That day in Faro, Portugal, back in 2004, remains vivid. My first professional presentation. Standing before an audience at the European Banking Forum, tasked with unraveling the "Future of Retail Banking," I was a potent cocktail of exhilaration and sheer terror. The memory of the final slide clicking into place, followed by polite applause, remains a small but significant victory etched in my mind. It was the opening note of a symphony I couldn't yet imagine.

Now, two decades and over two hundred presentations later, the echo of those early nerves has long since faded, replaced by a quiet confidence born of experience. My journey through more than twenty countries across five continents, sharing insights and ideas, has yielded a harvest richer than I could have possibly foreseen. The stages I've stood upon have become unexpected classrooms, the audiences, diverse and discerning teachers.

Beyond the immediate act of presenting, a remarkable tapestry of connections has been woven. I've had the privilege of forging business friendships with some of the most respected voices in the banking world, individuals whose mastery of their craft continues to inspire me. Encounters with politicians, prominent business figures, and leading academics have broadened my understanding of the world in profound ways, each conversation a unique lesson etched into my perspective.

Perhaps the most surprising and significant outcome of this journey has been the unexpected doors that have swung open. Simply being present, actively engaging in the discourse of these conferences, has led to opportunities I never actively sought. Among these, eight years serving on a risk advisory board in Amsterdam, strategic consultancy roles in Oslo, and even a CEO position in Munich stand out as examples to the power of connection and the credibility built through consistent engagement. These weren't roles I applied for in the traditional sense; they emerged organically from the relationships cultivated and the expertise shared on those very stages.

Looking back, that nervous young professional in Faro could never have envisioned the trajectory that single presentation would set in motion. It wasn't just about conveying information; it was about building bridges, fostering understanding, and ultimately, creating opportunities. The achievements and benefits accumulated over these many years are more than just professional milestones; they are a powerful demonstration of the enduring impact of communication and the unforeseen rewards of sharing your perspective.

#speaker #speaking #frankschwab #Megatrends #banking #innovation 

#SundayThoughts

FrankSchwab.de

It's getting wild how many people jump in with "amazing" crypto or investment advice these days. But honestly, it often feels like a house of cards. When I try to dig deeper, to understand the why behind their recommendations, the foundation just isn't solid. It makes me even more convinced that you absolutely have to practice what you preach.

For me, it's a gut feeling that comes from basic logic. You wouldn't let someone build your home if they'd never picked up a tool, would you? Or trust a teacher who's just skimming the textbook themselves? The same goes for something as crucial as my financial future. If someone wants to guide me on navigating the complexities of investments or the banking world, I need to see that they've successfully navigated it themselves. Show me you've actually grown your own money, made smart choices, and learned from the ups and downs. That's the kind of lived experience that earns my trust and makes advice truly valuable. Otherwise, it just feels like empty talk.

#investments #money #advice 

#SundayThoughts 

I've been fascinated by the concept of money for the past 37 years, ever since I began my apprenticeship at Deutsche Bank.

Beyond health, time is life's most valuable resource. Money can buy you time, and to some extent, even health. These are the primary reasons for my interest in money. The more money you possess, the more you can prioritize your life and use your time as you choose.

And I'm deeply interested in the future, because that's where I will spend the rest of my life. This interest drove me to write a book titled 'Tomorrow's Money.'

'Tomorrow's Money' is lighter than paper, faster than PayPal, cheaper than Visa, rarer than gold, and as secure as Fort Knox.

In 19 chapters, I share my views, insights, and beliefs about tomorrow's money, which, in essence, is digital and comes with new features like programmability.

If you haven't encountered this topic yet, my book might be a good recommendation for your summer reading.

It's available in both English and German.

🇬🇧 https://amzn.to/3r97JiG

🇩🇪 https://amzn.to/3mKNyEG

#tomorrowsmoney #crypto #blockchain #bitcoin 

#SundayThoughts 

FrankSchwab.de

Given today's volatile geopolitical climate, for the first time in my life, I feel the need to actively defend the democracy in which I was raised. While we might think individuals can't make a difference, I believe that's incorrect. Through our daily decisions, we can collectively make a huge impact, for example, by directing how we spend our money.

Indeed, we all can support European democracy daily by prioritizing European products and services. Our economic choices as EU citizens carry significant weight. By prioritizing EU-produced goods and services, we directly strengthen our Union's strategic autonomy, reducing dependence on potentially unreliable external sources. This bolsters our resilience against global disruptions.

We, as individuals, uphold the EU's high standards for environmental protection, labor rights, and consumer safety through our purchasing decisions. Choosing EU-made products directly supports these values, fostering a sustainable and ethical economic model.

Significantly, every EU citizen's choice matters. Supporting EU businesses fuels innovation and long-term prosperity. The resulting economic benefits are reinvested within our Union, creating jobs and supporting essential social programs.  

In essence, each purchase we make is a vote. We can each contribute to a more secure, sustainable, and prosperous Europe by consciously choosing EU products and services. This collective action reinforces our shared values and strengthens the European project for future generations.

Now is the time. Support European Values. Buy „Made in Europe“.  🇪🇺🇪🇺🇪🇺

Here a community-driven directory that helps you buy European products and services, based on personal recommendations.

🔗  https://www.goeuropean.org/

#Europe #MadeInEurope 

#SundayThoughts 

FrankSchwab.de

Demokratie lebt von Mitbestimmung – und Deine Stimme macht den Unterschied! Gehe wählen und stärke damit unsere Freiheit, unsere Demokratie und unser Europa.

Nur ein starkes Deutschland kann ein starkes Europa mitgestalten. Gemeinsam stehen wir für Frieden, Stabilität und eine Zukunft, in der wir international bestehen können.

Lass Deine Stimme nicht ungenutzt – entscheide mit über die Zukunft! Wählen gehen! Jede Stimme zählt! 🇩🇪🇪🇺

Democracy thrives on participation – and your vote makes the difference! Go vote and strengthen our freedom, our democracy, and our Europe.

Only a strong Germany can help shape a strong Europe. Together, we stand for peace, stability, and a future in which we can succeed internationally.

Don't let your voice go unheard – have a say in the future! Go vote! Every vote counts!🇩🇪🇪🇺

#vote #democracy #germany #Europe 

#SundayThoughts 

FrankSchwab.de