Abbot Thomas Maria Freihart was born in 1960 and joined Plankstetten Abbey in 1980. After studying theology, he was ordained a priest in 1986 and completed further studies in Rome. In Plankstetten he ran the guest house and was novice master and prior. In 1995 he was elected prior administrator of Weltenburg Abbey and in 1998 he was appointed 70th abbot of the monastery. His service motto is “Caritatem non derelinquere – Don’t give up on love”.

André Kahlmeyer is an expert in Islamic Sharia law and has studied Islamic studies, Arabic and conflict studies. He worked for German development aid, NATO and the EU in Brussels and Iraq. Since 2010 he has worked as a consultant, including for the EU, the UN and various foreign ministries, with assignments in crisis areas such as Syria, Iraq and Somalia. He also founded a company and a non-profit peacebuilding organization.

Bernd Wenske is a versatile consultant and career coach for international, highly qualified specialists. He is also a creative businessman, recruiter, media producer and author. Wenske helps people to grow beyond themselves and become “heroes” in their own life stories. It supports individuals who want to develop personally and improve the world and encourages active action.

Dr. Britta Hölzel is a qualified psychologist, neuroscientist and MBSR teacher. She researched brain changes through meditation and yoga at Harvard Medical School and the Technical University of Munich. Today Hölzel works as an independent mindfulness trainer in Munich, teaches at various training institutes for mindfulness teachers and founded the Institute for Mindfulness and Meditation - I AM. She is also the author of books and exercise DVDs/CDs on the subject of mindfulness.

Christine Barthuber, born in Prien am Chiemsee in 1997, lives in Munich. She completed training as a subway driver at MVG and worked in this profession for two years. Since 2020, she has been completing further training as a transport service clerk at MVG, while continuing to work as a subway driver. Her hobbies are hiking, doing crafts, cycling and traveling. Her motto in life is: “Just try it!”

Winfried Schröter, author, trainer and consultant since 1994, was part of Vera F. Birkenbihl's team and is one of the TOP 100 Excellence Trainers. He specializes in people skills for managers and advises on personnel decisions and negotiations. Schröter, a recognized keynote speaker, also supports politicians in presentation and positioning. His book “Führ' mich Boss!” offers innovative methods for strengthening leadership qualities.

Walied Youssef, born in Saudi Arabia in 1975 and raised in Cairo, moved from the school system to the hotel industry after training as a social worker, with stints in Sharm El-Sheikh and Kuwait. After arriving in Germany, he initially worked in production until his studies were recognized. Today he works as an integration officer in a German district town and leads intercultural seminars and workshops.

Ulrich Kellerer, who grew up on a farm in the foothills of the Alps, found his way into the fashion industry and was mentioned in "The Soul of Success". After caring for his mother, he founded a literary group in a retirement home and published "One Moment can change your Life!". Today Kellerer focuses on protecting against electrosmog and promoting health through memon technology.

Theo Bergauer, trained as a civil engineer and industrial engineer, is an experienced trainer and sovereignty expert. He focuses on team development, value-oriented leadership and confident communication. With leadership experience in sports and management, Bergauer also works as an author and lecturer, specializing in challenges in elite sports and entrepreneurship.

Steffi Plannerer, born in Tirschenreuth in 1994, completed further training to become an IHK industrial specialist after training as an industrial clerk. Today she works as an HR manager in Upper Franconia and lives with her family in Waldershof. Steffi, known for her joy of life, loves to travel, party and take on new challenges.

Dr. Katrin Hegendörfer, clinical psychologist and systemic therapist with over 20 years of experience, runs a private practice in Munich. She developed LifeScripting®, a coaching method for positive self-leadership, and shares her knowledge in books, seminars and online courses. Hegendörfer, who lives in Munich with her family, enjoys hiking and mountain biking in the Alps as well as relaxing in her garden.

Kerstin Nicklas, born in Weiden in 1988, worked in retail after training as a bakery saleswoman. She lives in Neustadt an der Waldnaab with her partner and son Max. Nicklas is active in animal protection, keeps fit by running and loves traveling, guided by the belief that you only regret the trips you don't take.

Markus Gruber has been working in personal development for over 15 years, where he supports people in clarifying life questions and developing their abilities. He sees his task as accompanying people on the path to self-knowledge and emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance for change. Through seminars, courses and coaching, he offers spaces for self-encounter and promotes inner strength and self-efficacy for a fulfilled life.

Peter Brandl, professional pilot and entrepreneur, is a sought-after speaker who shares his experiences from 3,500 events on the connection between cockpit strategies and business management. He has appeared with personalities such as Richard Branson and advises companies such as Deutsche Bank and Lufthansa on business strategies. Further information at www.peterbrandl.com.

Stefan Baier, born in 1983 in Kemnath, overcame a childhood marked by his mother's illness. After graduating from high school, doing community service and completing an apprenticeship as an industrial clerk, he gained experience in the ceramics and automotive industries. In 2018 he took over his father-in-law's taxi company. Baier is married with two children and values spending time with family and friends.

Jürgen Raps, born in Bayreuth in 1951, began his career as an airline pilot for Lufthansa after graduating from high school. He first flew the Boeing B 737 as first officer, later as captain of various Airbus models and contributed to the introduction of the Airbus A380. Raps, with around 20,000 flying hours, now lives in Arizona with his family and three Rhodesian Ridgebacks.