TEDx CBS Cologne 2026

A career path that defies all expectations. A swimmer who takes on the most unforgiving seas in the world. A psychologist who shows how trauma can become a source of strength. On 27 May 2026, TEDx CBS Cologne brought three extraordinary individuals to the stage – and delivered an evening that lingers.

An Evening of Dialogue

Once again, the CBS campus in Cologne-Rodenkirchen became a stage for ideas that move people. As every year, the English-language event was conceived and organised by an international project team of Master's students, supervised by Prof. Dr Joerg Dederichs. Around 100 guests experienced an evening where personal stories, scientific insight and entrepreneurial courage came together.

Three Voices, Three Perspectives

Whether from the boardroom of a global logistics leader, the open ocean or a therapeutic practice – this year's speakers brought experiences that reach far beyond their respective fields.

Mustafa Tonguç – "From Hub Employee to CEO: What Makes Real Career Advancement Possible"

Mustafa Tonguç, CEO and Chairman of the Board of DHL Express Germany, took the audience on his personal journey, from operations agent at a distribution centre to corporate leader. What makes real career advancement possible? For Tonguç, it starts with courage: the courage to stand up for your identity and your values. He emphasised that meaningful networking is built on trust and mutual support, and highlighted the importance of a strong feedback culture as a driver of both personal and professional growth.

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André Wiersig – "What the Ocean Teaches Us When Control Disappears"

André Wiersig, extreme swimmer and ambassador of the German Ocean Foundation, shared personal experiences from his extreme open-water crossings and showed that true strength lies not in control, but in the ability to adapt. His message: those who work with challenges rather than against them, who let go of expectations and focus on their own mindset, build resilience. In the water and in life. "What we imagine almost never comes, what does come we never saw coming, that is exactly why we are almost always prepared for the wrong thing. When safety ends, who you are begins.”

Adina Petre – "Dare to Ask"

Adina Petre, clinical psychologist, trauma therapist and high-performance coach, delivered the most personal moment of the evening. She spoke openly about her own experiences with trauma and shared intimate moments from her life. "I am an expert in trauma because I have been living with it, trauma is not just what happens to you, it is what stays in your body."

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Change Begins with the Courage to Share

This year's TEDx CBS Cologne once again demonstrated that academic education and societal discourse belong together. The three talks made one thing clear: change begins where personal experience meets the courage to share it – and an audience willing to listen.

The student organising team feels the same way: "Being part of the TEDx organising team was a truly inspiring experience. It taught me how powerful teamwork can be when people come together with creativity, dedication and a shared purpose. Planning and coordinating across teams came with challenges, but seeing the event come to life was incredibly rewarding. It showed me how inspiring TEDx can be as a platform for ideas, connection and collaboration. For me, it was a reminder that sharing ideas today is part of creating tomorrow“, says Manelie Flory, student on the Master's programme in International Business and member of the project management team.

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