In conversation with Zoe Nogai- January 2026

An online interview with Zoe Nogai - The former Schloss-Schule pupil successfully completed her Abitur in Kirchberg in 2015. At Schloss-Schule, Zoe learned to stand up for herself and that treating each other as equals is really good for your own development as a young person and that this also supports and gives you confidence in your further professional and personal development. Today, she passes this experience on to other young people in order to support and encourage them and give them the courage to pursue their own goals and pursue their opinions and approaches.

What is the first thing that spontaneously comes to mind when you think of your time at Schloss-Schule?
I spent the sixth form at the Schloss-Schule and also celebrated my 18th birthday in Kirchberg during this time. These are key events in growing up that I associate with my time at Schloss-Schule. Of course, boarding school life also shaped my entire relationship with the school. The level of community is not comparable to a regular school, when you don't just spend school hours together, but also live together and see each other every evening and at the weekend. The boarding school community goes so far that it can still be felt, even beyond school boundaries: when I meet someone who has also been to a boarding school, we understand each other directly. You know that you share very special experiences that have shaped you as you grow up, and that connects you.

Tell us something about your schooling before you came to the Schloss-Schule.
After elementary school, I attended a grammar school in our neighboring town. I was never really happy there, which is why I didn't return after a year abroad in Ireland, but changed schools instead. The fact that I was able to attend a boarding school was only possible because I received scholarships for my achievements in art, among other things. I am very grateful for that. At the Schloss-Schule, school felt less like mass processing; here the focus was on what it should actually be about: Enjoying learning, community, and preparing for life.

What has changed in Kirchberg?
I particularly remember the choice of subjects, for example psychology and literature. But also the whole learning experience through small classes and levels, motivated and interested teachers and the available equipment provided a much better learning environment for me and gave me the necessary framework that I needed to perform.

What did you find formative? What values, life lessons and other things still guide you today?
I knew right from the start that it was a privilege to attend a boarding school. I believe that being aware of your privileges and being able to experience them accordingly is very important for character development. What I have also learned is that my opinion carries weight. Be it in performance assessments by teachers or in disputes with roommates. I learned to stand up for myself at the Schloss-Schule. Every rule is man-made, every decision is subjective, so it's always worth questioning, exchanging views and accepting that there is more than just your own point of view.

What happened after the SK?
Months before I had my Abitur in my pocket, I had already been accepted for a dual study program at Deutsche Telekom. So I already knew when I received my certificate that I only had three months between finishing school and starting university. I used this time for two work and travel assignments in Spain and the UK, worked as an au pair and on a farm, attended language courses at the same time and learned to navigate my everyday life independently and in a foreign environment. After this time, I started my dual studies and have now been working in various Telekom companies for ten years. I started in sales in Munich, then I was an assistant to a managing director in Bonn and am now a manager of an IT team in technology and live in Cologne. I always enjoy familiarizing myself with new topics and having the flexibility to live in different locations.
At the same time, I started my own business and worked as a management consultant, speaker and publisher. One of the projects close to my heart was building up a network of young experts, who I was able to give a stage to with publications in books and other specialist media, as well as speaking gigs. In 2024, for example, my second edited volume with some of these talents was published: "Ideas of today for the working world of tomorrow"

Are you still in contact within your cohort? And what stories or experiences do you remember?
Personally, I'm no longer in close contact, but as life always goes, you sometimes meet up unexpectedly on the street, at parties or on Instagram. These are always nice moments to reminisce together.
I spontaneously remember an anecdote from my school days: sometimes you would sneak out after lights out to visit other rooms. Moments reminiscent of Hanni and Nanni. Once I had to go back particularly quickly to avoid being caught. I lost a shoe in the process. I found it again the next day - chewed up grass green in the goat enclosure outside my room. I will never forget that sight.

What are you grateful for?
I'm grateful that I have the freedom to shape my life as I see fit. There are few items on my bucket list because I can almost always simply implement them and tick them off as soon as they come to mind. Be it a wonderful trip to Japan last year, a plane ticket for my sense of freedom or simply the opportunity to work remotely to spend lots of time with my soon-to-be 18-year-old dog.

Looking back on your school days, what would you do differently today?
I would wish 17-year-old Zoe to take things easier and put less pressure on herself. It took me a few years afterwards to get my exam nerves under control, for example. Otherwise, I would do everything the same again. All my decisions have ultimately made me the person I am today.

Would you like to support the school and the current students?
If so, what would you like to do?
I would be happy to support them with my expertise and insights as an exchange partner on corporate life, career changes and all my creative projects, such as being an author.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
A mantra that accompanies me in my day-to-day work: If you get bad feedback from people you wouldn't ask for advice, you're doing everything right.