Dear all,
It is not difficult for me to say what I like about my job. One of the main things is working with many international clients and partners. I just like to learn more about other cultures and ways of thinking and take the best of it into my everyday life.
For example, we do a lot of projects with Americans. Very nice people. However, I think that some thinks are pretty strange over there. For example, I regularly laugh at the fact that they have to put on a coffee that it might be hot – as if that wasn’t the basic idea of coffee.
But what I like about American culture is the way they celebrate university graduations. I myself studied at ETH Zurich. A top university, no question. But at the end, a professor said a few warm words, everyone got a piece of paper with “Diploma” on it, and then there was a glass of champagne and some peanuts for everyone. Done.
The American, on the other hand, organize large events where celebrities speak. People like Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates or Barack Obama. They are called “Commencement speeches”, and the basic idea is that these celebrities pass on their key life lessons to young people. Thanks to YouTube, we mere mortals can also watch these speeches and be inspired.
One great speech that is also available as a book is by Admiral William McRaven. It’s called “Make Your Bed.”
Yes, I know: It’s unusual for an admiral to say “Make your bed” as his key message. Even more so when he was active for several decades as a Navy SEAL in the wars of this world and found and killed Osama bin Laden with his troops.
Here is the explanation: Admiral McRaven says that in life – and especially when you’re at war – things don’t always go well. Then you need something to go back to, to refresh yourself mentally. So when you get up in the morning and you’re not feeling well, you’re worried about the uncertainty of the day ahead, etc. – the first thing you should do is make your bed. This is a simple activity that you will definitely do well. Then you’ll have a positive experience right after you get up. And then if the day actually doesn’t go well, you come back in the evening and see your beautifully made bed. Then you have something to be happy about – because YOU did it beautifully and well.
I really recommend the book (https://amzn.to/3b4UO8J). Admiral McRaven talks about his life as a Navy SEAL, about the training and about the priorities he has set in life. It wouldn’t be my cup of tea, but it doesn’t have to be.
I prefer to organize webinars and spread knowledge about hydrogen. For example, this one:
Title: Wasserstoff: Regulierung & wirtschaftliche Geschäftsmodelle (German)
Speaker: Dr. Hermann Rothfuchs, Partner, Bird & Bird LLP; Anna Horschik, Associate, Bird & Bird LLP
Date: February 24, 2021, 10:00 CET
Price: free of charge
Registration: www.mission-hydrogen.de
What do you prefer? The book (https://amzn.to/3b4UO8J) or the webinar (www.mission-hydrogen.de)?
Have a nice day
David Wenger
PS: Read the book (https://amzn.to/3b4UO8J) and I promise you: You will never leave the house again if the bed is still rumpled. I even make the bed in the hotel before leaving… 😉
PS 2: Here is the webinar registration link again: www.mission-hydrogen.de