Claudia Wulf
Founder of NAKAMA
As an international Executive Search expert and leadership coach, I combine experience, intuition and a strategic view of talent and careers. This aspiration shapes NAKAMA - a consultancy whose Japanese name stands for community and successful partnerships.
NAKAMA was founded in 2010 with the ambition to make people decisions not only professionally sound but commercially meaningful. I support clients across industries in filling leadership positions of high business relevance. Beyond qualifications and experience, I pay particular attention to leadership style, values and cultural fit. This is how lasting, successful connections are made - very much in the spirit of NAKAMA.
My foundation is in numbers: before moving into Executive Search, I spent more than twelve years in Finance & Accounting. My focus is on Executive Search, Interim Management and Recruiting as a Service, including process optimisation through the targeted use of AI in recruiting. When companies part ways with executives, I support both sides with Executive Outplacement. For executives, I offer Inverse Headhunting, Executive Career Coaching and Executive Branding & Communication. In doing so, I combine human intelligence with artificial intelligence - structured, responsible and effective.
I developed the AI-supported career programmes together with a partner in the AI Executive Career Lounge. At NAKAMA, this experience feeds directly into Executive Career Coaching, Executive Outplacement and Executive Branding & Communication.
Sustainable success needs energy alongside human and artificial intelligence. That is why I combine my work with a deep understanding of health, resilience and performance. As a certified epigenetics coach, Pilates trainer, active swimmer and nutrition adviser, I know how vital health, sport and inner balance are for long-term performance. I bring this knowledge into my work with executives and companies to make the "return on talent investment" holistic and sustainable.
My curiosity and openness to new paths have taken me on journeys through more than 25 countries. At the start of the new millennium, I took a sabbatical and backpacked through North, Central and South America. During that time I survived four earthquakes in Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica and Ecuador and witnessed three volcanic eruptions in awe. Those experiences sharpened my personal resilience and have shaped the way I deal with change ever since.
Today I live in Portugal overlooking the Atlantic and work across Europe, in German and English, with companies, PE and VC investors and their portfolio companies, and with leaders who want more than standard solutions.
My journey in numbers, professional and personal
- years in Finance & Accounting
- 12+
- years of Executive Search
- 25+
- executive interviews
- 20,000+
- years of Executive Career Coaching
- 10+
- NAKAMA founded
- 2010
- countries travelled worldwide, more every year
- 25+
- earthquakes survived in Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica and Ecuador
- 4
- volcanic eruptions witnessed in awe in Guatemala and Ecuador
- 3
What NAKAMA means
NA-KA-MA. Translated from Japanese, it revolves around colleagues, friends, partners and companions. It describes a close community, a network of partners who go through highs and lows together and support one another. It is about loyalty, trust and cohesion - like a family that is there for each other in good times and in hard times.
Exactly this principle of connection shapes everything we do at NAKAMA. Partnership is at our core. We firmly believe that the best solutions come from strong, trusting relationships - between companies, people and us.
Our values
- Excellent service. Quality, know-how and trust form the basis of everything we do.
- Transparency. Comprehensible decisions, honest assessments, clear agreements.
- Partnerships. Strong, trusting relationships between companies, people and us.
Frequently asked questions
What does NAKAMA mean?
NAKAMA is Japanese and stands for colleagues, friends, partners and companions. It describes a close community, a network of partners who go through highs and lows together and support one another. It is about loyalty, trust and cohesion.
When was NAKAMA founded?
NAKAMA was founded in 2010, with the ambition to make people decisions not only professionally sound but commercially meaningful.
What services does NAKAMA EUROPE offer?
For companies: Executive Search, Interim Management, Recruiting as a Service and Executive Outplacement. For executives: Inverse Headhunting, Executive Career Coaching and Executive Branding & Communication. All services are available in German and English and combine Executive Search experience with AI-supported processes.
What sets NAKAMA apart from large executive search firms?
NAKAMA is a boutique consultancy: no more than ten clients a year, but several engagements per client, direct collaboration with the founder rather than a hand-over to a research team, short lines and AI-supported processes. In 2026 alone, NAKAMA filled six positions and placed an Interim Manager for a single client. The targeted use of AI makes this possible: operational and administrative processes run automated, so time stays where it matters - working with people. Companies work with one and the same person from briefing to placement.
How does NAKAMA use AI?
NAKAMA uses AI selectively in research, analysis, communication and administrative processes, always in compliance with the GDPR and the EU AI Act. Interviews, assessments and recommendations involving people, leadership and professional suitability remain human decisions.
Who is Claudia Wulf?
Claudia Wulf is a native of Hamburg, the founder of NAKAMA and an international Executive Search expert with more than 25 years of experience in filling leadership positions. Before moving into Executive Search, she worked in Finance & Accounting for over twelve years. She combines Executive Search for Finance & HR, Interim Management and Recruiting as a Service with AI-supported processes and supports executives with positioning and career decisions. She lives in Portugal with her English partner and works across Europe in German and English.
What certifications does Claudia Wulf hold?
AI and digital transformation: TÜV-certified AI expert, certificates in AI agents and in building and transforming with AI, Hedy AI Coach, Digital Transformation Manager.
Recruiting and HR: certified LinkedIn Recruiter, Digital HR Manager, Employer Brand Manager.
Coaching and leadership: LINC-certified Personality Coach, certified Business and Career Coach, NLP Practitioner, Workshop Facilitator.
Finance & Accounting: business degree (Diplom-Kauffrau) from the University of Hamburg, specialising in international tax law, labour law, corporate law and banking; qualified tax clerk.
Health and resilience: certified epigenetics coach, Pilates trainer and nutrition adviser.
It starts with a good conversation.
Whether you need Executive Search, Interim Management, Recruiting as a Service, Outplacement, or support with a career transition, let’s talk. We’ll listen, ask the right questions, and explore together how NAKAMA can best support you.