Explore every episode of the podcast Tell Me, Dad!

In this reflective fourteenth episode of "Tell Me, Dad!", my father shares the touching story of how one of his board members became a great friend over time, only to pass away later from cancer. The loss was deeply felt, highlighting the powerful connections that can form in the professional world.

He also recounts his experience in Germany, where he joined a company in the Eifel region. Despite the financial success he achieved there, my dad reveals how he struggled with the company’s unique culture, which felt drastically different from his time in the U.S. This episode explores the bittersweetness of friendship, the challenges of adapting to new environments, and the complex nature of professional fulfillment.

In this thirteenth episode of "Tell Me, Dad!", my father reflects on the five most meaningful years of his life after selling his company. He shares how being part of an incredible board of directors became the best and most enriching experience of his career, offering immense personal and professional growth.

He also touches on some cherished family memories, like buying toys for me during his trips to the USA, our vacations together, and bringing home our dog, Lotte. Now, 16 years later, Lotte is still part of the family. This episode celebrates the fulfilling blend of career achievements and precious moments with loved ones.

In this inspiring twelfth episode of "Tell Me, Dad!", my father shares how he transformed his small startup into a million-dollar business, eventually selling it to a group of investors while remaining as CEO. The journey from humble beginnings to success was full of challenges, but his determination and strategic vision led to incredible growth.

Alongside the business triumph, my dad also reflects on his personal life, detailing how he grew closer to my mom during this time. He shares the heartwarming story of how they eventually married, with me being born just a year later.

In this exciting eleventh episode of "Tell Me, Dad!", my father shares the story of how he started his own company, diving into the high-stakes world of entrepreneurship. He took a massive risk, forgoing his salary and securing a bank loan of 800,000 Deutsch Marks to fund the venture. Despite the challenges, his hard work began to pay off.

After just one year, an American company approached him with an offer to take over his business. But instead of accepting, my dad held firm and negotiated a deal that would change everything—a 50/50 joint venture. What seemed like a monumental turning point in his career, however, was sealed by an unexpected moment: a night at a Kegel alley. This episode dives into the risk-taking, negotiation tactics, and serendipitous moments that defined my dad’s entrepreneurial journey. Tune in for a story of grit, strategy, and how sometimes the best business deals happen in the most unlikely places.

In this powerful tenth episode of "Tell Me, Dad!", my father begins by reflecting on the emotional toll of his divorce, a difficult personal chapter that deeply affected him. As he navigated the challenges of his personal life, he faced a sudden professional setback when the owner of the company he worked for let him go. The owner’s decision came as a result of an emotional reaction, a decision that ultimately led to my dad’s departure despite his hard work and the success he brought to the company through joint ventures in India and Thailand.

Amidst the turmoil, my dad also shares a surprising and heartwarming twist—how he met my mum, who, as it turns out, had been his secretary all along. This episode delves into the complexities of navigating career setbacks, personal loss, and unexpected love, highlighting the resilience and strength required to keep moving forward through it all.

In this insightful ninth episode of "Tell Me, Dad!", my father opens up about a pivotal turning point in his career. After working for 20 years at a company that eventually went bankrupt, he found himself starting over at a smaller, struggling firm. Faced with the challenge of turning the company around, he shares how he used his skills to secure a crucial bank loan by delivering an outstanding presentation that impressed the financial backers.

But the story doesn’t end there. My dad also recounts the creative and tenacious approach he used to get a Brazilian customer to finally pay up after they had failed to settle their debt. This episode is a testament to perseverance, clever problem-solving, and the resilience required to thrive in tough business situations. Tune in for a story of reinvention, overcoming adversity, and the hustle required to keep moving forward.

In this riveting eighth episode of "Tell Me, Dad!", my father shares his unforgettable experiences doing business in Russia and India. He tells the story of his Austrian representative, who had a unique ability to get them into the embassy—where the only good food could be found—by pretending to know the ambassadors. These visits became more than just business; they were also a way to escape the challenges of dining in a foreign country.

