Forgiveness, Purpose, and Lifelong Learning: Insights from Axel Böhm’s Journey

 

Dear Dreamers,

In this engaging conversation, we explore the life experiences and insights of Axel Böhm, a seasoned trainer and Intercultural communication coach, whose journey has been shaped by cultural diversity, resilience, and the pursuit of purpose. Through his reflections, Axel shares the lessons he has learned, the challenges he has faced, and the core values that guide him today. 

Beatrice: Dear Axel, let’s start our conversation by looking at your early life background.

Axel: Sure! I’ve been working for over 45 years. I restarted my career after closing my business in 2019. My journey has been quite an adventure. I met a young lady from Kenya three years ago, and we connected on LinkedIn during the pandemic's peak. Surprisingly, our backgrounds and experiences aligned, despite the challenges we both faced. Although we have professional and private backgrounds, we meet professionally on „eyes-hight“ and utilize our different approaches and professional backgrounds uniquely!

I was fortunate to grow up during the economic boom in Germany, which attracted many diverse communities from across Europe. The town I grew up in was one of the economic epicenters, home to many people from Greece, Spain, Italy, Poland, and others. This diversity greatly shaped my life.

My first significant assignment abroad was in Thailand, where I entertained and trained a customer. I was advised that to build a strong business relationship, I needed to adapt my strategies and deepen my understanding of Thai culture. Fortunately, my German boss was supportive, allowing me to grow within the company.

During my time in Thailand, I experienced an important life lesson. I spent three months as a budhist monk apprentice in a monastery up country, which transformed my mindset

However, when I returned, civil unrest broke out, and witnessing the violence deeply impacted me. I learned that many religions have complex interpretations of morality, and I realized the importance of understanding diverse perspectives.

Beatrice: It sounds like your early experiences played a huge part in shaping who you are today. How do you personally define success? 

Axel: Success, for me, is not solely about money, financial stability is necessary. It’s about staying true to oneself and adapting to life’s challenges without simply conforming to societal standards. Success should reflect individual circumstances and values.

Beatrice: Success is often linked to a sense of purpose. How do you define purpose, and how did you discover yours?

 Axel: Purpose is about not living life as an ignorant gypsy, chasing one party after another. It evolves over time. For instance, when I started my career, my purpose was to establish a business and earn money. However, after finding love and wanting to raise a family, my focus shifted to creating a nurturing home. As life progresses, purpose changes, and I believe it’s essential to recognize and embrace those shifts.

 Beatrice: Is there a particular historical figure who has inspired you?

Axel: Many figures have influenced me over the years. Mahatma Gandhi stands out, as does Malcolm X. Both demonstrated the importance of understanding diverse perspectives and actively working toward a better society. In Germany, discussions often take too long, while these figures showed how to advocate for change effectively.

Beatrice: What has been your greatest personal challenge, and how did you overcome it?

Axel: My greatest challenge was not in my professional life but in my personal life. A close friend helped me navigate a situation where I needed to practice forgiveness. We formed a small group of friends, and through open discussions, we supported each other in letting go of past grievances. This experience transformed my life, allowing me to focus on moving forward rather than being burdened by negativity. 

Beatrice: How do you stay focused on your goals while adapting to changes in your industry or personal life?

Axel: I strive to view challenges from a broader perspective. I came across the term "Ubuntu," which embodies humanity toward others. It teaches us that survival requires solidarity and compassion. I believe that by respecting others and living with dignity, we can navigate changes more effectively.

Beatrice: What core values guide your decisions today?

Axel: While money is a driver, it’s not my only motivation. My core values include personal friendships, continuous learning, and the desire for each day to be different from the last. I remain committed to lifelong learning, even at my age.

Beatrice: In your personal and career life, what is the most important lesson you have learned that you hope future generations will carry forward?

Axel: First, learning never ends. Lifelong learning is crucial. Second, everyone should have a mentor—someone who can provide honest feedback. Mentorship is not limited to older individuals; it can come from anyone with experience and clarity.

 Beatrice: How do you handle the responsibility of knowing that your decisions affect others?

Axel: As a leader, I take full responsibility for my actions. I prioritize the well-being of the individuals I lead, viewing them as people first rather than economic units. My leadership philosophy is built on understanding the contributions of each team member.

Beatrice: As we conclude this beautiful conversation, how would you like to be remembered by the next generation, and what legacy do you hope to leave behind?

 Axel: I hope to be remembered as someone open to different cultures and religions, fostering understanding and collaboration. My legacy should reflect the emotional intelligence I’ve used to create meaningful relationships and partnerships.

Conclusion:

Axel's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, purpose, and the importance of fostering connections across cultures. His insights inspire us to embrace change, learn continuously, and build a legacy that values compassion, forgiveness and understanding.