Natalia Netselya, known from the show “Das Supertalent” in 2010, opened the Founder Summit 2024. Natalia Netselya created
a sand art piece. A piece of art that continually changed its “face,” telling a whole story, until finally, Robin and Danny
were seen on the artwork with the headline: Founder Summit 2024 #Dream Big.
Matthias Killing moderated through the two days on the Main Stage. He is known from Sat.1, Breakfast Television,
and various sports-related hosting roles.
7000 visitors, 200 partners, 110+ speakers, 13 stages, 2 days
The two days were vibrant and energetic. It’s very pleasant when everyone is pulling in the same direction.
People are engaged, looking forward to the stars, speakers, content; there is a perfect mix of education, entertainment,
motivation, and networking here.
Storytelling, sharing one’s own experiences with the people attending the Founder Summit 2024, and preventing others from
making the same mistakes in life.
One’s own foresight and years of professional experience are invaluable.
performed the opening on the Main Stage.
She is a very well-known rapper, feminist, influencer, singer, and entrepreneur.
With her very likable personality, she definitely touched the hearts of the 7000 attendees right away.
Everyone is excited and naturally has many questions. Matthias Killing starts the conversation,
and the whole room falls silent.
“Shirin, what feelings do you have sitting here today on such a stage?”
Shirin speaks candidly and honestly: “It’s easier to speak in front of my own community and make videos
because this community knows all the song lyrics, they sing along.” “And that’s something different from
being live on stage with a new community.” “She’s getting to know people in a new way now, and of course,
that’s a different energy.”
“Shirin, you’re a phenomenon on social media, and you’re still nervous, aren’t you?”
“Extremely nervous, because behind the camera, it’s all very different from meeting people in real life.”
She even said with a smile,
“I’m a bit of a YouTube nerd :)”. Since she films everything on a small screen, she doesn’t have any
“counter energy” and now she has to adjust to Matthias, who is sitting across from her.
“Your community has grown tremendously in the last 10 years, do you remember what your first video was?”
Her first video was with Simon Desue; he was one of the first YouTubers in Hamburg. They were two teenagers,
18/19 years old, having a lot of fun and filming typical videos like “What boys and girls really think, what should
I wear today, how should I do my makeup, about outfits, etc.”
“We were a wild group, and each had a different point of interest, and that’s how the videos were created.”
“A lot of young people could relate to that, and that didn’t exist before.” “There was nothing in the media landscape
that was so self-determined by young people.”
“Shirin: “You could just do what you wanted, and that’s still the case today – you’re the boss and can do whatever you want.”
“We were just a wild group back then, friendly with each other, until it turned into a business, and then things changed.”
“And do you still enjoy what you do?”
“Absolutely, I did breakdance this morning because I was so excited to be here today and because I am so grateful.”
“I really enjoyed it; the sun was so beautiful, I get to be here today, and I am so grateful that I can be here and speak today.”
“No matter what you do, be grateful for everything, that’s the essence!” 🙂
Philipp Plein, the multimillionaire originally from Nuremberg. Check out the full interview. Click on Plein.
“Society still primarily sees the sport as something for men,” Sophia observes. “Only a few parents consider letting
their daughters go karting.”
“I was lucky to start at the age of 4,” she continues. “Before that, I was already involved in motocross;
that was the entry point.” “So she already had ‘gasoline’ in her blood,” the interviewer adds.
“Luckily, there are now more women in motorsport, but still very few compared to men,” Sophia notes. “My father was
the driving force, and I want to serve as a role model.” “To be honest, there’s no limit to the expenses in this sport,
and participating in European and World Championships throughout the year can cost up to €250,000,” she explains.
“The sport is extremely expensive,” Sophia emphasizes, “and therefore not accessible to the general public.”
That’s why Sophia learned early on how to attract sponsors and supporters. By the age of 12, she was already
on the phone with companies that could potentially support her.
“There were only a few deals, but her father coached her and let her handle sponsorship requests to show her early
on that this sport, although it might be the most beautiful in the world, also incurs costs,” the interviewer elaborates.
“So she learned early what it means to earn money and deal with the sums in this sport.”
“Currently, Sophia competes in Formula 4, aiming to reach Formula 1, which is only possible with sponsors.”
Since 2023, Deutsche Vermögensberatung has been supporting Sophia on this journey.
One of Germany’s Most Successful Professional Football Players
“A man of clear words.”
“But I’ve learned that sometimes I should just keep my mouth shut.” 🙂
“I originally didn’t want to be a football player; I wanted to be an actor or a singer.”
“You can sing?”
“I’ve released 2 songs—rap.”
“But I was better at playing football, so I became a footballer.”
“He started in his hometown of Berlin. He played almost exclusively for Hertha BSC in his youth.
By the age of 18, he was already playing in the Bundesliga at the UEFA Cup.”
“Kevin-Prince Boateng has also played for Tottenham Hotspur, FC Portsmouth, AC Milan, FC Schalke 04,
FC Barcelona, and Eintracht Frankfurt.”
“My highlight was at 16 when Dieter Hoeneß stood at our door to offer me the contract, and my mother said: ‘Take off your shoes.’”
