From e-bikes, new rituals in the family to touching visits to the retirement home: In a big interview, Judith talks about the past year, reveals her SOS program for bad days and shares her heart's desire.

Reflection. I think that Corona gave us all a lot of food for thought and everyone reflected on their entire lives: What is important to me in life? What does the pandemic mean for me, my family and my job? Do I perhaps have to prepare myself completely differently for the new circumstances? How can I develop myself so that I can best respond to challenges – no matter what kind? Everyone probably took away their own Corona questions from the year.

My priority has always been my family and it always will be. But I have become more aware of many things and matured as a person. What became clear to me once again: people are simply the be-all and end-all in our lives.

My brand works very internationally and we had problems with supply chains at times, like so many people do. And of course we felt it when the daycare centers were closed and employees were absent from production, for example. We have noticed where women are in demand everywhere. Because they primarily do the work at home with the children and have been burdened much more heavily by Corona than men.

As an employer, you have to make sure to stay light and positive and always show: We are thinking of you and are with you! For our team, I can say that Corona has brought us closer together, even though we were physically further apart. I am incredibly proud that we achieved this! That is one of the biggest challenges of digitalization: that despite all the technology, people and their needs and emotions remain the focus.

In any case! We humans need each other. Even though this may sound a bit spiritual, there is an energy vibrating around your body. And of course you can't notice this if you only meet online in a team meeting. But one thing is also clear: you have to be digital in your business! If you haven't been there before, Corona will now catapult you into the front row of the digital world. This won't go away either.

Suddenly there were meals together morning, lunch and evening! (laughs) No, seriously: breakfast together has always been sacred to me, but as a working mom you obviously don't always have lunch on the table at 12. I really love that we've gained this now! We also used nature a lot more as a family. We took endless walks with the dogs and bought e-bikes. I could have biked without the “E”, but my husband – the techie – convinced me that it was actually quite pleasant! (laughs)

Let's go!

I'm usually a very touchy person. When I see my parents, I like to hold their hands, I greet friends with kisses. All of that was gone now. Not being able to hug my aunt, who lives in a retirement home, but just see her through a pane of glass was really physically painful. It became clear to me even more that touch is often more important than language. It's not for nothing that our skin is the largest sensory organ. We can just feel and absorb everything about them.

When I go shopping and someone just stands behind me without leaving a distance, it annoys me! I mean, it's not about me, it's about our older fellow citizens, about my parents, who are high-risk patients. And no matter how you feel about Corona: I just expect you to be careful. This is a question of respect.

The togetherness. Everyone has moved closer together. We have all realized that we humans need each other. That touched me.

Last year I tried out a lot of recipes that I didn't have time for before. My daughter Sophia said at some point: “Corona gave you the chance to become a good cook.” I really had to laugh at that. To this day I don't know whether that was an insult or a compliment. (laughs)

Mine Startups! I gained family.

There's a new format coming up professionally that I'm so excited about. I'll tell you more about it at the end of the month! And private I would like to pursue a heartfelt wish: to travel with my dad again to his birthplace in Montana. This is incredibly important to him and it would be great if we could do this together with my sisters.

Out of love and gratitude for this life. Unfortunately, I have learned many times that life is short and therefore we should enjoy every day and be endlessly grateful for the people who are around us.

I lock myself in the bathroom, apply a serum, a cream, anything that feels good, do some nice makeup and then write down three things that I'm grateful for. Most of the time I feel better afterwards. And if not: close your eyes and get through it. Sometimes you have days like that, that's just how it is.

I think I need two words for this: new opportunities. I am convinced that change also brings incredible opportunities. And if we reflect now, develop ourselves further, invest in ourselves: yes, then something new will open up. So roll up your sleeves, be open and embrace life. It's going to be good!