TRANSPONDER
10 QUESTIONS FOR THE TRANSPONDER
DR RALPH HECK CEO OF THE BERTELSMANN STIFTUNG What is your proudest moment?
To see my children graduate.
Who is your favorite US president/chancellor?
All the presidents and chancellors who put people at the center of their work and pursue their political goals consistently.
What is your motto?
There is always a solution.
What is the hardest lesson you have learned? Being disappointed by people you trust.
Who is your most admired influencer regarding the transatlantic relationship?
All institutions and individuals that bring people from both sides of the Atlantic into a deep personal exchange resulting in mutual respect and appreciation.
What is the biggest challenge facing the transatlantic relationship? To make sure that the US and Europe are not primarily concerned with their respective issues, but develop democracy together as partners.
What is your favorite quote?
A German saying: “Wenn Du glaubst, es geht nicht mehr, kommt von irgendwo ein Lichtlein her, dass Du leichter trägst des Alltags harte Last und wieder Kraft und Mut und Hoffnung hast.”
“When you think you can’t do it anymore, a little light comes from somewhere, that you may bear the burden of everyday life more easily and have strength and courage and hope again.”
If you could implement a policy to improve the transatlantic relationship, what would it be?
A policy that really supports all the institutions and encourages individuals to pursue deep mutual respect and appreciation.
How does your work impact the transatlantic alliance?
Our goal is making clear and reinforcing the need for strong transatlantic relationships and shaping the future to the benefit of both sides.
What does democracy mean to you? In brief: Everything. In two words: Freedom and values.
TRANSPONDER: 5
