. In addition, we take the protection of personal data into account as early as the development or selection of hardware, software and procedures in accordance with the principle of data protection through technology design and data protection-friendly default settings.

IP Address Shortening: If IP addresses are processed by us or by the service providers and technologies used and the processing of a complete IP address is not necessary, the IP address is shortened (also referred to as "IP masking"). In this process, the last two digits or the last part of the IP address after a period is removed or replaced by placeholders. The shortening of the IP address is intended to prevent or significantly complicate the identification of a person by their IP address.

Securing online connections through TLS/SSL encryption technology (HTTPS): To protect users' data transmitted via our online services from unauthorized access, we use TLS/SSL encryption technology. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) are the cornerstones of secure data transmission on the Internet. These technologies encrypt the information transmitted between the website or app and the user's browser (or between two servers), thereby protecting the data from unauthorized access. TLS, as the more advanced and secure version of SSL, ensures that all data transmissions meet the highest security standards. When a website is secured by an SSL/TLS certificate, this is indicated by the display of HTTPS in the URL. This serves as an indicator to users that their data is transmitted securely and encrypted.

Transfer of Personal Data

In the course of our processing of personal data, it may happen that this data is transferred to or disclosed to other entities, companies, legally independent organizational units or persons. Recipients of this data may include, for example, service providers commissioned with IT tasks or providers of services and content that are integrated into a website. In such cases, we comply with legal requirements and in particular conclude appropriate contracts or agreements that serve to protect your data with the recipients of your data.

International Data Transfers

Data processing in third countries: If we transfer data to a third country (i.e., outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA)), or if this occurs in the context of using third-party services or disclosing or transferring data to other persons, entities or companies (which becomes apparent from the postal address of the respective provider or if the privacy policy expressly refers to data transfer to third countries), this is always done in accordance with legal requirements.

For data transfers to the USA, we primarily rely on the Data Privacy Framework (DPF), which was recognized as a secure legal framework by an adequacy decision of the EU Commission dated July 10, 2023. Additionally, we have concluded Standard Contractual Clauses with the respective providers that comply with the requirements of the EU Commission and establish contractual obligations to protect your data.

This dual safeguard ensures comprehensive protection of your data: The DPF forms the primary level of protection, while the Standard Contractual Clauses serve as additional security. Should changes occur within the DPF framework, the Standard Contractual Clauses will take effect as a reliable fallback option. This ensures that your data remains adequately protected even in the event of political or legal changes.

For individual service providers, we inform you whether they are certified under the DPF and whether Standard Contractual Clauses are in place. Further information on the DPF and a list of certified companies can be found on the website of the U.S. Department of Commerce at https://www.dataprivacyframework.gov/ (in English).

For data transfers to other third countries, corresponding security measures apply, in particular Standard Contractual Clauses, explicit consents, or legally required transfers. Information on third country transfers and applicable adequacy decisions can be found in the EU Commission's information offering: https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-topic/data-protection/international-dimension-data-protection_en?prefLang=de.

General Information on Data Storage and Deletion

We delete personal data that we process in accordance with legal provisions as soon as the underlying consents are revoked or there are no other legal bases for processing. This applies to cases where the original processing purpose no longer applies or the data is no longer required. Exceptions to this rule exist when legal obligations or special interests require longer retention or archiving of the data.

In particular, data that must be retained for commercial or tax law reasons or whose storage is necessary for legal prosecution or to protect the rights of other natural or legal persons must be archived accordingly.

Our privacy notices contain additional information on the retention and deletion of data that specifically applies to certain processing operations.

If several retention periods or deletion deadlines are specified for a piece of data, the longest period always applies. Data that is no longer retained for the originally intended purpose but for legal requirements or other reasons is processed exclusively for the reasons that justify its retention.

