Life at LightBlue: He Came for the Internship, Stayed for the Mission

Thailand, July 2025

As his three-month internship draws to a close, we sat down with Tamino Kohne, 23, from Berlin—to reflect on his experience at The PLEDGE. Arriving in January, Tamino quickly immersed himself in our world of food sustainability, data-driven solutions, and playful office banter (with plenty of iced coffee and Thai sunshine along the way).

What followed wasn’t just an internship: it was a mindset shift.

I. From Berlin to Bangkok: Meet Tamino

“Bonjour, nice to meet you,” Tamino grins with his signature ease. A business student with a strong interest in sustainability, Tamino joined LightBlue looking to apply his skills in a purpose-driven setting.

“I worked with The PLEDGE, which in my opinion is the coolest thing,” he says. From day one, the office energy stood out to him. “It’s not too serious. People make jokes. It’s a fun environment to be and work in.”

The first time Tamino stepped inside, he sensed something different. “There was very good dynamics, very fresh energy,” he recalls. Instead of a stiff corporate vibe, he found an open, international, and curious culture—exactly the kind of space where young professionals like him could thrive.

Beyond business strategy, Tamino says one of the biggest takeaways was a deeper understanding of food systems—and just how urgent the food waste crisis really is.

“I learned about the carbon footprint of food waste, what happens after food is thrown away… methane, landfills. Now I look at food with different eyes.”

This personal awakening reflects what many The PLEDGE interns discover: a shift not just in skills, but in values.

II. Thailand Moments: Night Markets & Warm Smiles

Tamino fell in love with Thailand’s vibrant night markets—cultural hubs where locals and visitors come together to thrift, eat, and soak in the warm, welcoming atmosphere.

When Tamino wasn’t working on strategy decks or researching market landscapes, he was soaking in the rhythm of daily life in Thailand—a country that, for him, offered both cultural contrast and unexpected comfort.

“I love Thai friendliness,” he shares. “People are warm, open, always willing to help—even if they don’t know you. Coming from Germany, where people can be more serious and reserved, it was a big contrast—and a welcome one.”

More than just hospitality, Tamino was drawn to the uniquely laid-back energy of Thai life, something locals often describe as “sabai sabai”—a mindset of ease, flow, and emotional lightness. It’s not just a phrase—it’s a feeling, and for Tamino, it quickly became part of his day-to-day.

His favorite way to experience that spirit? Thailand’s famous night markets and vintage bazaars.

These weekend adventures gave him a deeper glimpse into local life—not as a tourist, but as a temporary resident finding joy in the small things: late-night mango sticky rice, laughing over bad Thai pronunciation, and getting gently lost in the maze of stalls and sounds.

III. Lessons for Future Interns

Tamino with Marco Sandri, Global Manager of The PLEDGE on Food Waste. Throughout the internship, Tamino supported strategy development under Marco’s guidance

Asked what advice he has for the next wave of The PLEDGE interns, Tamino doesn’t hesitate:

“Bring your positive energy. If you give that, it comes right back at you. The office has great vibes—you’ll enjoy it if you show up ready to engage.”

If he could change one thing? “I wish I spent more time with the team after work. The people are amazing—I wanted more time with them outside the office.”

Tamino leaves The PLEDGE with more than just new lines on a CV. He leaves with a sharpened sense of purpose, a deeper understanding of food systems, and a passport full of market adventures and mango sticky rice.

“I really enjoyed it. I’m a bit sad to leave… but I’m sure I’ll be back. Thank you, Ben.”

IV. Curious About Restaurant Food Waste Around the World?

Tamino’s experience shows how much an internship at The PLEDGE can open your eyes to the true impact of food systems. But his story is just one part of the bigger picture.

Wondering how much food restaurants waste annually—and what can be done about it?Explore our insights on the global average food waste of restaurants.

V. Want to Join the Mission?

At LightBlue, collaboration, curiosity, and purpose drive everything we do. Whether you’re a student, intern, or seasoned professional, there’s a place for you on the mission to reduce food waste.

Whether you're new to food waste prevention or ready to scale your sustainability strategy, LightBlue Consulting is here to help.

At LightBlue, we don’t just talk about sustainability—we build solutions that make it real. Whether it’s FIT Food Waste Tech, The PLEDGE on Food Waste, or the culture that powers them, we’re always looking for new talent who want to make an impact.

Think you’re a good fit for our team or internship program? Visit our Careers page right here.