"Listening attentively and arguing passionately for something is not a contradiction."
As an expert in leadership, communication and change, I have a clear idea of what I can achieve and take on projects where I can really add value. When clients play an active role in shaping the content of the development process, we achieve a practicable and sustainable development result. My clients are experts in their own actions; I meet them as equals in order to activate resources. We work together on concrete solutions so that the direct benefits for development can be experienced. As a consultant, I also withdraw from time to time in order to open up sufficient opportunities for development.
Personal
My favorite thing to do on a sunny summer weekend is...
The best function on my cell phone display?
The best function on my cell phone is the sleep function! It always gives me a guilty conscience when I work too long. Especially when I’m out and about, I appreciate the newspaper and social network apps on my phone to keep me up to date, at least virtually.
What drives you "up the wall"?
As I have a fear of heights, it takes a while for me to really go off the deep end. To accelerate this, “not sticking to agreements”, ignorance, authoritarian behavior or poor service would be good ingredients.
What do you value most about your friends?
That they never get tired of inviting me, even though I almost always have to cancel for work reasons. Dear friends, a very public THANK YOU for this – I’m sure I’ll always be at all our events at the retirement home at the latest…
Who or what are you a fan of? And why?
As a child of the Ruhr region, I am a total fan of Borussia Dortmund! I enjoy being in the stadium with 81,365 other fans and passionately supporting my BVB. I could now explain how wonderfully systemic the experience of a soccer match is, where the complexity of interactions on the pitch and sometimes in the stands is completely unpredictable, therefore linear leadership is impossible and the coach is limited to creating a common understanding of “full-throttle soccer” and goal-oriented framework conditions. But in the end, it’s just awesome when we win…
Your best childhood memory?
There are many: brilliant trips with my parents, small and very loving gifts from my parents, a fantastic time in the scouts, incredible experiences with friends – but the most impressive experience of my childhood is the chance to ride in the basket of a fire engine. Wow! And in retrospect, it’s incomprehensible that I didn’t take this opportunity…
What has been your biggest adventure so far?
My goodness, I have been able to experience so many things that really excite me, from the very small adventures of simply going for a walk in foreign countries to the bigger ones that my job allows me, where I am lucky enough to accompany organizations and individuals in their development, to the births of our children, both of which I was able to witness.
What must always be "included" in a successful vacation?
I absolutely need my family for the perfect vacation. My children definitely take my mind off things and when they take over, my wife can relax. I totally enjoy being an entertainer for my children on vacation. However, if they make friends on vacation, I’m not mad either… The location of the vacation is of secondary importance in view of this supporting program. Oh yes, I also let my laptop go on vacation somewhere other than me. On business trips, however, a season of “24” is a must in my luggage.