Retention and deletion of data

The following general deadlines apply to retention and archiving under German law:

  • 10 years - Retention period for books and records, annual financial statements, inventories, management reports, opening balance sheets, and the work instructions and other organizational documents required for their understanding (§ 147(1) No. 1 in conjunction with (3) AO, § 14b(1) UStG, § 257(1) No. 1 in conjunction with (4) HGB).
  • 8 years - Accounting documents such as invoices and cost receipts (§ 147(1) No. 4 and 4a in conjunction with (3) sentence 1 AO and § 257(1) No. 4 in conjunction with (4) HGB).
  • 6 years - Other business documents: received commercial or business letters, reproductions of sent commercial or business letters, other documents insofar as they are of significance for taxation, e.g., hourly wage slips, operating accounting sheets, calculation documents, price labels, but also payroll accounting documents insofar as they are not already accounting documents and cash register receipts (§ 147(1) No. 2, 3, 5 in conjunction with (3) AO, § 257(1) No. 2 and 3 in conjunction with (4) HGB).
  • 3 years - Data required to consider potential warranty and compensation claims or similar contractual claims and rights, as well as to process related inquiries, based on previous business experiences and customary industry practices, are stored for the duration of the regular statutory limitation period of three years (§§ 195, 199 BGB).

Period begins at the end of the year: If a period does not expressly begin on a specific date and amounts to at least one year, it automatically starts at the end of the calendar year in which the triggering event occurred. In the case of ongoing contractual relationships in which data is stored, the triggering event is the time when the termination takes effect or other termination of the legal relationship.

Rights of Data Subjects

Rights of data subjects under the GDPR: As a data subject under the GDPR, you have various rights, which arise in particular from Articles 15 to 21 GDPR:

  • Right to object: You have the right to object at any time, on grounds relating to your particular situation, to processing of personal data concerning you which is based on Article 6(1)(e) or (f) GDPR, including profiling based on those provisions. Where personal data are processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to processing of personal data concerning you for such marketing, which includes profiling to the extent that it is related to such direct marketing.
  • Right to withdraw consent: You have the right to withdraw consents at any time.
  • Right of access: You have the right to obtain confirmation as to whether data concerning you are being processed and to access this data as well as further information and a copy of the data in accordance with legal requirements.
  • Right to rectification: You have the right in accordance with legal requirements to request the completion of data concerning you or the rectification of incorrect data concerning you.
  • Right to erasure and restriction of processing: In accordance with legal requirements, you have the right to request that data concerning you be deleted immediately, or alternatively to request restriction of the processing of the data in accordance with legal requirements.
  • Right to data portability: You have the right to receive data concerning you which you have provided to us in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format in accordance with legal requirements, or to request its transmission to another controller.
  • Complaint to supervisory authority: Without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy, you have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of your habitual residence, place of work or place of the alleged infringement, if you consider that the processing of personal data relating to you infringes the requirements of the GDPR.

Business Services

We process data of our contractual and business partners, e.g., customers and prospective customers (collectively referred to as "contractual partners"), in the context of contractual and comparable legal relationships as well as associated measures and with regard to communication with contractual partners (or pre-contractually), for example, to answer inquiries.

We use this data to fulfill our contractual obligations. This includes in particular the obligations to provide the agreed services, any update obligations and remedies in the event of warranty and other performance disruptions. In addition, we use the data to safeguard our rights and for the purpose of administrative tasks associated with these obligations and corporate organization. Furthermore, we process the data on the basis of our legitimate interests in proper and economical business management as well as security measures to protect our contractual partners and our business operations from misuse, endangerment of their data, secrets, information and rights (e.g., for the involvement of telecommunications, transport and other auxiliary services as well as subcontractors, banks, tax and legal advisors, payment service providers or tax authorities). Within the framework of applicable law, we only disclose the data of contractual partners to third parties to the extent that this is necessary for the aforementioned purposes or to fulfill legal obligations. Contractual partners will be informed about further forms of processing, for example for marketing purposes, within the framework of this privacy policy.

We inform contractual partners which data is required for the aforementioned purposes before or as part of the data collection, e.g., in online forms, through special marking (e.g., colors) or symbols (e.g., asterisks, etc.), or personally.

We delete the data after expiry of statutory warranty and comparable obligations, i.e., generally after four years, unless the data is stored in a customer account, e.g., as long as it must be retained for legal reasons of archiving (usually ten years for tax purposes). We delete data disclosed to us as part of an order by the contractual partner in accordance with the specifications and generally after the end of the order.

Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g., full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); Contract data (e.g., contract object, duration, customer category).

Data subjects: Service recipients and clients; Prospective customers; Business and contractual partners; Training and course participants.

Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; Communication; Office and organizational procedures; Administrative and management procedures; Business processes and business management procedures.

Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with information in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion".

