Hi Karina, could you introduce yourself and briefly describe your professional journey ?

Hi, my name is Karina Loekmanwidjaja, I am a sustainability Lead and Product Manager at Building Minds in Berlin.

I studied Architecture and Urban Planning in Brazil and spent six months on an exchange program at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland. 

After graduating, I worked for seven years as a construction project manager in Brazil. During that time, I was involved in projects that aimed for green building certifications, which sparked my deeper interest in sustainability.

I later moved to Germany and completed an MBA in Building Sustainability at the Technical University in Berlin. I also worked as a sustainability consultant for a while. Although I learned a lot, I found the work very focused on bureaucracy and paperwork. I realised I wanted to contribute in a more tangible and scalable way.

That is when I decided to switch to green tech. I believed that working in technology would allow me to reach more people and create wider impact. I was also attracted by the flexibility and career opportunities the tech sector offers.

I joined BuildingMinds as a sustainability expert intern in Berlin and later became a product manager.

¿Podría hablarnos un poco sobre los desafíos que puede enfrentar en esta trayectoria profesional?

One of the challenges you may encounter in this career path is communication. Working in an international environment requires you to adapt the way you communicate to suit the person or team you are addressing. This is a crucial skill to develop, as it not only affects effective communication but also contributes to a positive working atmosphere.

Additionally, speaking English is essential in my work environment, and being fluent in German would provide even more opportunities for me in Germany.

The biggest challenge I faced was in 2024, when I experienced burnout and two miscarriages. It was an incredibly difficult year, both professionally and personally.

I felt a strong pressure to perform at my highest level and prove myself in this field. Coming from a construction background, I had always believed I needed to be tough and resilient at all times. Admitting that I was struggling did not come naturally to me.

That sounds really tough, what actions, strategies, or skills helped you overcome obstacles? Were there mentors, tools, or networks that helped?

The most important lesson I learned is that mental and physical health must come first. Without them, long term success is not possible.

Therapy has helped me develop self-awareness and better understand my limits. It has also supported me through very challenging times. 

Professionally, I was fortunate to have a senior female colleague who mentored me. She showed me that it is possible to be vulnerable and still be strong, capable and respected.

I also learned the importance of communication. I have worked in international teams with more than ten nationalities at one point. That experience taught me to adapt how I communicate so that everyone feels understood and included. Being sensitive to different communication styles is key to building strong teams and good working relationships.

I realised that showing vulnerability can actually create a healthier and more human working environment. When people understand what you are going through, they can support you better.

¿De qué proyectos o iniciativas estás más orgulloso?

I am particularly proud of the product I have been working on over the past few years at BuildingMinds.

The product calculates the greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions from a building’s operation and compares them to the Paris Agreement targets until 2050. This allows building owners to see whether they are meeting the target or exceeding it, and to take action to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings.

So far, the product has been applied to approximately 5,000 buildings. Considering that 42 percent of global GHG emissions come from buildings, this is a sector where change is urgently needed.

I am especially proud of our work around retrofit and refurbishment. We build products that can show both the environmental and financial impact of improving existing buildings. My background in construction and sustainability allows me to bring practical expertise into the product development process, which helps bridge the gap between technical data and real world buildings.

¿Qué consejo le darías a alguien que está ingresando a la industria de la tecnología verde?

I would say, work on something you truly believe in. Having a sense of purpose makes a huge difference, especially during difficult moments.

Do not underestimate yourself, even if you are the only woman in the room. 

Be critical of your work, trust your instincts and stay true to who you are.

I would also say that Green tech is a fast changing industry, so stay curious and keep up with new technologies and market developments. Experience matters, but being informed about what is happening right now and showing what you can do is what will really make the difference.

If you are just starting your career, be curious and humble with senior colleagues. You can learn so much from the people around you.

In my opinion, AI cannot replace human connection or critical thinking yet. I would invest time in developing soft skills. Hard skills can be supported by AI but understanding people and what they truly need will always be essential!

If you care about sustainability and want to make a real impact, green tech could be exactly what you’re looking for!