Hi Reader,

Last weekend, a former German president said something unusual on live television and when I read about it in the German News, I was thinking: Unprofessionalism at its best!

Joachim Gauck, 84 years old, was asked about the current political situation and while everyone expected a yes-or-no answer in the logic of political debate, he said: "A crack runs through me." He described holding two perspectives, two truths that pull in opposite directions. His language was unusually emotional and candid.

As the journalist explained, Gauck's genuine openness was contagious. Other guests followed, admitting their own ambivalence, allowed grey into a conversation that's usually black and white.

But then, the panel fell back into professional speak. Safe arguments and predictable positions.

During this moment of fresh air, Gauck did something that professionals and politicians rarely do: Showing willingness to be seen as divided, human without clear position and answers. Saying: I hold two things that don't resolve, and I'm not going to pretend I could.

Politicians usually do the exact opposite: They arrive with a position and defend it no matter what. Hesitation or even considering the other's point of view is often considered weak. And so it is not only in politics but also in boardrooms, in business, in meetings. The person who says "I'm torn" is often read as unprepared. The person who performs certainty is read as capable.

Which brings me to this week's guest, who knows something about that performance, and what it costs.

🎤 Waiting for you on the Unprofessionalism podcast:

When Martin Frederik Garbers' company was acquired, he was handed the unenviable job of letting twenty-five people go. His own days were numbered too, but he chose to spend them sitting through the hard conversations, one by one. As a human being first, a CFO second.

When he walked the Camino after redundancy, something shifted. He wasn't going back to corporate life. Now he lights a candle before the world wakes up, takes executives for long walks in nature, and asks his clients to slow down long enough to hear what they already know.

We talk about why unspoken rules do the most damage, what gets buried when leaders aren't allowed to feel, and why two hours walking in nature will do more for your business than a back-to-back calendar full of important meetings.

🎧 Click here to listen to the interview

📥 Download my 1-page summary

​UP_010_Summary.pdf​

🎧 The workshops work Podcast Club

Join me for the next gathering of the workshops work podcast club, discussing Learning from Game Design about Facilitation:

​Click here to sign up for free.

That's it from my side. I hope to see you next week!

Myriam