The Accidental Leader: What I Learned from Till Kraemer on "Leaders Beyond The Stage"
- Robin Wong
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
Ever wonder if your path needs a rigid roadmap to find success? My recent podcast interview with Till Kraemer, founder of a remarkable NGO specializing in cultural diversity, proves otherwise. Till's journey is a powerful testament to the impact that can arise from accidental twists and turns, finding his passion in places you'd least expect.
He found his calling by observing how, given the right environment, people from vastly different cultures can learn to live in harmony. This isn't just theory; it's a model for overcoming inherent disagreements and conflicts, built on the foundation of cultural curiosity. He highlighted how traveling to unfamiliar places and experiencing customs can genuinely reduce our intrinsic resistance to what's different.
Our conversation also unearthed critical lessons on innovation and creativity during a business startup. Till shared the fascinating story of how he turned an idea from a conceptual stage into a successful business.
We explored the essence of authentic leadership, with Till emphasizing the vital role of self-knowledge – understanding your true strengths and weaknesses – and the importance of being truthful to yourself. He also offered a candid perspective on the mentorship gap, reflecting on how a truly aligned mentor could have further propelled his early career.
The discussion shifted to supporting Generation Z, grappling with modern challenges. While there are no concrete solutions or quick fixes, Till's personal insights on cultivating the right kind of mindset in today’s environment were truly enlightening.
He emphasized:
Empowering Entrepreneurial Spirit: Moving beyond stable career expectations to actively encouraging young people to try their own ideas, even small projects, and allowing them to fail.
Reversing Learning's Negative Association: Shifting from forced study to igniting genuine curiosity so learning becomes an enjoyable, desired pursuit.
Beyond "Toughen Up": Recognizing that telling them to simply tough it out isn't effective; instead, it's crucial to understand their unique motivations and support them differently.
Finally, as an excellent communicator and sought-after trainer for public speaking, Till shared profound advice. His concept of challenging one’s idea as a powerful takeaway, alongside the concept of muscle memory, is an excellent tool for getting a head start in communication.
Dive into the full episode to learn more about Till and his journey! If you find value in our discussions, please give us a good rating and subscribe.
🎧 Tune in to the full episode of "Leaders Beyond The Stage" on Spotify or YouTube
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