Legal bases: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual measures (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR); Legal obligation (Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR); Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, processes and services:

Training and educational services: We process the data of participants in our training and educational offerings (uniformly referred to as "trainees") in order to provide them with our training services. The data processed, the type, scope, purpose and necessity of their processing are determined by the underlying contractual and training relationship. Processing forms also include performance assessment and evaluation of our services and those of instructors. In the course of our activities, we may also process special categories of data, in particular information on the health of trainees and data from which ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs emerge. For this purpose, if necessary, we obtain explicit consent from the trainees and otherwise only process the special categories of data if it is necessary to provide the training services, for purposes of health care, social protection or the protection of vital interests of the trainees; Legal bases: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual measures (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR).

Provision of Online Offering and Web Hosting

We process users' data in order to provide them with our online services. For this purpose, we process the user's IP address, which is necessary to transmit the content and functions of our online services to the user's browser or device.

Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g., page views and dwell time, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, persons involved); Log data (e.g., log files concerning logins or retrieval of data or access times).

Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).

Purposes of processing: Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness; Information technology infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical devices (computers, servers, etc.)); Security measures.

Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with information in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion".

Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, processes and services:

Provision of online offering on rented storage space: For the provision of our online offering, we use storage space, computing capacity and software that we rent or otherwise obtain from a corresponding server provider (also called "web hoster"); Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Collection of access data and log files: Access to our online offering is logged in the form of so-called "server log files". Server log files may include the address and name of the web pages and files accessed, date and time of access, data volumes transferred, notification of successful access, browser type and version, the user's operating system, referrer URL (the previously visited page) and, as a rule, IP addresses and the requesting provider. The server log files can be used on the one hand for security purposes, e.g., to avoid overloading the servers (especially in the case of abusive attacks, so-called DDoS attacks), and on the other hand, to ensure the utilization of the servers and their stability; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). Deletion of data: Log file information is stored for a maximum of 30 days and then deleted or anonymized. Data whose further retention is required for evidentiary purposes is excluded from deletion until final clarification of the respective incident.

Content Delivery Network: We use a "Content Delivery Network" (CDN). A CDN is a service with the help of which content of an online offering, in particular large media files such as graphics or program scripts, can be delivered faster and more securely with the help of regionally distributed servers connected via the Internet; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Vercel: Hosting service for websites and applications, Content Delivery Network (CDN), web analytics and performance monitoring; Service provider: Vercel Inc., 340 S Lemon Ave #4133, Walnut, CA 91789, USA; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://vercel.com; Privacy Policy: https://vercel.com/legal/privacy-policy; Data Processing Agreement: https://vercel.com/legal/dpa. Basis for third country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Standard Contractual Clauses.

Use of Cookies

The term "cookies" refers to functions that store information on users' devices and read from them. Cookies can also be used for different purposes, such as for the functionality, security and convenience of online offerings as well as for the creation of analyses of visitor flows. We use cookies in accordance with legal requirements. For this purpose, we obtain users' consent in advance if necessary. If consent is not necessary, we rely on our legitimate interests. This applies if storing and reading information is essential to provide expressly requested content and functions. This includes, for example, storing settings as well as ensuring the functionality and security of our online offering. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. We clearly inform about its scope and which cookies are used.

Notes on legal bases: Whether we process personal data with the help of cookies depends on consent. If consent is present, it serves as the legal basis. Without consent, we rely on our legitimate interests, which are explained above in this section and in the context of the respective services and procedures.

Storage duration

With regard to storage duration, the following types of cookies are distinguished:

  • Temporary cookies (also: session cookies): Temporary cookies are deleted at the latest after a user has left an online offering and closed their device (e.g., browser or mobile application).
  • Permanent cookies: Permanent cookies remain stored even after the device is closed. For example, the login status can be saved and preferred content can be displayed directly when the user visits a website again. The user data collected with the help of cookies can also be used for reach measurement. Unless we provide users with explicit information about the type and storage duration of cookies (e.g., as part of obtaining consent), they should assume that these are permanent and that the storage duration can be up to two years.

General notes on withdrawal and objection (opt-out): Users can withdraw consents they have given at any time and also lodge an objection to the processing in accordance with legal requirements, also by means of the privacy settings of their browser.

Cookie Settings/Objection Option

You can adjust your cookie settings at any time:

Types of data processed: Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, persons involved).

Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).

Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, processes and services:

Processing of cookie data based on consent: We use a consent management solution in which users' consent to the use of cookies or to the procedures and providers mentioned in the consent management solution is obtained. This procedure serves to obtain, record, manage and withdraw consents, in particular with regard to the use of cookies and comparable technologies that are used to store, read and process information on users' devices. As part of this procedure, users' consents for the use of cookies and the associated processing of information, including the specific processing and providers mentioned in the consent management procedure, are obtained. Users also have the option to manage and withdraw their consents. The consent declarations are stored to avoid having to ask again and to be able to prove consent in accordance with legal requirements. Storage takes place server-side and/or in a cookie (so-called opt-in cookie) or by means of comparable technologies in order to be able to assign the consent to a specific user or their device. Unless specific information about the providers of consent management services is available, the following general information applies: The duration of storage of consent is up to two years. A pseudonymous user identifier is created, which is stored together with the time of consent, information about the scope of consent (e.g., relevant categories of cookies and/or service providers), as well as information about the browser, system and device used; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR).

Blogs and Publication Media

We use blogs or comparable means of online communication and publication (hereinafter "publication medium"). Readers' data is only processed for the purposes of the publication medium insofar as this is necessary for its presentation and communication between authors and readers or for security reasons. Otherwise, we refer to the information on processing visitors to our publication medium within the scope of this privacy notice.

Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g., full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); Content data (e.g., textual or pictorial messages and posts as well as information concerning them, such as information on authorship or time of creation); Usage data (e.g., page views and dwell time, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, persons involved).

Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).

Purposes of processing: Feedback (e.g., collecting feedback via online form); Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness.

Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with information in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion".

Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Contact and Inquiry Management

When contacting us (e.g., by mail, contact form, email, telephone or via social media) as well as in the context of existing user and business relationships, the information of the inquiring persons is processed insofar as this is necessary to answer the contact inquiries and any requested measures.

Types of data processed: Contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); Content data (e.g., textual or pictorial messages and posts as well as information concerning them, such as information on authorship or time of creation); Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, persons involved).

Data subjects: Communication partners.

Purposes of processing: Communication; Administrative and management procedures; Feedback (e.g., collecting feedback via online form); Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness.

Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with information in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion".

Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Performance of a contract and pre-contractual measures (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, processes and services:

Contact form: When contacting us via our contact form, by email or other means of communication, we process the personal data transmitted to us to answer and process the respective inquiry. This usually includes information such as name, contact information and, if applicable, further information that is communicated to us and required for appropriate processing. We use this data exclusively for the stated purpose of contact and communication; Legal bases: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual measures (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Newsletter and Electronic Notifications

We send newsletters, emails and other electronic notifications (hereinafter "newsletter") only with the consent of the recipients or on a legal basis. If the content of the newsletter is specifically described as part of registration for the newsletter, this content is decisive for users' consent. For registration to our newsletter, it is normally sufficient to provide your email address. However, to provide you with a personalized service, we may ask for your name for a personal salutation in the newsletter or for further information if this is necessary for the purpose of the newsletter.

Deletion and restriction of processing: We can store unsubscribed email addresses for up to three years based on our legitimate interests before we delete them in order to be able to prove a previously given consent. The processing of this data is limited to the purpose of a potential defense against claims. An individual deletion request is possible at any time, provided that the former existence of consent is confirmed at the same time. In the case of obligations to permanently observe objections, we reserve the right to store the email address in a blocklist solely for this purpose.

The logging of the registration procedure is carried out on the basis of our legitimate interests for the purpose of proving its proper course. If we commission a service provider to send emails, this is done on the basis of our legitimate interests in an efficient and secure dispatch system.

Content: Career counseling tips, job search strategies, interview preparation, LinkedIn optimization, resume tips and exclusive offers for career coaching services

Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g., full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, persons involved); Usage data (e.g., page views and dwell time, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions).

Data subjects: Communication partners.

Purposes of processing: Direct marketing (e.g., by email or mail).

Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Opt-out option: You can cancel the receipt of our newsletter at any time, i.e., withdraw your consents or object to further receipt. You will find a link to cancel the newsletter either at the end of each newsletter or you can otherwise use one of the contact options provided above, preferably email, for this purpose.

Further information on processing procedures, processes and services:

Mailchimp: Email marketing, automation of marketing processes, collection, storage and management of contact data, measurement of campaign performance, collection and analysis of recipient interaction with content, personalization of content; Service provider: Rocket Science Group, LLC, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE #5000, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://mailchimp.com; Privacy Policy: https://mailchimp.com/legal/; Data Processing Agreement: https://mailchimp.com/legal/; Basis for third country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Standard Contractual Clauses (provided by the service provider). Further information: Special security measures: https://mailchimp.com/de/help/mailchimp-european-data-transfers/.

Web Analytics, Monitoring and Optimization

Web analytics (also referred to as "reach measurement") is used to evaluate visitor flows to our online offering and can include behavior, interests or demographic information about visitors, such as age or gender, as pseudonymous values. With the help of reach analysis, we can, for example, recognize at what time our online offering or its functions or content are most frequently used, or invite reuse. Likewise, we can understand which areas require optimization.

In addition to web analytics, we can also use test procedures to test and optimize different versions of our online offering or its components.

Unless otherwise stated below, profiles, i.e., data summarized for a usage process, can be created for these purposes and information can be stored in a browser or device and then read from it. The information collected includes in particular websites visited and elements used there as well as technical information such as the browser used, the computer system used and information on usage times. If users have agreed to the collection of their location data to us or to the providers of the services we use, location data can also be processed.

In addition, users' IP addresses are stored. However, we use an IP masking procedure (i.e., pseudonymization by shortening the IP address) to protect users. In general, no clear data of users (such as email addresses or names) is stored in the context of web analytics, A/B testing and optimization, but pseudonyms. This means that we as well as the providers of the software used do not know the actual identity of the users, but only the information stored in their profiles for the purposes of the respective procedures.

Notes on legal bases: If we ask users for their consent to use third-party providers, the legal basis for data processing is consent. Otherwise, user data is processed on the basis of our legitimate interests (i.e., interest in efficient, economical and recipient-friendly services). In this context, we would also like to refer you to the information on the use of cookies in this privacy policy.

Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g., page views and dwell time, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, persons involved).

Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).

Purposes of processing: Reach measurement (e.g., access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Profiles with user-related information (creation of user profiles).

Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with information in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion". Storage of cookies of up to 2 years (Unless otherwise stated, cookies and similar storage methods can be stored on users' devices for a period of two years).

Security measures: IP masking (pseudonymization of the IP address).

Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, processes and services:

Vercel Analytics: Web analytics service for measuring page views, user behavior and website performance; Service provider: Vercel Inc., 340 S Lemon Ave #4133, Walnut, CA 91789, USA; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://vercel.com/analytics; Privacy Policy: https://vercel.com/legal/privacy-policy. Basis for third country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Standard Contractual Clauses.

Presence on Social Networks (Social Media)

We maintain online presences within social networks and process user data in this context in order to communicate with users active there or to offer information about us.

We point out that user data may be processed outside the territory of the European Union. This may result in risks for users because it could make it more difficult to enforce users' rights.

Furthermore, users' data within social networks is usually processed for market research and advertising purposes. For example, user profiles can be created based on user behavior and resulting interests of users. The user profiles may in turn be used to place advertisements within and outside the networks that are presumed to correspond to users' interests. For this purpose, cookies are usually stored on users' computers, in which user behavior and interests are stored. In addition, data can also be stored in the user profiles independently of the devices used by users (especially if they are members of the respective platforms and logged in to them).

For a detailed description of the respective forms of processing and the opt-out options, we refer to the privacy policies and information provided by the operators of the respective networks.

Also in the case of requests for information and the assertion of data subject rights, we point out that these can be asserted most effectively with the providers. Only the latter have access to users' data in each case and can take appropriate measures directly and provide information. If you still need help, you can contact us.

Types of data processed: Contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); Content data (e.g., textual or pictorial messages and posts as well as information concerning them, such as information on authorship or time of creation); Usage data (e.g., page views and dwell time, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions).

Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).

Purposes of processing: Communication; Feedback (e.g., collecting feedback via online form); Public relations.

Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with information in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion".

Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, processes and services:

LinkedIn: Social network - We are jointly responsible with LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company for the collection (but not the further processing) of data from visitors used to create "Page Insights" (statistics) of our LinkedIn profiles. This data includes information about the types of content that users view or interact with, as well as the actions they take. Details about the devices used are also recorded, such as IP addresses, operating system, browser type, language settings and cookie data, as well as information from user profiles, such as job function, country, industry, hierarchy level, company size and employment status. Privacy information on the processing of user data by LinkedIn can be found in LinkedIn's privacy policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy.