But the adventure takes a darker turn in India, where a customer, eager to pressure him into signing a contract, kidnapped my dad. The intense experience and how he managed to outsmart his captors is a story of resilience and quick thinking. This episode is packed with suspense, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the dangers and ingenuity required when doing business in challenging environments. Tune in for a gripping tale of survival, business negotiation, and the unexpected twists of international dealings!

In this insightful seventh episode of "Tell Me, Dad!", my father shares his return to Germany and his shift into the world of marketing. As he navigated this new career path, he discovered a crucial flaw in many German companies—while they excelled at building top-tier products, they often failed to understand their customers' real needs. This realization opened his eyes to the importance of customer-centric strategies and how product development should align with market demand.

From there, my dad recounts how he applied his marketing expertise to land a major breakthrough—selling a machine to international airlines like United. He shares the strategies he used, the challenges he faced, and the satisfaction of successfully connecting a great product with the right customers. This episode is a deep dive into the power of marketing, understanding customer needs, and the rewards of a well-executed sales strategy.

In this powerful sixth episode of "Tell Me, Dad!", my father reflects on the birth of my brother in Brazil and the incredible warmth and friendliness he experienced from the Brazilian people. He shares how the community embraced them during this life-changing time, making it a memorable chapter of their lives.

However, as much as he loved the culture and the connections they formed, my dad also speaks candidly about the dangers and challenges Brazil posed. He reveals how the realities of safety concerns ultimately led him to make the difficult decision to return to Germany. This episode is a blend of admiration for Brazil’s vibrant spirit and the harsh lessons that sometimes shape the choices we make. Tune in for an intimate story about family, culture, and the complex realities of living abroad.

In this engaging fifth episode of "Tell Me, Dad!", my father shares his experiences as he begins to settle into life in Brazil. He recounts the challenges and excitement of finding a new home in a vibrant and unfamiliar culture. However, the adventure takes an unexpected turn when he decides to bring a computer from the U.S. to Brazil without proper documentation.

Join us as he narrates the harrowing experience of being apprehended by authorities and spending a few hours in jail—a story filled with tension, humor, and valuable lessons about navigating life in a new country. This episode highlights the ups and downs of starting fresh in a different land, showcasing the resilience and adaptability required to embrace new beginnings. Tune in for a mix of laughter and life lessons that resonate across borders!

In this exciting fourth episode of "Tell Me, Dad!", my father shares a pivotal moment in his life when he made the bold decision to leave the U.S. behind for a new adventure in Brazil. After indulging in four refreshing caipirinhas during his first visit to Rio de Janeiro, he signed a job offer, only to wake up the next morning with little recollection of the momentous decision he’d made!

Join us as he reflects on the spontaneity of that decision, the thrill of embracing a new culture, and the lessons learned along the way. This episode is a celebration of adventure, the unexpected paths life can take, and the courage it takes to follow them. Get ready for a captivating tale that highlights the joys of exploration and the excitement of starting anew!

In this captivating third episode of "Tell Me, Dad!", my father continues to share his adventures in America, unveiling the ups and downs of establishing himself in a new country. He recounts the excitement of buying his first car, a moment filled with pride and anticipation. However, the joy takes a turn when he shares the unforgettable story of how a colleague accidentally crashed it.

As he settles into his new life, my dad introduces us to his neighbors, offering insights into the friendships and connections that helped him feel at home in this foreign land. Join us for another engaging conversation as we explore the themes of adaptation, community, and the unforgettable experiences that shape our lives.

In this exciting second episode of "Tell Me, Dad!", my father shares the start of his journey to America and the cultural lessons he learned during his time there. From navigating a new environment to adapting to different workplace dynamics, he reflects on the challenges he faced as an outsider. Hear the gripping story of how, just two months into his new job, he found himself on the brink of being fired. My dad recounts the pivotal moments that shaped his understanding of the importance of embracing new experiences. Join us for this engaging conversation that highlights the power of resilience and the invaluable lessons learned from stepping outside one’s comfort zone.

In the first episode of "Tell Me, Dad!", I sit down with my father to explore the foundational years of his life. He opens up about the impact of losing his father at a young age and how that shaped his outlook on life and family. We also dive into his first work experiences, sharing the lessons he learned along the way. Join us as we uncover the stories that forged his character and set the stage for the incredible journey that followed.