EU alumnus, Christoph Kastenholz, CEO & Co-founder at Pulse Advertising

Since finishing his studies at EU, Christoph Kastenholz has jumped professionally from height to height. From founding a first-class advertising firm and working with some of our favourite influencers, to being named as a Forbes 30 Under 30 and council member—this guy is unstoppable!

Although he now resides in his native Germany, Christoph has also lived in Spain, France, South Africa and the U.K. He graduated with a BBA from EU in 2013 and one year later, started Pulse Advertising with his partner, Lara Daniel.

Today, the company is a leading creative and media agency with more than 100 employees, based in various locations across Europe and the United States. They currently work with big international brands and boast world-renowned tech partners, including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Google. Pulse was also recently shortlisted for “Best Large Influencer Marketing Agency” and “Best Use of TikTok” at this year’s Influencer Marketing Awards, so they certainly know what they are doing!

Championing the modern workplace, Christoph’s dream would be to break the world record of highest dog-to-people ratio in an office.

What is Influencer Marketing?

Creators on social media share a brand’s story to build relationships with consumers. Traditional advertising is under enormous pressure for performance. Influencer marketing provides a stronger ROI and is more cost-efficient, which is why it is winning right now.

Influencers are also more approachable than celebrities. Anyone can become a social influencer. That does not mean you have to have enormous reach; it means generating a special bond with a loyal following. The key to success in influencer marketing is being yourself and having the courage to constantly share.

What do you think the strongest social media tools are right now for influencing the masses?

The social media landscape is changing. It is broad, so it can be Twitch for campaigns in gaming, TikTok for a young target group or Instagram stories to share events.

What would you do differently if you were starting your company now?

All we have learned has shaped how we lead the company today, so I would do it the same way all over!

I learn every day; the fast pace of the industry is an opportunity and allows for constant disruption. We choose what we do, and changing this industry is great fun!

You started young, how has your leadership style evolved over the years?

I don’t think it has so much to do with age, but rather with the experiences I have had, the people I have met and how open I have been to embrace learning. It is vital to our business that we empower people!

What has been your biggest success story?

There are many campaigns we could share. One that comes to mind is selling out the global online store of Tezenis within 48 hours during Coachella. That was a first for the industry!

How did EU help you on your career path?

EU taught through case studies, which helped put theory into practice. The connection to professors was also very close, so you always had someone to discuss ideas with. It was a very hands-on teaching approach.

What advice would you have for students who would like to go into new branches of digital marketing right now?

The advertising arena is changing at a fast pace, so find something you are genuinely interested in and then work on becoming the best in that area and don’t give up! There is no need for a Plan B!

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If you think you have what it takes to work in the ever-changing world of advertising and would like a helping hand towards success, check out at our bachelor’s and master’s programs in marketing or communication.