Nikolai Graf-Ruessel
Community and Language Lead – Germany – Elementor
Over the past two decades, my professional journey has been shaped by entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and leadership. I began by founding a marketing and digital agency that served over 350 small and mid-sized businesses. With a strong focus on web hosting, WordPress development, and productivity services like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, I built tailored digital solutions that helped our clients grow online. Over the years, I transitioned into the corporate world, where I took on increasingly strategic roles—first as Head of Product Management for Hosting, Domains, and WordPress at STRATO, and later as Head of WordPress at IONOS. Today, I lead cross-functional teams focused on user experience, performance, and product-led growth, shaping digital infrastructure for tens of thousands of users.
But beyond the boardrooms and product roadmaps, I’m also a proud father of three energetic boys. Being a dad has taught me more about leadership, patience, and personal growth than any business role ever could. Each of my sons has a unique personality and set of interests, and I do my best to nurture their curiosity and confidence while also sharing moments of play, chaos, and reflection. Balancing a demanding career with family life isn’t always easy, but it’s deeply rewarding. It keeps me grounded, helps me focus on what really matters, and gives me a long-term perspective that I bring into my work.
My passion for community and youth development has also led me to serve as president of our local football club, SV 1916 Altlußheim. What started as a simple volunteer role to support my kids’ love for football has grown into a true leadership mission. Over the past few years, we’ve doubled the number of children playing in our teams and launched initiatives to upgrade our facilities, including a new artificial turf project. As president, I work closely with coaches, parents, local government, and sponsors to ensure that our club isn’t just a place to play football—it’s a place to grow, to belong, and to build lifelong values like teamwork, respect, and resilience.
Whether it’s in the tech industry or on the sports field, I believe in the power of people, clarity of purpose, and execution with heart. I’m at my best when building something meaningful—be it a scalable product, a stronger team, or a better future for the next generation. That blend of entrepreneurial drive, family life, and social commitment defines who I am. It’s not always a straight line, and it’s certainly not perfect—but it’s real, and it gives everything I do a deeper sense of direction.
My working hours are in the following time zone: Europe/Berlin
My region is: Altlussheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Topics I speak about include:
- Community
- Hosting
- Marketing
- Mental Health & Wellbeing
Language(s) I can present in:
- English
- German
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