Timo Bausch

About Beyond Cubicles

📢 #BeyondCubicles is a weekly LinkedIn series created by Carolina D’Souza, born out of her own experience transitioning from a corporate career to independent consulting. Since its launch in June 2024, the series has evolved into a platform that showcases the inspiring journeys of several founders who have redefined the traditional 9-to-5.

Through authentic narratives, #BeyondCubicles highlights themes of courage, resilience, and purpose. The stories feature individuals from diverse industries—ranging from tech and education to wellness and adventure—who share their experiences of stepping away from conventional roles to pursue passion-driven careers. 

✨ Note: All features in this series are unpaid and shared as a way to honor and amplify real stories of transformation.

Timo Bausch had been working on a passion project alongside a full-time corporate career in Europe.

 

A challenging job market after moving with his family to Dubai in December 2025 became his turning point.

 

“It pushed me to finally commit,” says the certified Water Sommelier who helped develop the water category during his tenure at Tetra Pak.

 

SOMMCADEMY (sommcademy.com) which he launched earlier this year, offers one of the UAE’s largest selections of natural mineral waters, along with water tastings and bespoke water bars for private households and events.

 

“I am changing people’s perception of water, elevating it from a basic commodity to a valuable product associated with taste, origin, health and experience,” he says.

 

Early on, people saw him as someone with a niche interest in water. “I quickly learned that not everyone takes you seriously when you are fascinated by water,” he says.

 

That’s shifted. “Perception is changing. People increasingly see me as someone developing a modern concept based on water culture, education and sensory experiences. My personal brand is now more closely associated with storytelling and expertise.”

 

Building the business came at a cost: time, stability, peace of mind. “In my naivety, I expected success to come faster in the UAE. I wish I had realized how long it takes to build trust and visibility in a new country,” he says.

 

The doubt was constant, even as the business found its footing. “As an entrepreneur, there is also a constant inner doubt that surfaces almost daily, questioning whether this is truly the right path,” he says.

 

Two things kept him steady: sports, and his wife, who remained his biggest source of support throughout.

 

Both success and fulfillment have looked different along the way, built from small and big moments alike: media attention, collaborations with global brands, and conversations with bottlers across the industry.

 

“For me, fulfilment means creating something that aligns with my values, passions and curiosity,” he says.

 

Originally from Germany, he and his wife felt the UAE could offer their family a better life.

 

“I never expected that something as simple as water could open doors to international media, meaningful connections, and an entirely new life in another country,” he says, adding, “I would still make the same decision because the growth and experiences are incomparable.”