For the twelfth time, Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences and the Wolfsburg health region, under the sponsorship of the Rotary Club Gifhorn-Wolfsburg, organised the "Happiness and a fulfilled life" series of talks. Around 150 participants came together at the Ostfalia Campus in Wolfsburg for an evening full of personal insights and moving moments under the main theme "Courage to break new ground".
The initiator of the series of talks is Prof Dr Mike Hoffmeister, happiness researcher at the Faculty of Business at Ostfalia University. With this format, he wants to encourage people and encourage them to shape their lives in an active and fulfilling way. "At the same time, we want to promote a better, appreciative understanding of the diversity of cultures in Germany and around the world."
Courage as a key skill in uncertain times
Mayor Andreas Klaffehn emphasised the special significance of the event for the city of Wolfsburg. The format is now a permanent fixture and brings people together who are concerned with the central question of what constitutes a good and fulfilling life. At the same time, the series stands for respect, openness and social cohesion.
Prof Dr Dennis Royer, Dean of the Faculty of Business at Ostfalia, also emphasised the topicality of the topic of "courage". In a world characterised by uncertainty, courage has become a key skill. "We need courage to take action - not only when making big decisions, but also in everyday life," said Royer.
Positive leadership and a new corporate culture
The Positivity Guides from Berlin demonstrated how courage can be used in a targeted manner to empower employees and sustainably develop a positive corporate culture with practical tips. They used scientific studies to prove that positive leadership is not just a theoretical construct, but is also effective in companies. Concrete recommendations for action made it clear how these approaches can be implemented in everyday working life. Conveying a sense of purpose, creating psychological security and promoting employees' strengths play a central role.
Cécile Meyer-Bartsch, Head of Human Resources at the Mölders Group, gave an impressive practical report. She described how a change to a new corporate culture was implemented and the sustainable successes that have resulted. Bartsch emphasised: "Culture doesn't change because we describe it - but because we behave differently at key moments."
Out of "German fear" - towards personal responsibility and gratitude
Get out of "German Angst" and give life a new direction with heart and courage - that is the message from coach Torsten Schildgen. How do I take personal responsibility? What role does forgiveness play? How can I control my emotions? And how important is gratitude for happiness? These questions were at the heart of his talk. He actively involved the audience with small exercises.
"Now time": touching conversation about illness, acceptance and confidence
A particularly moving highlight of the evening was an interview conducted by Ostfalia happiness researcher Mike Hoffmeister with Dr Christian Biegus. At the same time, he was diagnosed with dementia and his wife with multiple sclerosis (MS). He spoke openly about how he deals with this situation, the strength that gives him confidence and how he looks to the future. His message was: "We must not hide and must deal with our illness openly and mindfully. It starts with accepting dementia and learning to think in new ways." Living in the now, the "NOW-TIME", is an important realisation. He made an urgent appeal not to put anything off. The audience responded with great sympathy and a standing ovation - a very emotional moment.
"Courage to be honest": dealing openly with addiction and toxic relationships
The event concluded with a personal and emotional discussion with Spiegel bestselling author Franziska Hohmann. True to her motto "Courage to be honest", she spoke openly about her journey, dealing with the stressful, toxic relationship with her mother and her alcohol addiction. She described her experiences with addiction and therapy processes in three phases. She emphasised that letting go and cultivating friendships are an important part of therapy.
Support for disadvantaged children and young people - locally and internationally
At the subsequent get-together, participants were able to talk to the speakers in person. As part of the event, the Rotary Club of Gifhorn-Wolfsburg once again collected voluntary donations and will double these at the end to further increase the impact of its commitment. The proceeds will benefit disadvantaged children and young people in the region and in South Africa.