“Dieter Hoeneß was the president of Hertha BSC at the time.” 🙂
“Enjoy it and check out the full story.”
Just click on the headline “Boateng.”
Germany’s Renowned Fitness Influencer
In an interview with Matthias Killing, she shared some interesting insights into her life. Pamela opened up about her experiences.
“My worst subject in school was sports.”
“It’s hard to believe, because Pamela is super fit and now represents fitness, fun, and healthy eating.”
“She has always been a good student, very disciplined as a child, not because anyone expected it of her, but simply
because that’s how Pamela is.” “She graduated with an average of 1.0.”
“My parents never had to check on me or force me to study; it came naturally.” “I never had to force myself to be disciplined.”
“My parents support me, no matter what situation I’m in or what I need.” “I’m ‘only’ 1.66 m tall and very slim, so the clothes I
get for photoshoots often don’t fit.” “Everything is too big and too long.” “At night, my mother sits at the sewing machine
and adjusts the clothes to fit my figure so that the photoshoot can take place the next day and I can wear the outfits.”
“Pamela, you have a real nest, and I mean that in the best possible way—you have a lot of love and warmth from your family
and a strong sense of groundedness.”
“My brother created a fitness bar with chai tea.” “I suggested that the bar should initially be produced as a limited edition
because I thought chai tea was a niche product and wouldn’t sell year-round.” “I was pleasantly surprised at how well
the bar sold, and of course, I brought some along.”
“Pamela, you’re a very successful young woman.” “You leave nothing to chance.” “Pamela still makes all the decisions herself.”
“There’s no board of directors, etc.” “She is the boss of the company, and there’s no one above her.”
“I want to be the one who uses her mind and makes decisions, not just the woman in front of the camera with blonde curls.”
“I quickly learned that it’s not about the careers of other people; it’s about my own.” “And when someone works for you,
they do it with the best intentions, but if something happens—maybe something more important in life—then you don’t count
anymore, and you still have to figure everything out on your own.”
“In summary, you’re a mega family, and it’s great to get to know you like this, because from the outside, people think there’s
a huge machinery behind you, and it’s nice to see that it can work this way too.”
To watch the live performance, just click on Ballschuh.
Andrea Ballschuh was on television for a long time with “Volle Kanne.” She is now self-employed as a video coach
with her own studio in Mainz.
At the Founder Summit 2024, she discusses marketing and visibility. There are people who judge others for what they do,
which can lead to a shitstorm, and it’s important to handle that well.
The best marketing for your business—“think big” and… You can see Andrea Ballschuh’s entire presentation by clicking on the name Ballschuh.
the Artist in My Interview
Danny Söder, one of the twin brothers and CEOs of Entrepreneur University, had the wonderful idea that Shirin should
create various artworks as tokens of appreciation and awards for their top speakers and winners.
These paintings are not just portraits; they are filled with background information about each individual.
From Philipp Plein and his children to a statue in front of his house in L.A., excerpts from shows, his birthplace—the map.
His life story and the hotel “On Top” make the artwork a unique tribute.
The eye doesn’t capture everything at first glance; only upon closer inspection does the complete artwork become visible.
This approach reflects Shirin’s style, and she has remained true to it here. Danny and Robin particularly liked this style—
something edgy, modern, and unique. Shirin didn’t know Philipp Plein before, as she had to conduct extensive research
for her work, but now she knows him quite well.
She understands what he does and what matters to him.
Shirin exclusively paints and mixes materials like acrylic and oil paints, putty, and various colors.
She draws inspiration from everything fundamental—fabrics, nature, different materials, and people themselves—for 15 years,
and then she gets the idea to create something with her hands.
Where the Entrepreneur University is located, in Neu-Isenburg, the artist also resides. Shirin’s personal highlight?
“At the moment she paints a piece, each one is a highlight.” A few years ago, she created a 4 x 6 m interpretation of
the Mona Lisa for an art installation, which was very elaborate but didn’t mean it was her favorite project—it was just very exciting.
Another time, she did a portrait of Levi Strauss out of Levi’s jeans at the Levi Strauss headquarters.
While creating her artworks, each one is always her favorite. Prince EA also received a painting from her, and he had tears in his eyes,
saying, “This is the most beautiful thing he’s ever received!” And by now, she’s a bit in love with him.
These paintings are made with a lot of love and warmth and speak not only to her but also to the client, the person depicted
in the current artwork, and the companies that convey their message through their individual images.
Shirin has a studio that is only open online and by appointment.
Benjamin Prinz – Identifying and Overcoming Blockages
Benjamin Prinz describes and demonstrates how to identify, “capture,” and dissolve blockages, ultimately
reprogramming them completely.
He addresses inner blockages that hold people back in negative ways. Drawing from his own experience,
he shares how he had such strong blockages that he couldn’t even bring himself to speak.
He recalls a moment from his school days when his father bent down to him on his last day of school and said,
“Benjamin, unfortunately, you have to repeat the first grade.”
This was devastating for Benjamin, but even worse was the voice in his head saying, “You’re too dumb!”
