My training as a Zen teacher (Dharma Holder) in the Soto Zen tradition is a central part of my professional identity. The continuous practice of Zazen, the cultivation of presence and awareness, and a deep engagement with self-leadership and responsibility shape my understanding of leadership. For me, mindfulness is not simply a method, but an embodied way of being – developed through years of discipline, practice and personal experience.

 

A particularly formative stage of my professional career was my work in oncology and palliative care at Klinikum Stuttgart’s Katharinenhospital. Supporting patients and their families through serious illness, existential uncertainty and end-of-life situations has had a lasting impact on my professional approach.

 

Working in palliative care requires emotional stability, presence, clarity and empathy – without becoming overwhelmed by dynamics of fear or uncertainty. It reveals what truly supports us: inner calm, self-regulation, authentic communication and the ability to hold space for ambiguity.

 

These qualities now form the foundation of my work with teams and leaders navigating demanding transformation processes. I combine mindfulness-based practices with contemporary approaches to leadership and organisational development.

 

My work in a therapeutic context has also deepened my understanding of psychological processes and strengthened my expertise in supporting people through periods of significant stress and emotional challenge. www.praxis-zen.com

 

My many years of Aikido practice (3rd Dan) complement this profile with a physically grounded perspective on conflict competence and presence: recognising tension at an early stage, directing energy constructively, and remaining clear and respectful even in challenging situations.

 

I design and facilitate seminars, trainings and workshops on resilience, leadership, mental health, mindfulness and stress management – with a focus on inner stability as the foundation for effective leadership.