Max is the founder of Lehrerkolleg, the network for dedicated teachers. So, while many are complaining about education systems, Max creates long-term solutions to improve the curriculum and learning environment of German schools. Three thumbs up! In addition, Max is also Chapter President and European Chairman of EO Entrepreneurs’ Organization. That is how we met. Last week and under the aegis of Max, we organized the 4-day conference EO Unlimited. Another thumbs up for the wonderful collaboration! At the moment, Max and his family are living in the middle of a building site – Max will tell you himself how that happened. And yes, there are actually cool guys that are really into math. Q.E.D.

Name: Max Maendler
Age: 40
Location: Berlin
Occupation: Unternehmer
Shoe size: 42
Favourite subject at school: math
Kontakt: www.lehrerkolleg.de

What would you do, if you weren’t afraid?
I’m actually pretty fearless and enjoy life.

Which company would you like to have started?
Hilti.

What was your latest screw-up?
I had less brains and spent less time choosing a site manager than I would to recruit new interns. And that is exactly why – one year later – the five of us are still stuck in our far too small apartment.

Who is the most inspiring person you’ve ever met?
Petra (his wife, editor’s note.)

What motivates you?
When someone says: That’s impossible.

Which moment changed everything?
The Big Bang.

What is so special about Berlin?
Having the freedom to do whatever you like without people looking you up and down.