We have concluded a special agreement with LinkedIn Ireland ("Page Insights Joint Controller Addendum", https://legal.linkedin.com/pages-joint-controller-addendum), which in particular regulates which security measures LinkedIn must observe and in which LinkedIn has agreed to fulfill the rights of data subjects (i.e., users can, for example, assert access or deletion requests directly to LinkedIn). The rights of users (in particular the right to information, deletion, objection and complaint to the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with LinkedIn. Joint responsibility is limited to the collection and transmission of data to LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, a company based in the EU. Further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, in particular regarding the transmission of data to the parent company LinkedIn Corporation in the USA; Service provider: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://www.linkedin.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy; Basis for third country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Standard Contractual Clauses (https://legal.linkedin.com/dpa). Opt-out option: https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls/retargeting-opt-out.

Plugins and Embedded Functions and Content

We integrate functional and content elements into our online offering that are obtained from the servers of their respective providers (hereinafter referred to as "third-party providers"). These may include, for example, graphics, videos or city maps (hereinafter uniformly referred to as "content").

The integration always requires that the third-party providers of this content process users' IP addresses, as they could not send the content to their browsers without the IP address. The IP address is therefore required for the presentation of this content or functions. We strive to use only such content whose respective providers only use the IP address to deliver the content. Third-party providers may also use so-called pixel tags (invisible graphics, also known as "web beacons") for statistical or marketing purposes. The "pixel tags" can be used to evaluate information such as visitor traffic on the pages of this website. The pseudonymous information may also be stored in cookies on users' devices and may include, among other things, technical information about the browser and operating system, referring websites, visit time and other information about the use of our online offering, as well as be linked to such information from other sources.

Notes on legal bases: If we ask users for their consent to use third-party providers, the legal basis for data processing is permission. Otherwise, user data is processed on the basis of our legitimate interests (i.e., interest in efficient, economical and recipient-friendly services). In this context, we would also like to refer you to the information on the use of cookies in this privacy policy.

Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g., page views and dwell time, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, persons involved).

Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).

Purposes of processing: Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness.

Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with information in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion". Storage of cookies of up to 2 years (Unless otherwise stated, cookies and similar storage methods can be stored on users' devices for a period of two years).

Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, processes and services:

Integration of third-party software, scripts or frameworks (e.g., jQuery): We integrate software into our online offering that we retrieve from servers of other providers (e.g., function libraries that we use for the purpose of presenting or user-friendliness of our online offering). In doing so, the respective providers collect users' IP addresses and can process them for the purpose of transmitting the software to users' browsers as well as for security purposes, and for the evaluation and optimization of their offering; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Google Fonts (obtained from Google server): Obtaining fonts (and symbols) for the purpose of a technically secure, maintenance-free and efficient use of fonts and symbols with regard to timeliness and loading times, their uniform display and consideration of possible licensing restrictions. The provider of the fonts is provided with the user's IP address so that the fonts can be made available in the user's browser. Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://fonts.google.com/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Further information: https://developers.google.com/fonts/faq/privacy?hl=de.

Management, Organization and Support Tools

We use services, platforms and software from other providers (hereinafter referred to as "third-party providers") for purposes of organization, administration, planning and provision of our services. When selecting third-party providers and their services, we comply with legal requirements.

In this context, personal data may be processed and stored on the servers of third-party providers. This may affect various data that we process in accordance with this privacy policy. This data may in particular include master data and contact data of users, data on processes, contracts, other processes and their content.

If users are referred to third-party providers or their software or platforms in the context of communication, business or other relationships with us, third-party providers may process usage data and metadata for security purposes, service optimization or marketing purposes. We therefore ask you to observe the privacy notices of the respective third-party providers.

Types of data processed: Content data (e.g., textual or pictorial messages and posts as well as information concerning them, such as information on authorship or time of creation); Usage data (e.g., page views and dwell time, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, persons involved).

Data subjects: Communication partners; Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).

Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; Office and organizational procedures.

Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with information in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion".

Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, processes and services:

Cal.com: Online appointment scheduling service for arranging meetings and consultations; Service provider: Cal.com, Inc., 2261 Market Street #4382, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR) and, where required, consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); Website: https://cal.com; Privacy Policy: https://cal.com/privacy; Terms: https://cal.com/terms. Data processing: Cal.com processes booking data as a processor within the contractually agreed scope. Basis for third country transfers: Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) and additional safeguards where required by law.

Google Meet: Video conferencing service for online meetings and consultations; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://meet.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy. Basis for third country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).

