Barbara Hoisl

Founder & Senior Strategy Consultant

Exponential Strategy Labs · Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Present

Strategy consulting and leadership development for European software and high-tech vendors operating in markets driven by exponential technologies. Author of "Produkte digital-first denken" (Springer Gabler, 2019, in German), providing an accessible introduction to the strategic frameworks that are routinely used in software product businesses. Services: - Executive Leadership Development Program launching November 2025 - Strategy workshops, e.g.on competitive analysis, revenue modeling, or reviewing product strategies - 1-on-1 Strategy Advisory Sessions for C-suite executives - Strategy process facilitation, e.g. for portfolio or innovation management Closing keynote at ICSOB 2023: "The Gift of Thinking Big"

Partner

pd7.group – Excellence in Software Product Management · Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Present

Partner at leading European software product management training organization, specializing in ISPMA certification courses. As a fellow of the ISPMA (International Software Product Management Association), contributed to the body of knowledge in software product strategy and strategic management. Focus areas: - Software product strategy and strategic management modules in ISPMA foundation courses - ISPMA software product strategy certification (Excellence Level) - In-house and open certification courses (in-person and live online), in German or English ISPMA certification courses establish a shared understanding and terminology for software product management that enables organizations to implement capability improvement programs: evolving job descriptions for software product managers and adjacent roles, setting expectations for deliverables, improving processes, and creating effective peer learning groups.

Strategy Consultant – Software Business & Iot Innovation

barbarahoisl.com · Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Independent strategy consultant specializing in software-based business models and IoT product innovation for European software and high-tech vendors. Published "Produkte digital-first denken" (Springer Gabler, 2019) providing an easy-to-understand overview of frameworks for digital product strategy. Client focus: - Software and Internet businesses: strategy and business planning - IoT vendors: business model development, Lean Startup for corporate innovation - Startups: complete business model development and investor-ready materials Industries served: Enterprise software, industrial software, IoT/Industry 4.0, financial services, mobility, digital music Project examples: Product strategy for industrial software re-launch, business model development for IoT innovation at leading German Mittelstand company, go-to-market strategy for B2B software vendor expanding into IoT markets.

Business Strategy Manager, Hp Strategy & Corporate Development

Hewlett-Packard · Stuttgart Region

Contributed to growth strategy as HP Software doubled revenue to more than 3 billion USD. Led evaluation of M&A candidates, and managed a $1B+ M&A transaction until first offer.

Business Strategy Manager, Hp Management Software

Hewlett-Packard · Stuttgart Region

Contributed to 3-year business plans and developed portfolio revenue forecasts during period when management software revenues tripled. Established HP Software as strategic SAP partner, opening new revenue streams.

Program Manager – Innovation & New Markets for Hp Software

Hewlett-Packard · Stuttgart Region

Investigated emerging technologies (Web Services, SOA) leading to strategic acquisitions. Contributed to scenario planning processes.

R&D Manager – Management Sw Products

Hewlett-Packard · Stuttgart Area, Germany

Led software development team with full people management responsibility including hiring, performance management, and terminations.

Project Manager, Sun Solaris Port

Hewlett Packard Enterprise · Stuttgart Region

Managed complex cross-business-model project porting major HP software to competitor platform, including worldwide internal stakeholder alignment, supporting reseller recruitment, and strategic partnership development.

Partner Integration Consultant and Software Architect

Hewlett-Packard · Stuttgart Area, Germany

Supporting alliance partners (ISVs) for the HP Operations management product: application integration guide, consulting, negotiating alliance contracts. Architecture definition and key requirements for first Windows-based product of the business unit.

Research Scientist – Software Engineering

University of Kaiserslautern · Kaiserslautern, Germany

Full-time research scientist in international EU-funded technology transfer project on software project measurement and evaluation. Consulted industrial partners across Germany, Netherlands, France, and Italy on implementation approaches. Conducted comparative analysis of results and developed general guidelines and best practices. Published research findings, including publication in IEEE Software, establishing early foundation for bridging academic research with practical business application.

Trainer – Unix for It Professionals

Self-employed · Frankfurt Am Main Area, Germany

Developed and delivered training programs for IT professionals in UNIX, C programming, and advanced system and network programming. Demonstrated early entrepreneurial drive and teaching ability while completing computer science studies, establishing foundation for later career in training and consulting roles.