The leaders behind the leaders

Annette Eimermacher has been training board members and executives from DAX corporations, international companies, and medium-sized businesses for over 15 years to deliver impressive and confident performances, as well as to communicate their messages convincingly, even when faced with critical questions — whether in print interviews, talk shows, in front of a camera, or on large stages. Additionally, the experienced business and TV journalist offers moderation seminars and personally moderates events and conferences.

After studying political science and economics, Annette Eimermacher completed a traineeship at Handelsblatt publishing house and attended the Georg von Holtzbrinck School for Business Journalists. She subsequently worked both in front of and behind the camera for Sat.1, ProSieben, and at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. She was an editor at Talk im Turm in Berlin and editor-in-chief for various TV and business television formats; she also spent ten years at n-tv, where she hosted Telebörse and the news.

Andrej Grabowski is a print radio and TV journalist. He has written for daily newspapers, presented on the radio stations Bayern 3 and NDR 2 and was deputy editor-in-chief of the news channel N24 for many years. Grabowski is a lecturer at the Akademie der Bayerischen Presse, among others.

He now works as a presenter and reporter coach for numerous broadcasters. He also trains for appearances on the big stage – on TV, in talk shows and above all at live events.

“It’s important to me to train people on both sides of the camera, then I always know what makes the other side tick,” he says.

Antje Kullrich is a business journalist, media trainer, and financial market expert. For over 20 years, she has reported on companies and the financial industry for the Börsen-Zeitung, during which time she has encountered both excellently prepared executives as well as numerous suboptimally prepared interviews and press conferences.

As a capital market expert, the economist and graduate of the Cologne School of Journalism brings a deep understanding of corporate strategies, corporate finance, and initial public offerings (IPOs).

Antje Kullrich combines this expertise with her many years of journalistic experience to prepare you in a practical, precise, and personalized way for press conferences, interviews, background talks, your next earnings presentation, or media appointments related to your capital market transaction.

Prof. Dr. Christian-Rainer Weisbach is one of the pioneers of modern and professional communication. He has authored the standard reference work on this subject and has trained executives from numerous companies and institutions.

He teaches and conducts research at the Universities of Hohenheim and Tübingen, and has worked for thirty years as a personnel developer, coach, and speaker. He is the author of numerous publications on professional communication.

Book recommendation: Professional conversation management: A practical reading and exercise book (dtv Beck Wirtschaftsberater)

For over 25 years, Christof Schramm has been helping entrepreneurs and executives successfully convey their messages and captivate and motivate their audiences with impressive presentations and speeches. He specializes in all communication topics relevant to the executive level, including personal and corporate branding, story building, storytelling, national and international media relations, and crisis communication.

His passion for rhetoric and his experience working with some of the largest companies and personalities in the business world form the foundation of his successful presentation, rhetoric, and media training programs.

Christof Schramm studied business administration in Mannheim and Toronto, and began his career at Coopers & Lybrand in Frankfurt. As a communications consultant, he helped establish Dewe Rogerson, the pioneer of financial communications in Germany, and has worked on most major IPOs, nearly all German IPO privatizations, significant secondary offerings, and numerous M&A transactions (both friendly and hostile).

“Not only, but above all, the first choice of many large DAX companies: media trainer Elisabeth Ramelsberger is even recommended by the competition.” (PR Report 2/22)

Elisabeth Ramelsberger is a journalist and independent media trainer. She worked for four years at Bayerischer Rundfunk in the editorial department of Thomas Gottschalk and Günther Jauch, mainly presenting news programs. As a correspondent, she reported from Germany and abroad for the Reuters news agency. She then headed the press office of the Siemens Group for four years. She later moved to the PR agencies Citigate Dewe Rogerson and Pleon Financial Communications. She has been training CEOs, CFOs and executives of international companies for many years.

German, English

Georg Diedenhofen was the editorial director of “Hart aber fair” (ARD) for almost 18 years. Together with host Frank Plasberg, he prepared special broadcasts, election nights, chancellor debates, and well over 500 talk shows. He is highly experienced in all aspects of talk shows, having previously served as chief of service for “Berlin Mitte” / “Maybrit Illner” (ZDF) at the Berlin capital studio (2004-2006), and was responsible as editor and studio director for the Phoenix talk show “Unter den Linden” (2002-2004).

A trained journalist, he has taught at Germany’s leading journalism schools, managed radio stations, and as a young reporter for RIAS, covered all the key events of German reunification.

Hans Juergen is a seasoned communications expert specializing in corporate, strategic, and crisis communications, coupled with extensive experience in CEO and management consulting. With a diverse clientele, he engages with both dynamic startups at various growth stages and well-established corporations, offering project-based support. hj operates across a spectrum of industries, with a current emphasis on automotive, mobility, health tech, fitness, fintech, and media. His clients are trailblazers within their sectors, introducing innovative digital business models and leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as AI and IIoT to fortify their competitiveness and future-proof their enterprises.

Jane Deith is an investigative TV journalist and broadcaster who presents award-winning documentary series and current affairs programs, including for Channel 4 News, BBC News, and the BBC World Service.

