I was my father’s son. He always let it be known that he would have liked to have a son. Fortunately, in the absence of that son, my father spent time with me. As a chess master, he taught me the game, trained logic and taught me coding. He had such a lasting influence on me that I wanted to become a mathematician. I was fascinated by numbers from an early age, starting with dominoes as a toddler.

My parents always encouraged me to think that the world was open to me and that I could achieve anything with performance and brains. I realized early on that I would not be judged by my performance, but above all by my looks.

During my business studies, I completed a traineeship at a large international consumer goods manufacturer. I worked enthusiastically on a category management project and was allowed to give a presentation. The feedback from my boss was just: You look very good when you present. He didn’t take me seriously. Nothing was assessed or praised in terms of content. Not even in my traineeship reference when I finished. I was so angry. I had worked so hard.

Don’t be afraid to ask critical questions. Be uncomfortable and don’t bend. The world belongs to the brave.