Entrepreneurship Summit 2022: Keynote speech by Dr Florian Langenscheidt

Summary

In his keynote speech ‘The joy of freedom – taking the plunge into self-employment’, Dr Florian Langenscheidt talks about happiness as the central driving force behind entrepreneurship and personal fulfilment. He defines happiness not as a permanent state, but as rare, fragile moments of ‘being at one’ with oneself, one's own activities and the people around one.

Happiness and unhappiness are inseparable – character is formed by headwinds, crises and challenges. Langenscheidt shows that many people strive for happiness throughout their lives but do not achieve it because they lack the courage to go their own way. In his view, entrepreneurship in particular offers the opportunity to consciously choose this own path: to decide for oneself, to take responsibility, to take risks and to build something of one's own that creates both economic and social value.

Based on over 40 years of happiness research, his own start-up experiences and numerous observations as an author and business angel, he explains why starting a business often – though not always – makes people happy. Entrepreneurship means greater emotional volatility, but also deeper fulfilment, stronger relationships, personal growth and meaning. Especially in a risk-averse society like Germany, he advocates promoting the courage to pursue one's own happiness and to start a business more strongly again.

Key insights for founders

1. Happiness comes from personal responsibility:
Those who consciously choose their own path are more resilient to crises and can enjoy success more intensely.

2. Crises are not the opposite of happiness, but a prerequisite for it:
Personal growth, strength and satisfaction arise from problems, not despite them.

3. Entrepreneurship means freedom – with consequences:
Making your own decisions also means accepting the consequences of wrong decisions. The best decision is often the one you make.

4. Purpose beats pure profit:
Sustainably successful companies not only generate revenue, but also add value to society.

5. Teams, diversity and friendship are factors for success:
Starting a business together creates close bonds, better prospects and more long-term happiness than going it alone.

About the speaker

Dr Florian Langenscheidt is an entrepreneur, author, philosopher and one of the best-known happiness researchers in the German-speaking world. He has spent over 40 years researching, teaching and publishing on the topics of happiness, meaning, freedom and entrepreneurship, and is the author of numerous bestsellers, including Langenscheidt's Handbook on Happiness.

As a serial founder, business angel and foundation founder, he combines scientific findings with practical entrepreneurial experience. Since 1997, he has been investing in start-ups and supporting founders on their journey. In his work, he is consistently committed to purpose, social responsibility, diversity and courageous entrepreneurship.

Dr Langenscheidt is considered an inspiring voice for a new start-up culture in which economic success, personal happiness and social impact are considered together.