EVERYBODY HAS SOMETHING TO GIVE
For a long time, I believed I had to live up to the expectations of others: study hard, attend university, earn my diplomas, and stay on the path I had set from the very beginning. The goal was simple—always become better at what I was meant to do. And this, I thought, was what would bring happiness. But in contrast to these expectations, my journey to fulfillment revealed a truth that was quite different.
I see you
In my mid-twenties, I set off on a journey of wanderlust that soon became a beloved addiction. It was a yearning for total immersion and self-reliance. As my career evolved, transitioning from strategic consultant to partnership manager across various industries, my passion for travel deepened. I sought remote destinations, drawn to the raw, unfiltered experiences that could only be found by living among locals. With my camera as my constant companion, I learned the art of patience, observation, and capturing the essence of people’s lives. Through this lens, I discovered the power of storytelling. Sharing the untold stories of the resilient, beautiful souls I encountered, whose lives were both pure and challenging. Inspired by them, I realized the importance of shining a light on their existence. And so, the project “I SEE YOU” was born, initially through my photography and later through the active sharing of ideas and stories. It became a profound reflection of my own journey, forging connections with people from diverse cultures and helping me uncover my own needs and talents.
Coincidence? I prefer to call it confirmation of desire.
The turning point in my life was triggered by a friend’s question who asked me to dream. Instantly a vivid vision emerged: “I want to connect with people all over the world, see them as equals, and share their inspiring stories. I want to learn from and inspire each other.” So, there it is! I said it out loud!
And wow, within a matter of months, a volunteering opportunity with an – till then – completely unknown NGO presented itself. As part of a reporting team, we ventured into Kenyan communities, sharing the stories of remarkable resilience amidst unimaginable hardships. Coincidence that this job came on my path? I prefer to call it confirmation of desire. It was not an easy job to really understand their situations when coming from a completely different background. It felt as a ‘taster’ for me how to deal with such stories. I mainly saw the strength of the people and anything but victimisation. I learned immensely about the different challenges in life and as an exchange the beneficiaries felt heard and seen, what was very important to them after all the silence.
Staying in the office means every day the same faces
Upon returning to the office after two weeks of immersion in amazing stories, I immediately knew it was no longer the right place for me. I yearned to go out there, connect with the unseen, and share their narratives. Remaining in the office would mean every day the same (though also beautiful and very kind) faces everyday. The opposite of that inspires me.
In the summer of 2018, I took a leap of faith and left my job. With a one-way ticket in hand, I ventured into the unknown, letting my intuition be my compass. Along the way, I immersed myself in different lives, cultures, and rituals, discovering the needs, aspirations, and remarkable drive of the people I encountered. What struck me was not only their inspiring personal stories but also the presence of numerous ‘local change makers’, as I like to call them. Experienced who run initiatives to bring positive impact to their own lives, the communities, country, and beyond.
From hidden desire to personal impact
It was when I met the Nepalese Nasreen Sheikh that the seeds for my work were planted. Nasreen is an incredible local changemaker who has overcome immense personal challenges and is committed to helping women. After escaping from an arranged child marriage and working in a dangerous sweatshop at a young age, Nasreen founded Local Women's Handicraft to support Nepali women. Her determination to make a difference inspired me deeply.
Later, in the slums of Uganda, I helped a non-profit management team improve their collaboration. All around me, I witnessed untapped leadership qualities in young people and small business owners, who genuinely wanted to make an impact but didn’t know where to begin. This realization led me to develop personal leadership programs aimed at strengthening their own power and expanding their impact. What began as a way to support local changemakers has now evolved into a broader mission: empowering people worldwide to grow as leaders and create change in their communities. Because everybody has something to give.