Back from Colombia
– and still deeply inspired.
Our journey through Colombia this July was far more than a professional project. It was a vivid, immersive experience – filled with powerful impressions, generous encounters, and deep learning moments. Together with my partner Anja Termöllen, I spent three weeks exploring the cultural, linguistic, and institutional landscape of Colombia – with the goal of expanding our international engagement in the fields of self-leadership, coaching, and health-oriented development.
Photo: Bensmann
Starting in Bogotá, we took in the city’s topography from Monserrate, reflected on identity and history at several museums, and engaged in inspiring conversations with the AHK Bogotá – special thanks to Carolina Santana and Mischa Groh – about leadership and resilience. We discussed potential future formats, and these exchanges once again demonstrated how relevant the topics of conscious self-leadership, resilience, and mindfulness are across cultural boundaries.
Photo: AHK Bogotá
In Medellín, the next stage began: a custom-designed language and cultural immersion course, created and led by our outstanding language teacher Rubén Montoya. During intensive days – including field trips, mountain walks, and shared reflections – we worked on translating our professional language and concepts into Spanish. I am especially grateful that Rubén tailored the sessions around our core topics such as self-leadership, mindfulness, and coaching. ¡Gracias de corazón, Rubén!
A personal highlight for both Anja and me was the opportunity to co-teach at EAFIT University in Medellín, where we presented key insights on Career Anchors and Self-Leadership to a highly engaged audience of students, faculty, and university leaders. Many thanks to Pablo Ángel for facilitating this opportunity and for his thoughtful support throughout the process. Thanks as well to Ana Maria Ortega Alvarez, Christina Velez-Valencia, and Fernando Alexander Garzón-Lasso – to name just a few of our supporters. And thank you to #CarstenSchröder for making the connection to EAFIT! This experience confirmed my belief that the concept of self-leadership is globally relevant – and that Colombia has the potential to become a long-term partner in developing future formats.
Photo: EAFIT
Anja and I also had the pleasure of meeting Catalina Vergara from Awaris Latam, with whom we exchanged perspectives on resilience and mental fitness in organizations. The connection between her work and the self-leadership approach I’ve been refining for over 15 years was both surprising and promising.
Another unforgettable chapter of our journey was our stay on a small coffee farm in the Eje Cafetero region. Immersed in nature, surrounded by lush greenery and cloud forests, we experienced the meticulous process of coffee cultivation – from bean to cup. It was not just educational, but deeply touching: we were warmly welcomed into the everyday life of the farm, sharing meals, stories, and routines with our hosts.
Photo: Bensmann
A heartfelt thank-you to Estrella and Carmen for your generosity and for making us feel part of the family. This stay offered us an important additional perspective on Colombia – one rooted in rural life, community spirit, and respect for manual craftsmanship. It reminded us how connected well-being, culture, and sustainability are – and how valuable it is to slow down and truly observe.
Looking ahead, this journey has inspired us to move forward with:
- Tailor-made workshops for leaders of #AHKs in South America
- Ideas for bilingual retreat formats
- Local and international cooperation around health & leadership
- A hybrid Spanish-language self-leadership micro-course or masterclass
- Deeper integration of cultural awareness into our coaching practice
Colombia touched us – professionally, intellectually, and emotionally.
We return not only with new connections and friendships, but with a sense of clarity, fresh perspectives, and renewed energy.
