20 years of BusinessMind – an evening full of gratitude, encounters and this feeling: "We have given something back together."

It was an evening that sounded less like an anniversary show and more like a genuine connection. An evening in which you could feel how much has been created in twenty years – through people, courage, decisions and the ability to start again and again. Right at the beginning, all the guests had a small task:

"What do you associate with BusinessMind?"

One sentence, one word, one feeling – captured on a moderation card. Here is the result:

The mix of post-its shows: In people's perception, BusinessMind stands for high quality, creative and well thought-out workshops, genuine connection, professional support and tangible energy. At the same time, it is very much about humanity, trust and inspiration – not just technical moderation.

Doing good together – under the motto "Thank you"

We didn't just want to celebrate this evening, we wanted to consciously pass on a "thank you", and because gratitude likes to spread, we organized a small but nice raffle a mix of humorous lightness and genuine appreciation. The main prizes were:

• two placesin open moderation training (transferable, value €1,290 each)

• two half-day team-building workshopsin January or February

The two main prizes went to ABA and the Energy Park Research Foundation– and the joy there was at least as great as in the hall.

And because a "thank you" rarely comes alone, we also passed something on together: the proceeds of the raffle were distributed to the organizations that are important to us:

• Doctors without borders

• World Food Program
• WWF

After brief opening remarks and an interactive exercise, Julia Kniescheck took the stage and led a conversation that opened up the room: How BusinessMind came about, what the turning points were and the people who worked in the background. Her style was clear, light and at the same time remarkably sensitive – just the right pace for an evening like this.

How BusinessMind came about – a journey through 20 years

Julia Kniescheck opened the interview with a simple question:"How did it all actually start?" And with that, she pushed open a door behind which lay a multi-layered story.

BusinessMind did not begin with a grand vision or a master plan, but with a request that Birgit simply "wanted to do" at the time. She was working at FFG at the time, investing a lot in her further training – and received a request from the VERBUND company. Together with Ingrid Santl, an executive retreat was created, which worked really well and was also aptly named: BusinessMind.

After that, things progressed step by step: internal seminars at FFG, initial recommendations, international inquiries – and a growing feeling that something was being created here that could last. What distinguished Birgit even then was that she never just wanted to convey content. She wanted to open up learning spaces in which people could develop.

The logo was added in 2011 – and over the years, people have come to shape BusinessMind. Some briefly, some for a long time. One person stands out: Nicole Schmidt. She provided structure, sparring, creativity and stability for over a decade. And in the lockdown year 2020, she – together with Ben – was the central force that made the complete online shift possible.

A lockdown as a turning point

When Julia asked about the challenging moments, there was a brief silence. The first lockdown was a turning point: a full calendar became empty overnight.

But this emptiness became the turning point. With Nicole and Ben, the digital realignment was born. In the fall, the calendar was fuller than ever before – but with completely new formats and new courage.

The attitude behind BusinessMind

During the conversation, it quickly became clear that BusinessMind is not a company that offers "off-the-shelf" training. There are clear convictions behind twenty years of experience:

• Accompanying people at eye level

• Clarify goals precisely – sometimes almost meticulously, but very consciously

• Creating spaces in which real development takes place

• Quality before speed

• Going the extra mile when it makes an impact

This attitude unites all projects, customers and learning journeys – to this day.

Challenging moments that stay

Julia also asked:"Were there any moments that particularly shaped you?" Birgit recounted two situations that go deeper than many anecdotes:

A workshop on the day of her father's death. And a train-the-trainer seminar a few days after the attacks in Paris.

Both were moments in which moderation was less a method than an attitude – and in which the role of companion suddenly became much quieter, but much more essential.

Experience meets innovation – the interaction between Birgit and Ben

A particularly lively part of the interview came when Julia asked how Birgit and Ben complement each other in their collaboration.

Birgit brings experience, calm, precision and structure – an eye for the essentials and the ability to keep even complex processes clear. Ben brings speed, tools, new methods, online formats and a creative lightness.

But it is precisely this tension that gives rise to a style that remains modern without losing depth.

And they have learned a lot from each other over the years: Birgit that digital learning can be a real enrichment, Ben that it is sometimes a strength to simply let people talk. Both now know how valuable the other's perspective is.

What comes next?

Finally, Julia asked the question that everyone wanted to hear:"And what happens next?"

Ben sees the future in open online formats, digital learning journeys and scalable training concepts – the direction is clear and powerful.

Birgit hopes to continue inspiring customers, meaningful projects and development that feels right.

The finale – buffet, talks & dance music

After the interview, the evening became very soft once again.

The buffet by Andreas Hattenberger was a delight – fine, clear, uncomplicated and perfect for an evening that was looking for a good rhythm.

The guests chatted with each other, exchanged ideas, laughed, found each other again – sometimes after years – and the energy in the room was warm and unagitatedly lively.

At the end there was dance music and anyone who wanted to could even submit their own favorite song beforehand. A small moment of freedom – and a beautiful conclusion after two intensive decades.

This is how the evening ended: light, connected, carried – and open for what is yet to come.

Once again, we say THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts! Thank you to all our customers who have accompanied, trusted, inspired and challenged us over the years – you are the reason why BusinessMind has been alive and growing for twenty years.

Here is a short video about the festival: