The Connection Between DER bogen and Gratitude

Helene Eder, 26.07.2024

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Recently, I had the immense pleasure of reconnecting with two of my former colleagues, who have now become cherished friends. As we reminisced, we passed by my old workplace at Giesecke+Devrient , which led us to the awe-inspiring DER bogen.

This architectural marvel still fills my heart with joy. Though I never pursued my passion for architecture and restoration due to financial and practical constraints, this has remained a beloved hobby. I vividly recall my disappointment when this project initially came second in the competition and my subsequent elation when it ultimately triumphed after a rework. Seeing its 3D magnificence today, I eagerly anticipate its completion, though I wish it could have been a vibrant mixed-use space, blending living, co-working, and socializing areas.

Standing before this building, a flood of memories and realizations washed over me. I recognized truths I had long known: some dreams aren't meant to be, despite the rosy promises of many "find your dream job" guides. After all, what does a dream job truly mean? what truly constitutes a dream job? I’ve come to accept that I will neither be a restaurateur, an architect, nor an electrical engineer in this lifetime. The later even despite a successful excellent pre-diploma which I accomplished in parallel to a +40h job at Vincotech .

It's more reasonable to reflect on one's accomplishments, recognizing what has brought fulfilment, gratitude, energy, and motivation. For me, it's always been about the people—encouraging, empowering, and leading alongside incredibly creative, precise, fun, serious, witty, smart, dedicated, and persevering individuals. The goal was secondary to the joy of working together towards a common purpose, which was the most inspiring and gratifying aspect. As @Jasper Juul says, the content is not as important as the reason and the purpose.

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My reflections on my professional journey, from G+D and beyond, brought forth memories of incredible colleagues who have enriched my professional journey with joy, learning, camaraderie, new experiences and gratitude. Together, we shared conspiracies, tactical collaborations, and an overarching sense of belonging, being seen, and being accepted.

During my decade at Giesecke+Devrient , I built a remarkable network of colleagues. Many earned a special place in my heart. My team of process experts, a diverse group of strong characters, committed to achieving even the nearly impossible, stands out. I owe special gratitude to Nicoleta Piporan , a genius in HR-processes reflected in #SuccessFactors and now a dear friend, Erika Dr?ber, a cross-competence talent, Andreas Berndt, an innovative mastermind, Michael Danzer, an HR process expert and secret team lead, Frank Tidow, initially my mentor and later on an invaluable member of our team who remained curious and experimental with new technologies until his retirement, and Anton Lonzinger , a dedicated and creative talent for implementing new ideas.

My initial team at Veridos , including Andreas Staude , Sabine Jourdan, Daniela Lazarezscu, and Franziska Muschik , made work not only effective but enjoyable - guys you have been a pleasure to work with.

My international community significantly contributed to my success as Head of Business Process Excellence. Christian Bellsolell supported me by sharing his amazing employees with my team. I grieved deeply when I learned that David, my closest supporter from Spain, was fatally injured in a motorcycle accident last year. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and colleagues. Thank you, Elisabet Villanova , for being considerate and informing me. And Jugdish Purba, my personal cheerleader to this day – thank you for your incredible friendship from India. The list must continue here for much longer, but I would mention only two more; my managers Dr. Peter Zattler and Winfried Schiegl for always meeting me on eye level despite their more elevated positions and thus being instrumental, providing diplomatic influence, competence, and unwavering support during turbulent times.

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Through a cross-corporate Leadership External Peer Reflection Program, which was guide-railed by Klaus Eidenschink from Hephaistos, Coaching-Zentrum München I formed a long-lasting support network with four remarkable colleagues from different companies: Alexander Angebrandt , Rainer Kumpf , Andreas Müller , and Thomas Ulrich . Together, we mentored, coached, and supported each other through numerous leadership challenges.

At Knorr-Bremse, my "Best team ever" (Daniel Zollo, Steffen Dierauf , Liudmila Schaper , Heike K?nig, Cristina Rempel, Jim Rerko ) was formed under the surreal circumstances of the corona pandemic. Despite meeting only a couple times in person, we became a rock-solid unity, working hand-in-hand and heart-to-heart. Reconnecting with Petra Grünwald and Ursula Urbas from G+D, who bridged my old and new worlds, was serendipitous. Petra has become one of my closest friends. And without my boss Manfred Ziegler I am sure my job would not have been doable. I am still grateful for his trust in my competence and his empowering of my freedom and flexibility at work.

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Before G+D, I had the opportunity to build a new Sub-Group Controlling at Vincotech after an investor buy-out. Fantastic colleagues from the former company Tyco Electronics, such as Eckart Seitter , now the CEO of the company and Peter Sontheimer , welcomed my expertise and personality. Among the new people, Ruth Rosner from Ruth Rosner Consulting was my functional counterpart in accounting, a competence genius and such a wonderful person to work with. Levente Boldvai helped launch the new department, and Dietmar Hilgers, then the COO, offered invaluable mentorship.

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At Formel D Group , Jürgen Laakmann assigned me the role of Chief Admin Officer of two rapidly growing German entities and financial responsibility for two international sites in China and US on my first working day — a tremendous proof of trust. This was only manageable thanks to my fantastic assistant and now friend, Ruth Groschke , and an incredible on site team especially with my technical counterpart Christian Brandt and the ever so charming sales-pro Elise Francois . My financial counterparts across other subsidiaries and headquarters provided immense support, especially Jessica Lüdke , Oliver Orth , Juliane Lange , Joachim Schneider , Lutz Heyser , and Angela Konertz, we‘ve been quite a team implementing SAP and supporting each other across entire Germany and not forgetting to party together, K?lner Karneval, Canstatter Vasen, Okotberfest ??.

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No achievement in my role as Head of Digital Transformation at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft would have been possible without the guidance and personally committed sponsorship of former Vice President Klaus Blaum and my core team, Christian Erlacher , Alexander Seitz , Katrin Kuch , and Konstanze Breithaupt . They are not only talented professionals but also amazing friends who encouraged, provided alternative views and thus broadened perspectives, came up with pragmatic solutions and supported each other through every challenge.

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So like a bow in a ribbon or a knot in a tissue, DER bogen served me as a poignant reminder of the wonderful experiences and people I am grateful for in my professional life. And that our personal and professional life is shaped by our choices of perspectives and perceptions on it. And this is just one part of my story, my school and university years were also filled with incredible people and experiences — worthy of another article. ??

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This article may not interest everyone, but I hope those mentioned here read it and understand the profound impact they have had on my life. Regular gratitude practice is beneficial for our well-being, and it is essential to express our appreciation to those who deserve it. While I have thanked many of these individuals in person, sometimes the true value of someone's influence becomes clear only in hindsight.

So, in the words of Elton John, "I hope you don't mind that I put down in words how wonderful life is while you're in the world."

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