We also asked our interviewees this question: What are you continuing to develop in yourself — as a leader and as a person?
Their answers went far beyond traditional notions of professional development.
🔹 Niels van Quaquebeke, Professor of Leadership at Kühne Logistics University in Hamburg: “Given the upheavals in our world, first resilience — I want to become better at dealing with setbacks. Then adaptability — I want to recognize and seize opportunities more quickly. And third, critical thinking — because if everyone follows the AI herd, the independent thinker will stand out.”
🔹 Hariolf Wenzler, CEO of YPOG: “I try to understand innovation across all dimensions of business activity — market and competition, customer needs, technological development, and society.”
🔹 Thomas Behrens, owner of Wohnkultur Joh. Nagel: “I learn something new every day — through podcasts, articles, and industry insights. And I visit my customers. I’ve just returned from Scotland, where I visited a weaving mill. With that knowledge, I can sell the products more effectively.”
Van Quaquebeke thinks in terms of capabilities for a world in transition. Wenzler thinks in systems — those who understand innovation at every level make better decisions. And Behrens reminds us that development does not always mean seminars or strategy workshops. Sometimes it is a flight to Edinburgh and a look behind the scenes of a supplier.
What connects all three is that learning is not an obligation for them — it is the driving force.