Home: New York City, NY. Age: 40. Birthplace: Berlin, Germany. Profession: Transactional tax practitioner. Alma mater: Yale College ‘07; Harvard Law School ‘11.
Current project: I spent a year and a half renovating my apartment with a contracting crew. Recent professional development: I was most recently a partner at Goodwin Procter LLP, focusing on transaction tax matters. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Coming to the United States at age 16 alone from Germany to study and earn a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School. Recent travel or adventure: Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. Last book read: A Moment of True Feeling, published in 1975, by Peter Handke.
Personality profile: Strategic, analytical, goal oriented. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Loyal. How do you define a perfect friendship? Mutual understanding and acceptance. What is at the top of your bucket list? Hiking and climbing in Yosemite National Park. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? A detailed day-by-day plan.
What was your favorite college course? Philosophy of Law, taught by Jules Coleman. What book have you repeatedly read? The Man Without Qualities, by Robert Musil. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Mulholland Drive, by David Lynch. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? My diplomas from Yale College and Harvard Law School. What’s the best advice you received in your career? That making and fixing mistakes helps us grow. What is your favorite app? Spotify. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Renaissance painting.
What change would you like to see in the world?
I would like to see the world slow down a little.
What widely held belief do you reject? Astrology or any other form of superstition. What mega-trend most concerns you? The spread of false information on the internet and social media.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Nicolas Cage. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Johann Sebastian Bach. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? The memories of my loved ones in picture frames. What advice would you give your younger self? Be more social.
Personal mission: Learning about, and expanding my horizon and understanding of, the world around me. Personal motto: Think before you speak.
