Exchange on identity and leadership at Lanserhof Sylt
From 11 to 14 October 2026, actress and entrepreneur Vivien Wulf hosted the second New Perspective Days at Lanserhof Sylt. For four days, leaders and professionals from business, elite sport, the media and psychology gathered there. The event was dedicated to examining how the perspective on success changes once professional goals are achieved, and what lessons can be drawn from major turning points and realignments.
According to initiator Vivien Wulf, disagreement in one's immediate circle becomes quieter the higher one climbs. Once executives are surrounded solely by agreement, personal growth ceases. The conference format is deliberately intended to bring together individuals who raise new questions rather than providing ready-made answers, generating momentum that resonates well beyond the gathering itself.
Arthur Höld, now CEO of Puma following 26 years at Adidas, spoke about the challenging process of detaching oneself from a role as a brand ambassador that had evolved over decades. Leadership also means fulfilling role model responsibilities. For instance, he only realised after the event what a strong signal his two-month parental leave sent to the workforce. Höld also underscored the importance of in-person presence: much like in sport, business relies on direct exchange. A culture dominated by working from home noticeably restricts personal encounters and career progression opportunities.
Performance expectations, social background and personal resilience
Entrepreneur and entertainer Verona Pooth shared that she had limited her sleep to a maximum of five hours a night for ten to fifteen years in order to push professional projects forward. Looking back, she observed that continually demonstrating success should not be the sole measure of personal worth. A balanced life is far more desirable. Former government spokesperson Béla Anda in turn described the experience of how public attention abruptly vanishes once an influential position is relinquished.
Entrepreneur Tijen Onaran made a deliberate point of advocating a more positive perception of opportunities across Germany as a business location. Instead of remaining in societal lethargy, individuals should seize opportunities for advancement. She described her own social background as a particular strength and driving force behind professional commitment. Wimbledon finalist Sabine Lisicki, who set a world record in women's tennis in 2014 with a serve of 210.8 km/h, emphasised that success cannot be measured by titles alone. Her own journey, shaped by covering 250,000 kilometres in a Nissan Micra and enduring financial constraints during tournament travels, illustrates the value of overcoming adversity.
