The interview is a candid conversation with Delphine Mousseau, a french expat who moved to Berlin to take a leadership role at Zalando after going through a divorce.

She discusses her initial hesitation about the move due to her children's reluctance, but ultimately decided to take the opportunity after being inspired by her mother.

The interview covers various topics such as Delphine's experiences settling in Berlin, the challenges she faced, her perspectives on dating and relationships, her advocacy for diversity and inclusion, and her thoughts on Berlin's future as a livable city. She shares insights on work-life balance, networking, career advancement, and the importance of self-reflection.

The conversation also touches on Berlin's working culture, the city's ability to attract talent and companies, and the role of co-working spaces in fostering community and collaboration.

Q: What brought you to Berlin?

A: Delphine moved to Berlin in 2014 to take a leadership role at Zalando after going through a divorce. It was a challenging decision due to her children's initial reluctance, but she was inspired by her mother's encouragement to take the opportunity.

Q: What was the hardest thing about moving to Berlin?

A: The hardest part was the feeling of loneliness and having to start from scratch, as well as finding a balance between her professional life, managing her family, and taking care of herself.

Q: How was building a strong social network in Berlin compared to your experience in Amsterdam?

A: Delphine found it relatively easy to connect with people and build a social network in Berlin, as she is an extrovert and had experience as an expat. She connected with the French community, her church, and women in the workplace.

Q: What don't you like about Berlin?

A: Delphine dislikes the tendency of people in Berlin to follow rules for the sake of following rules, even when it doesn't make sense in certain situations.

Q: What do you love about Berlin?

A: Delphine loves the contrasts and the mix of high and low in Berlin, whether it's in the way people dress, act, or the city's architecture and culture.

Q: How was your experience dating in Berlin?

A: Delphine found dating in Berlin to be challenging, with people often afraid of rejection or not being fully over their previous relationships. She also discussed the impact of digital dating and the need for open communication and respect in relationships.

Q: Do you think Berlin offers enough opportunities for career advancement, particularly in senior positions?

A: Delphine believes that Berlin has the potential to create fabulous companies and attract talent, but there is a need to address issues such as housing and facilitate the exchange of expertise through legal and tax setups that support a more flexible workforce.

Q: What role do co-working spaces like Beta House play in Berlin's ecosystem?

A: Co-working spaces like betahaus provides a physical space for people to work comfortably and foster a sense of community by facilitating conversations, networking, and collaboration among members.

Q: If you could create a utopia for the city, what would it look like?

A: Delphine envisions a utopia where self-driving cars and shared mobility solutions allow people to live further away from the city center while still being able to commute easily for work and social interactions.

Q: What are you grateful for in your life?

A: Delphine is grateful for the people who have guided her, given her harsh feedback, and shared their experiences, as it has helped her grow as a person.