She applies the same thoroughness in her media training as she does in her journalistic work – tough, but fair! Her goal is to optimize her trainees’ individual style and give them the confidence to speak with authenticity and authority. She helps them prepare for an authentic, credible, and memorable public appearance, whether in front of cameras or during a crisis.

Jane Deith has extensive experience in the healthcare sector but has also worked with CEOs and executives in finance, telecommunications, and defense.

JD Schramm teaches communication at Stanford University and is a sought-after speaker, trainer, and author. He has spoken at TED and TEDx events and has coached numerous trainees to do the same. His articles have appeared in prominent publications such as The Washington Post and the San Francisco Chronicle. He has worked with numerous companies and groups, including Qualtrics, YPO, Facebook, Breakline, Jane Street Financial, Genentech, Ciena, AQR Capital, Adams Street Partners, and Google.

In addition, he founded and led the Mastery in Communication Initiative at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. JD Schramm holds an Ed.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business, and a BFA in Theater from Emporia State University in Kansas.

Johannes Büchs is a trainer specializing in presentation, storytelling, moderation, and media. He supports executives, speakers, and experts in delivering confident performances on stage and in video, during keynotes and TED Talks, and teaches the dramaturgy and methodology of storytelling.

After studying information science, he completed a traineeship at NDR, worked as a writer for the satire show extra 3, and hosted the children’s and youth program neuneinhalb on ARD until 2017. He currently hosts the show Kann es Johannes? on KiKA and works as a writer and presenter for Die Sendung mit der Maus.

Johannes Büchs has received multiple awards and has been nominated for the Grimme Award. He also completed the train-the-trainer modules at the ARD.ZDF Media Academy.

Karen Webb is a media trainer, public speaking coach, moderator, and lecturer at the Institute of Communication Studies at LMU Munich. A political science graduate, she has reported as a journalist from countless international events, including the Oscars, and has conducted interviews with prominent figures worldwide – from politicians to Hollywood stars.

With 25 years of experience in live broadcasts (e.g., ZDF, Deutsche Welle) and on event stages, she helps executives present confidently, purposefully, and warmly on their own “stages.” She supports them in optimizing their communication skills, strengthening their unique voice and presence, and delivering their messages clearly and convincingly. In hands-on training sessions, Karen Webb imparts immediately applicable strategies that help her trainees confidently perform in any situation.

Laura Trant is a highly experienced communication, media, and presentation trainer. She trains executives from various industries, politicians, and other public figures for public appearances, on-camera performances, interviews, and crisis communication. In her tailored training sessions, she teaches techniques and methods for conducting compelling interviews and delivering impressive presentations. She helps trainees convey their message effectively, optimize their presence, and leave a lasting impression with an authentic performance.

Laura Trant studied International Relations and Broadcast Journalism and has been a long-time TV and radio journalist for various BBC programs. She currently works as a National News Correspondent for BBC News and also moderates events and award ceremonies.

Mark Laudi is an experienced media trainer and moderator of business conferences and current affairs programs in radio and financial television. With experience on multiple continents, he has over 25 years of expertise in print, radio, television, new, and social media. He was a host and producer of regional business news programs at CNBC Asia Pacific, hosted Squawk Box, and served as the bureau chief in Sydney, among other roles. His media career began at the age of 21 when he became Australia’s youngest current affairs presenter at ABC Radio.

After many years in South Africa, Germany, and Australia, Mark Laudi has long been based in Singapore. He is a certified CliftonStrengths coach and a member of the Asia Pacific Association of Communications Directors (APACD), SGTech, the Investor Relations Professionals Association of Singapore (IRPAS), and the German-Singaporean Chamber of Industry and Commerce (SGC).

Mark McQuillan is a journalist, presenter, and media trainer with over 15 years of broadcasting experience gained at some of the leading British television networks, including ITV News, Sky, and 5 News. As a presenter and reporter, he has covered significant events, mastered the pressures of live breaking news presentation, and conducted interviews with politicians, business leaders, and sports stars.

Building on his years of broadcasting experience, Mark McQuillan advises and trains his trainees on effectively formulating and delivering their messages, optimally preparing for interviews, and performing impressively, enabling them to excel in their media and public appearances while maximizing their impact.

Dr. Peter Fankhauser is a passionate leadership expert and distinguished CEO consultant with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that leaders must navigate in dynamic and complex environments. With his decades of experience as CEO of significant international companies such as the Thomas Cook Group, Kuoni Travel Holding, and LTU Group, he has demonstrated how to successfully steer organizations even in turbulent times.

Today, Dr. Fankhauser focuses on supporting new CEOs and leaders as they transition into top positions, preparing them optimally for their new responsibilities. His emphasis is on practical support and imparting strategic leadership skills that are critical in the early stages. He understands the challenges that accompany such transitions firsthand and helps leaders master their roles with confidence.

Sandra Matl brings 25 years of media experience in radio, TV, print, and online. For over 15 years, she successfully worked as a TV reporter for ARD, including for Tagesschau and Rundschau, and served as a TV presenter and ARD advisor to the director at Bayerischer Rundfunk. Since 2017, she has held international PR and marketing positions for DAX and Nasdaq companies.

