Tell Me, Dad!

In this episode I ask Dad which values guided him through the hardest moments of his life. He reflects on challenges in his career, the painful break up with his first wife, and the early death of his father. Out of these reflections two main values stand out in the end. It is an open and honest conversation about resilience, what really matters when life feels uncertain, and how staying true to your values can help you move forward.

In this episode I ask Dad a question we have all heard before. Is “follow your passion” really good advice? His answer is yes but with a twist. We talk about why passion matters, what most people misunderstand about it, and how to turn it into something that works in real life. It is a conversation about dreams, hard work, and finding the balance between doing what you love and making it last.

WE ARE BACK! In the first episode of Season 2 we sit down to catch up on everything that has happened since our last conversation. Dad opens up about his fight with prostate cancer and the heartbreaking loss of our dog Lotte. We also share some brighter moments like my university graduation and the special vacation I was able to give Mum and Dad. We end the episode by talking about what is coming up this season and the conversations we are most excited to have.

In the final episode of Season 1 of "Tell Me, Dad!", my father takes a moment to reflect on his incredible journey. He summarizes the key moments from his life—his challenges, triumphs, and the lessons learned along the way. From navigating personal and professional highs to overcoming setbacks, he shares the most crucial takeaways that shaped his path. This episode offers a powerful conclusion to Season 1, filled with insights on resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to one’s values. It's a thoughtful and inspiring reflection on a life well-lived, leaving listeners with valuable lessons to carry forward.

In this reflective fourteenth episode of "Tell Me, Dad!", my father shares the touching story of how one of his board members became a great friend over time, only to pass away later from cancer. The loss was deeply felt, highlighting the powerful connections that can form in the professional world.

He also recounts his experience in Germany, where he joined a company in the Eifel region. Despite the financial success he achieved there, my dad reveals how he struggled with the company’s unique culture, which felt drastically different from his time in the U.S. This episode explores the bittersweetness of friendship, the challenges of adapting to new environments, and the complex nature of professional fulfillment.

In this thirteenth episode of "Tell Me, Dad!", my father reflects on the five most meaningful years of his life after selling his company. He shares how being part of an incredible board of directors became the best and most enriching experience of his career, offering immense personal and professional growth.

He also touches on some cherished family memories, like buying toys for me during his trips to the USA, our vacations together, and bringing home our dog, Lotte. Now, 16 years later, Lotte is still part of the family. This episode celebrates the fulfilling blend of career achievements and precious moments with loved ones.

In this inspiring twelfth episode of "Tell Me, Dad!", my father shares how he transformed his small startup into a million-dollar business, eventually selling it to a group of investors while remaining as CEO. The journey from humble beginnings to success was full of challenges, but his determination and strategic vision led to incredible growth.

Alongside the business triumph, my dad also reflects on his personal life, detailing how he grew closer to my mom during this time. He shares the heartwarming story of how they eventually married, with me being born just a year later.

In this exciting eleventh episode of "Tell Me, Dad!", my father shares the story of how he started his own company, diving into the high-stakes world of entrepreneurship. He took a massive risk, forgoing his salary and securing a bank loan of 800,000 Deutsch Marks to fund the venture. Despite the challenges, his hard work began to pay off.

After just one year, an American company approached him with an offer to take over his business. But instead of accepting, my dad held firm and negotiated a deal that would change everything—a 50/50 joint venture. What seemed like a monumental turning point in his career, however, was sealed by an unexpected moment: a night at a Kegel alley. This episode dives into the risk-taking, negotiation tactics, and serendipitous moments that defined my dad’s entrepreneurial journey. Tune in for a story of grit, strategy, and how sometimes the best business deals happen in the most unlikely places.

In this powerful tenth episode of "Tell Me, Dad!", my father begins by reflecting on the emotional toll of his divorce, a difficult personal chapter that deeply affected him. As he navigated the challenges of his personal life, he faced a sudden professional setback when the owner of the company he worked for let him go. The owner’s decision came as a result of an emotional reaction, a decision that ultimately led to my dad’s departure despite his hard work and the success he brought to the company through joint ventures in India and Thailand.

Amidst the turmoil, my dad also shares a surprising and heartwarming twist—how he met my mum, who, as it turns out, had been his secretary all along. This episode delves into the complexities of navigating career setbacks, personal loss, and unexpected love, highlighting the resilience and strength required to keep moving forward through it all.

In this insightful ninth episode of "Tell Me, Dad!", my father opens up about a pivotal turning point in his career. After working for 20 years at a company that eventually went bankrupt, he found himself starting over at a smaller, struggling firm. Faced with the challenge of turning the company around, he shares how he used his skills to secure a crucial bank loan by delivering an outstanding presentation that impressed the financial backers.

But the story doesn’t end there. My dad also recounts the creative and tenacious approach he used to get a Brazilian customer to finally pay up after they had failed to settle their debt. This episode is a testament to perseverance, clever problem-solving, and the resilience required to thrive in tough business situations. Tune in for a story of reinvention, overcoming adversity, and the hustle required to keep moving forward.