#ICelebrateYou : Michael Trautmann

To me, he was always “the famous Michael Trautmann.” Before I ever met him, I was aware of his excellent reputation from my friends in Germany, his popular podcast (On The Way to New Work, now with 432 episodes), his extraordinary creative ventures and online influence.

Then I got to know him as a person, to *really* know him.

We were in Hamburg in 2019, and he was the master of ceremonies for a multi-day corporate event where I was giving a short talk and workshop. I remember being nervous appearing in front of him. What if he thinks my work isn’t good? Or I’m not good? 

At the end of my workshop, I encouraged the audience to form WOL Circles. And Michael came up to me to say he formed one with two women from the company there. I was so surprised I didn’t think before blurting out, “Can I join you?”

And so we were in a Circle together. For 12 weeks we exchanged goals and hopes and disappointments; we encouraged and supported each other; we became close. 

Our Circle ended just as COVID began, and we didn’t see each other for years. But Michael and I stayed in touch. Often it was purely personal, asking for advice or help of some kind. We found ways to work together, too, and Michael now includes WOL Circles as part of his innovative New Work Masterskills program and is himself a WOL Coach.

When we met again in 2023, it was also at an event in Hamburg. We were cohosts this time, and we celebrated my birthday. It was as if no time had passed.

I am amazed and inspired by Michael’s generosity and helpfulness, by his dazzling creativity and capability, by his vulnerability and authenticity. 

I still think of him as “the famous Michael Trautmann.” But he is also a role model and friend. And I am deeply grateful for that. Thank you, Michael.