Through my podcast, in my talks, and in my work as an author and consultant, I shine a light on people, projects, and ideas that tackle personal or societal challenges with creativity and optimism.
„That’s hopepunk: Whether the glass is half full or half empty, what matters is that there’s water in that glass. And that’s something worth defending.“
– Alexandra Rowland, who coined the word „hopepunk“
Hope is not blind optimism, but a conscious decision to take responsibility for the future. I’m interested in what gives people hope, how change happens, and what ideas help us remain capable of taking action even in difficult times.
If we focus our attention—in a way that gives us strength—on what works in our society, then we have a chance for a bright future, even in the face of current challenges. In this regard, I believe in the power of empathy, connection, ethics, and “care”—because, in the end, as human beings, we are all dependent on one another and connected to one another, whether we like it or not.
Through my podcast, my talks, and my work as a consultant, I shine a light on people, projects, and ideas that tackle personal or societal challenges with creativity and optimism.
Our imagination is powerful because it opens up visions of the future—on a personal, social, and political level. That is why art, creativity, and culture are not just “nice-to-haves,” but the foundation of an open society.
For many years, I have been working on the topics of democracy, the public sphere, and social cohesion. The European Union, founded as a peace initiative following two world wars, is, for me, the epitome of “Hopepunk,” despite its flaws. As a political project and cultural space, Europe is guided by the belief that diversity can unite us without erasing our differences. I am driven by the question of how we can strengthen open societies and create spaces where people of different backgrounds and perspectives can connect with one another.
Technological advancements are changing the way we live, learn, work, and communicate with one another. We are facing profound societal challenges. I am interested in how we can shape these changes so that they serve people, in accordance with fundamental democratic values and while respecting planetary boundaries.
„Hope is an ax you break down doors with in an emergency.“
– Rebecca Solnit
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