Changes and Updates

We ask you to regularly inform yourself about the content of our privacy policy. We adapt the privacy policy as soon as changes to the data processing carried out by us make this necessary. We will inform you as soon as the changes require an act of cooperation on your part (e.g., consent) or other individual notification.

If we provide addresses and contact information of companies and organizations in this privacy policy, please note that addresses may change over time and please verify the information before contacting them.

Definitions of Terms

In this section, you will receive an overview of the terminology used in this privacy policy. Where the terminology is legally defined, the legal definitions apply. The following explanations, on the other hand, are primarily intended to aid understanding.

Inventory data: Inventory data includes essential information necessary for the identification and management of contractual partners, user accounts, profiles and similar assignments. This data may include, among other things, personal and demographic information such as names, contact information (addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses), birth dates and specific identifiers (user IDs). Inventory data forms the basis for any formal interaction between persons and services, institutions or systems by enabling clear assignment and communication.

Content data: Content data includes information generated in the course of creating, editing and publishing content of all kinds. This category of data can include texts, images, videos, audio files and other multimedia content published on various platforms and media. Content data is not limited to the actual content but also includes metadata that provides information about the content itself, such as tags, descriptions, author information and publication dates.

Contact data: Contact data is essential information that enables communication with persons or organizations. It includes, among other things, telephone numbers, postal addresses and email addresses, as well as means of communication such as social media handles and instant messaging identifiers.

Meta, communication and procedural data: Meta, communication and procedural data are categories that contain information about the way in which data is processed, transmitted and managed. Metadata, also known as data about data, includes information that describes the context, origin and structure of other data. It may include information about file size, creation date, author of a document and change histories. Communication data captures the exchange of information between users via various channels, such as email traffic, call logs, messages on social networks and chat histories, including the persons involved, time stamps and transmission routes. Procedural data describes the processes and workflows within systems or organizations, including workflow documentation, logs of transactions and activities, as well as audit logs used to track and verify operations.

Usage data: Usage data refers to information that captures how users interact with digital products, services or platforms. This data encompasses a wide range of information that shows how users use applications, which functions they prefer, how long they stay on certain pages and through which paths they navigate through an application. Usage data may also include frequency of use, time stamps of activities, IP addresses, device information and location data. It is particularly valuable for analyzing user behavior, optimizing user experiences, personalizing content and improving products or services. Furthermore, usage data plays a crucial role in identifying trends, preferences and potential problem areas within digital offerings.

Personal data: "Personal data" means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (hereinafter "data subject"); an identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier (e.g., cookie) or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person.

Profiles with user-related information: The processing of "profiles with user-related information", or "profiles" for short, includes any type of automated processing of personal data that consists of using this personal data to analyze, evaluate or predict certain personal aspects relating to a natural person (depending on the type of profiling, this may include different information concerning demographics, behavior and interests, such as interaction with websites and their content, etc.). Cookies and web beacons are often used for profiling purposes.

Log data: Log data is information about events or activities that have been logged in a system or network. This data typically contains information such as time stamps, IP addresses, user actions, error messages and other details about the use or operation of a system. Log data is often used to analyze system problems, for security monitoring or to create performance reports.

Reach measurement: Reach measurement (also known as web analytics) is used to evaluate visitor flows to an online offering and can include the behavior or interests of visitors in certain information, such as content of websites. With the help of reach analysis, operators of online offerings can, for example, recognize at what time users visit their websites and what content they are interested in. This enables them, for example, to better adapt the content of the websites to the needs of their visitors. Pseudonymous cookies and web beacons are often used for reach analysis purposes to recognize returning visitors and thus obtain more accurate analyses of the use of an online offering.

Controller: "Controller" means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data.

Processing: "Processing" means any operation or set of operations which is performed on personal data or on sets of personal data, whether or not by automated means. The term is broad and includes practically any handling of data, whether it is collection, evaluation, storage, transmission or deletion.

Contract data: Contract data is specific information relating to the formalization of an agreement between two or more parties. It documents the conditions under which services or products are provided, exchanged or sold. This data category is essential for managing and fulfilling contractual obligations and includes both the identification of the contracting parties and the specific terms and conditions of the agreement. Contract data may include start and end dates of the contract, the type of services or products agreed upon, price agreements, payment terms, termination rights, renewal options and special conditions or clauses. It serves as the legal basis for the relationship between the parties and is crucial for clarifying rights and obligations, enforcing claims and resolving disputes.