With her inspiring and clear training design, she engages clients and helps top executives present confidently and authentically in presentations, keynotes, and interviews, reducing nervousness in stressful situations and captivating audiences with clear language and eloquent quick-wittedness.

The certified business economist and retail specialist is also a certified digital marketing manager, business coach, and mindfulness teacher, offering training in both German and English.

Simone Dorenburg is a certified speaker and speech trainer, trainer, speaker, and reciter. For over 25 years, she has been helping people successfully use their voices and present themselves confidently and authentically. She trains executives and board members of international corporations, as well as the presenters of Tagesschau, who receive her vocal and speaking refinement. With empathy, enthusiasm, and humor, she effectively conveys methods and techniques for a lively and expressive speaking style, preparing leaders for a commanding presence.

Additionally, Simone Dorenburg, who studied at the State University of Music and Performing Arts Stuttgart, works as a voice artist for documentaries and audiobooks, delivers interactive lectures, performs as a spoken artist on stage, and presents literary recitation programs.

Stefan Bannwart has extensive experience in international corporate communication and in advising senior executives. As an independent sparring partner, he provides integrated communication consulting and leadership support to managers and board members. In his presentation and media training sessions, he helps them fully develop their communication skills and make their communication more authentic and successful.

Before his work as a trainer and consultant, he held senior positions at various international companies and at a large communication agency. Stefan Bannwart holds a Master’s degree in Economics (University of Basel) and an MBA in International Luxury Brand Management (ESSEC, Paris). Additionally, he studied art history and has been engaged with analytical psychology for many years.

Author of: Communicating authentically

Stefan Hunstein, who studied acting at the State University of Music and Performing Arts in Stuttgart, has been continuously working at various city and state theaters since 1982, including Schauspielhaus Bochum, Deutsches Theater Berlin, Bayerisches Staatsschauspiel Munich, Münchner Kammerspiele, Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus, Burgtheater Vienna, as well as at the Salzburg Festival and the Ruhrtriennale. Since 2003, he has been a member and, since 2021, the director of the “Performing Arts” department at the Bavarian Academy of Fine Arts.

Stefan Hunstein trains methods and techniques for effective and anxiety-free presentations in public. His training sessions focus on performance, presence, body language, voice, and expression.

Susanne Cano has been working as a trainer for voice and presentation skills, communication, and embodiment for over 20 years. She teaches techniques and methods for speaking freely, confidently, and relaxed, effectively using the voice, and conveying messages impressively, authoritatively, and competently.

Susanne Cano studied at the State University of Music and Performing Arts in Stuttgart and is a certified speech educator. She has served as a lecturer in speech training at the music universities in Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, and Cologne; currently, she teaches speaking in the Musical department at Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen.

Additionally, she supports companies in the contexts of vision development, leadership and team development, communication consulting, and training, and successfully moderates processes for conflict management. She regularly performs as an artist in readings on stage.

Sylke Gandzior is a speech, voice, and presentation coach, communication and presentation trainer, and moderator. She began her radio and television career at Radio Bremen. She served as the chief moderator at 100.6 and successfully built several radio stations, including Radio Frankfurt and Antenne Kaiserslautern.

For over 20 years, executives, politicians, celebrities, and journalists have trusted the experienced trainer to prepare for important appearances. She helps them make optimal use of their voice, convey their messages impressively, engage and motivate their audience, and present themselves authentically and convincingly.

With thousands of hours of live experience, Sylke Gandzior moderates stage shows, trade fairs, and hybrid events; since 2020, she has also been producing and hosting her own podcast.

Tadhg Enright is a media trainer, television journalist, and TV moderator. He uses the skills he has acquired over more than 20 years in broadcast journalism to help executives of large companies communicate effectively, with clarity and confidence, and to successfully navigate communication in difficult situations and crises.

Tadhg joined Sky News as a member of the business team at the height of the financial crisis and later became the presenter of the hourly business news. He has also worked at the BBC, RTÉ News, and Reuters, and moderates podcasts, radio shows, and award ceremonies.

With his expertise, personal approach, and commitment, Tadhg supports his clients in making the desired impression during interviews and presentations, engaging and mobilizing their audiences.

Udo Lielischkies studied economics and sociology, completed the “Kölner Schule – Institut für Publizistik,” and has worked since 1980 as an editor in the economic departments of radio and television at WDR. In 1994, Lielischkies became the ARD correspondent in Brussels, in 1999 in Moscow, and in 2006 in Washington, before returning to Moscow in 2012. He served as the studio head in Moscow for ARD until 2018.

Native Language: German
Other Languages: English, Russian

As an experienced expert in strategic corporate communications, Violetta Kahre focuses her media training on achieving a credible balance between content and appearance. She specialises in all types of change communication in companies and organisations and effectively supports board members and executives in credibly communicating change. This includes the coherent conceptualisation of core messages as well as their empathetic communication and presentation.

She has many years of management experience in corporate communications, particularly in the energy industry, both in DAX40 and medium-sized companies. She has also worked for the media industry (commercial TV) and on the strategic consulting side and studied PR in Hanover.