Josephine Ackerman

Artist, Athlete, Brainstormer, Business adviser, Consultant, Explorer, Idea generator, Jewish, Project manager, World traveler, Writer/Editor

I am a part of Schufa’s management team (Germany’s leading credit scoring company), responsible for their strategy, brand repositioning and private client business. Prior to this, I held the role as Global Marketing Head for Deutsche Bank‘s International Private Banking Business - covering everything from Retail Banking in India, Italy, Spain and Belgium to Private, International Business Banking as well as Deutsche Bank‘s global Wealth Management Services, leading teams in different locations. I joined Deutsche Bank in 2012, initially managing various strategy projects. In 2015 I won an award as Germany’s best project manager under the age of 35. In 2017 I was selected to represent the Bank at the Women20 summit (G20 - only just for Women). At the time, I was working on the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility Agenda. From 2016-2019, I was active as Global COO and deputy head of a department developing the bank’s key art and culture projects, including establishing a contemporary art museum in Berlin, the Palais Populaire, which opened in September 2018. I am blessed with two beautiful children, 4 & 7 years old, studied business and art history. Furthermore, I am supporting an AI based sustainable EV charging startup called VoltVogel as a business angel and member of their ‚brain trust board‘.

Continuous learning and personal growth. I find joy in connecting with diverse individuals, engaging in meaningful conversations, exchanging ideas spanning life, business, philosophy, and religion. I draw energy from connecting with individuals who are curiously moving forward on their journey, striving, or also searching, exploring, and pivoting. I am happy to share my insights and most importantly learn from others, creating an environment of mutual growth and inspiration. My life revolves around the pillars of family, career, art, travel, and staying fit and healthy. I try to approach each day with gratitude.

When you are passionate about something, don’t overthink it. If you can, try it. If you fail, it’s okay… It’s like Mo Gawdat shares in his book solve for happy: a lion hunting an Antilope. If the lion doesn’t catch it, it tries again at the next opportunity. Emphasize continuous growth, be open to feedback, and don't fear making mistakes – they often lead to valuable lessons. Cultivate curiosity, stay adaptable… personal and professional development is an ongoing journey.

contemporary art, digital Identity, establishing an art space, financial fraud prevention, Fintechs, german wine and food, Marketing, open banking, procrastination, project management, Strategy development, strategy execution, turn around management

I have come across TED about 15 years ago, when the first friends and acquaintances have attended the conferences. I have since followed the community but never attended myself. In 2023, my company sponsored TEDxFrankfurt. Being part of this allowed me to witness the experience firsthand. It has not only deepened my appreciation for the whole preparation process, the dedication of TED’s employees, volunteers, speakers and coaches, it has also fueled my commitment to supporting platforms that facilitate meaningful conversations and inspire positive change. The TED community's ethos emphasizes the importance of curiosity, diversity of thought, and access as well as the pursuit of knowledge. Having closely followed TED talks and engaged with the TEDx community, I am inspired by the continuous exchange of groundbreaking ideas that foster making a difference. I am eager to contribute to and further immerse myself in the inspiration and networking that TED conferences offer.

Aerial silks yoga