Person Sascha Heupel

GNOTHI SEAUTON – KNOW THYSELF!

My entry into the world of philosophy and therapy didn’t start with a lecture. It was a metamorphosis – raw, real, transformative. The sudden death of my mother in 2009, a break with parts of my social circle, depression, burnout, a crisis of meaning, debt, an empty job, and stagnant relationships triggered what I call: the full chaos package. Three rounds of classic therapy, five years on psychiatric medication, and intense self-exploration later, I was: stable. Functional. Able to get through the day. But happy? Free? Alive? Not even close. The doctors said:

“Patient stable. Therapy successful.” – But who the fuck wants that?

Viel später brachte ein gemeinsamer Freund mich mit Dr. Christian Zippel in Kontakt – und plötzlich war sie da: innere Resonanz. Und dann kam Philosophie, Feuer – und AMOR FATI – mehr und mehr in mein Leben. Über viele Jahre tauchte ich tief in Dr. Z’s Philosophie ein, bereiste mit ihm über 20 Länder, lebte mit ihm, machte Coachings, lernte, las, trainierte und entwickelte mich. Was daraus entstand, war kein akademisches, verkopftes Leben, sondern das, was potente Philosophie sein sollte: gelebte Haltung und Handlung.

Much later, a mutual friend connected me with Dr. Christian Zippel – and suddenly, it hit me: inner resonance. That’s when philosophy entered my life – along with fire, intensity, and AMOR FATI. Over the course of many years, I dove deep into Dr. Z’s philosophy. Together, we traveled to more than 20 countries, lived and worked side by side. I coached with him, learned from him, trained, studied, read, reflected – and kept evolving. A shared path and a deeply personal one. What emerged wasn’t an academic or overly intellectual life, but what real philosophy is meant to be: lived attitude and embodied action.

Today, I’m grateful for every piece of chaos. It showed me what truly matters: clarity, freedom, depth, courage, trust, love – and the courage to walk your own authentic path. For me, philosophy isn’t empty talk – it’s lived practice and a guiding compass. Therapy isn’t about fixing symptoms – it’s about radical liberation. My training with Dr. Z, my studies in existential psychotherapy, and over 17 years of coaching experience all flow into my work today. #trustchaos #amorfati

DO YOUR OWN THING & FUCK IT

After completing my training as a marketing communications specialist, I wanted to go to university – but my grades weren’t good enough. So I started working in a traditional advertising agency, and later in project management and sales at a newspaper publisher. A few years later, I made up for the studies I had missed – five semesters of business administration with a focus on marketing. I also completed a certification as an online marketing manager. I put that know-how straight to use in building my supplement store and fitness coaching business.

After completing my training as a marketing communications specialist, I wanted to go to university – but my grades weren’t good enough. So I started working in a traditional advertising agency, and later in project management and sales at a newspaper publisher. A few years later, I made up for the studies I had missed – five semesters of business administration with a focus on marketing. I also completed a certification as an online marketing manager. I put that know-how straight to use in building my supplement store and fitness coaching business. Even after stepping out of the fitness business, I kept building on that foundation. I joined sales trainer Dirk Kreuter as an online marketing manager – start-up vibes, I was the fourth employee, and for a few weeks my desk was literally in the hallway. Perfect. We launched what’s known as performance marketing projects. At the time, I was working 60 to 70 hours a week – with full heart and energy. But I knew: this wasn’t forever.

After leaving the previous agency, I co-founded my own – together with a close friend and two business partners. Free, self-determined, doing our own thing. At the same time, I coached others on topics like marketing, sales, and the psychology of selling. My work in digital marketing eventually peaked in managing twelve online shops across ten countries – overseeing eight freelancers and coordinating everything through a single Excel sheet.

Through my development – both in coaching and in digital marketing – I was not only able to grow personally, but also pay off €50,000 in debt and student loans. That’s how I first became debt-free – and then financially free. But what mattered even more: I saw what’s possible when you combine clarity, focus, and real joy in what you do.

Today, I use my digital marketing expertise to help clients launch or grow their own thing professionally.