He remembers the joy of being in school and going on his first vacation.
Years later, while in training, he received a blue slip with the note: “He did not meet the class goals but will
still be promoted.” He had to face his mentor and his parents, which meant hearing again, “You’re too dumb,
you’re too dumb.” This recurring feeling of inferiority haunted him:
“He is worthless, he is dumb!”
The self-doubt embedded within him wasn’t just present; it was overwhelming. As his life progressed,
he repeatedly told himself, “I will prove to everyone that I can do it.” But those self-doubts lingered,
making him feel lost.
Eventually, he sought help from a psychologist. After many tests, the psychologist told him:
“Mr. Prinz, you have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) combined with dyslexia. You are not dumb;
you just need to learn differently.”
That was the moment he realized there were things programmed in his subconscious that he was unaware of.
Learning to drive, for example, is anchored in the subconscious and then functions automatically.
Driving is a wonderful experience, but unfortunately, many other aspects of life operate the same way,
often with negative programs that need to be undone. Benjamin shows how to identify where these issues are
anchored in the body, why they exist, and how to regain control over these negative patterns.
Today, he has two sweet children and approaches everything differently; he does it right and is very happy with his little family.
Robin and his twin brother are the CEOs of Entrepreneur University.
“Your Founder Summit is truly amazing! Tell me, how do you actually connect with celebrities?”
“It’s become possible because we have a large network. But it’s still always difficult to reach them. As mentioned in the presentation,
‘3 H’s Help’—polite persistence helps.” “The contact should be made in an unconventional and original way, because these people
receive thousands of requests, so it’s helpful to stand out and be creative.”
“Once you have the first big celebrities on board, it becomes a bit easier. Because those who attended become references.
It’s like, he was there, and he was there—so I have to come too. Fortunately, it gets a little easier over time.”
“What criteria do you use to select celebrities?”
“We see ourselves as a platform. Entrepreneur University, with the Founder Summit, is a platform, so we select people that
our community wants or who are currently trending. I don’t judge people much; it’s not about me. It’s about the individuals
who are being hyped in the market, obviously those who want to be seen by people. We then invite these celebrities.”
“Sorry for the misunderstanding. When you create your concept, do you consider if they fit?”
“For me, it’s always good if a person polarizes and evokes emotions. Then I, as the organizer, have made a real booking.
Even if someone sees a speaker and says, ‘Well, I don’t really like him!’—that’s better than if they say, ‘Whatever.’”
“As soon as emotions are generated, that’s always positive. For me as an organizer, it’s always important to evoke emotions.
The question is which person evokes which emotions!”
“You did something completely different before the Founder Summit; how did that develop until you got here?”
“I was in a crisis of purpose and direction, asking myself, ‘What now?’”
“I quickly realized that I wanted to become an entrepreneur because I’m a creative type who wants to bring ideas to life.
Sitting in that lecture hall while studying, it became clear to me that what I was learning at the university didn’t really help me
for real life out there, or at least a big part of it didn’t. So, I thought it would be cool to create my own place focusing on topics
that the education system leaves us a bit behind on, or where we can fill the educational gap.
That’s why I invite successful entrepreneurs who have achieved great things in their industries.”
“That was my own desire to do it this way. I feel like I’m the one who would sit in the front row and watch it.”
“Yes, and then the journey began.”
“Do your inspirations come during events or during certain quiet phases? Or from situations where there’s a specific problem,
and then the creative solution emerges?”
“Yes, two things help in finding ideas: First, of course, hard analysis of things—what worked and what didn’t?
You look at what didn’t work and try to improve it, then actively think about how to do it better.
Second, ideas come when the time is right. I trust the universe; when the time is right, ideas come to you,
and then there are moments in the middle of the night. I can’t sleep, and I have many ideas, so I pull out my
phone and jot down a lot of ideas, and it happens very intuitively, but it’s not really predictable. Idea pressure
can be challenging. You take in many impulses, and then they bubble up and eventually come out.”
“‘Dream Big’—the Founder Summit has become much bigger compared to 2023. What is your next big wish?”
“I want to engage the community more in exchange, and it would be nice if we didn’t just see each other once
a year but had more interaction and connection. That’s why I started this founder club today. The founder club is free—
it’s about all of us supporting and helping each other. That’s the next thing happening alongside our summit here.”
“What was your biggest event that deeply moved you in your life?”
“That’s happening right behind me at this moment!”
“What has touched me the most in my life was being present at the birth of our son. We had a somewhat complicated
delivery; my wife was in labor for 36 hours. She went through a lot, and the moment my son finally arrived,
I saw what unconditional love is. The little one was placed on my wife’s chest, and she immediately forgot all the pain
and was unconditionally in love with him. I saw it in her eyes, and that was the most profound experience I’ve ever had.”
“It’s clear in every moment how happy the three of you are together.”
Warm regards, Susanne Panhans
For copywriting, PR features, photoshoots, videos, and everything that makes you visible, you’ll get it all from me—
everything from one source. Just tell me what you wish for, and I’ll make it happen.
All images and texts are copyright by Susanne Panhans.
