WHO IS DAGMAR TRIPPEN?
And why am I called the Swiss Army Knife?
Because I have spent 35+ years learning how the pieces of a business connect - across industries, cultures, functions, and organizations of every stage and size.
A CAREER BUILT ACROSS BOUNDARIES
I became a generalist by going deep in many different places.
“My job is to identify the good, the bad, the ugly - and the missing.”
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Germany · PR, Banking, Technology & Luxury RetailFrom entertainment PR and a formal banking education to Computer 2000, Cartier, and building Tiffany & Co.'s Corporate Business in Germany.
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Privately Held Enterprise · Global RebrandingBuilt the marketing & PR division of SEITZ, a 125-year-old chemical manufacturer distributing laundry and drycleaning detergents in 62 countries.
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Public Sector · Market Re-positioningAdvised a municipality of 20.000+ residents on tourism strategy and built its marketing capability to compete as a health and wellness destination.
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Entrepreneurship · One-of-a-kind Jewelry at the Kitchen TableLaunched UNIQUEbyDAGMARTRIPPEN, a high-end jewelry retail business, creating both a distinctive brand and an unconventional business model.
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United States · Relocation & ReinventionMoved to New York in 2011, later rebuilt life and work across NYS, PA, and NJ, advising entrepreneurs, small businesses, a YMCA, and a Korean biotech startup.
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Today · Small Business Advisory & PR in the Capital RegionI bring the kind of strategic thinking large companies hire consulting firms for, adapted to the realities and budgets of small businesses. I not only develop the strategy - I roll up my sleeves to get things done.
Three experiences that shaped how I work.
The details are personal.
The lessons follow me into every business.
01
Becoming a cosmopolitan by heart.
I have traveled across four continents. My multicultural background is not simply part of my bio. It is in my DNA.
Being in countries where I did not speak the language taught me to listen and communicate differently. I learned to pay attention to tone, facial expressions, body language, hesitation, and silence.
That changed how I work. Today, I read the room. I hear what people say, but I also listen for what they don’t say and notice where they hesitate or react to one another. Often, that is where I find the real problem.
02
Systemic constellation work.
Rooted in Bert Hellinger’s Family Constellation method, this experiential approach uncovers the hidden dynamics that can undermine families, teams, and organizations.
Knowing the right strategy is usually the easy part. Getting an entire team to understand it, support it, and pull in the same direction is the real challenge.
During my certification, I learned that people’s reactions often reflect personal histories and pressures we know nothing about. That helps me step back rather than react defensively and look for what’s really driving the situation.
03
Dancing Argentine Tango
Learning to dance Argentine Tango has surprisingly taught me a lot about working as a consultant.
On the dance floor, it doesn’t matter how good a dancer you are if you cannot attune yourself to your partner, their pace, their needs, and their limitations. That is why one of Tango’s golden rules is that to be a good leader, you first need to be a good follower.
The same is true in business. Knowing when to lead, when to follow, when to move, and when to wait can be just as important as knowing what to do. In sync, we outperform.
THE STORY BEHInd The swiss army knife
The ups, the downs, the detours. And the chances
I took.
My life hasn’t followed a straight line. Unexpected opportunities, difficult turns, and starting over have shaped both who I am and how I work.