Redirecting.work
Michael Grimm
A Quiet Pivot from Tech Founder to Different Work - Pickleball
​
For more than 25 years, Michael Grimm was deeply immersed in building Ingentis, a software company he co-founded with a small group of colleagues in Germany. The company started as a custom software development shop but quickly evolved into a product company specializing in organizational charting solutions. Under Michael’s leadership, the company grew to about 100 employees before eventually being acquired by an investor.
​
Despite being one of the original founders, Michael had never planned to start his own company. He had trained as a software developer and fell into entrepreneurship through colleagues who shared an idea. It was a partnership that worked remarkably well—so well that even after decades of working together, the founding team remained close friends.
​
​But as they reached their late 40s and early 50s, their employees started asking, What happens in ten years when you retire? The question forced them to think about a future they had never really considered. With no next-generation leadership to pass the company on to, they began exploring options. The decision to bring in an investor was not only a financial one—it was about ensuring the company’s continued success.
​
For a few years after the acquisition, Michael stayed on, transitioning from owner to advisor. He understood that with new investors came new leadership and, ultimately, a time when the founders would need to step away. When that moment arrived, he was ready. He had no regrets. The company was in good hands, his former employees were thriving, and he had the freedom to choose what came next.
​
A Different Kind of Work
Unlike many who leave long careers, Michael didn’t feel a need to carefully map out his next move. He didn’t agonize over purpose or productivity. His philosophy was simple: things fall into place.
​
Rather than diving into a second career, he leaned into the things he enjoyed—sports, personal exploration, and community projects. One surprising turn was his participation as an extra in a German TV show which he enjoyed. This has sparked his interest in trying to get into small roles now.
​
Most of his focus, however, has been on sports, particularly in his local club, where he’s leading an effort to introduce pickleball to Germany. Unlike in the U.S., where pickleball has exploded in popularity, the sport is still relatively unknown in Germany. Michael is working to change that, securing funding, building courts, and getting people excited about a game he loves.
​
No Five-Year Plan, No Problem
Many professionals in transition feel pressure to define their next chapter. Michael doesn’t.
​
He has never been the type to plan years into the future. It’s not that he lacks ambition or curiosity—he simply prefers to let opportunities unfold naturally. While others may meticulously craft career blueprints, he takes a more fluid approach, confident that he’ll recognize the right path when it presents itself.
​
“I’ve never needed a five-year plan,” he explains. “I know what I enjoy, I know what I don’t want to do, and beyond that, I trust that things will fall into place.”
​
Advice for Others in Transition
For those at a career crossroads, Michael’s advice is both pragmatic and reassuring:
-
If you feel the need for a transition, trust that instinct. Change doesn’t have to happen overnight, but if something feels off, don’t ignore it.
-
Work toward your next step, but don’t rush. Thoughtful transitions are often the most successful ones.
-
Focus on happiness. Whether in work or life, fulfillment should be the goal—not status or expectations set by others.
-
Not everyone needs a grand plan. If you’re content and engaged, you’re on the right track.
At this point, Michael isn’t worried about what comes next. He’s staying active, engaged, and connected to his community—his version of a successful pivot. And, for now, that’s enough.