If you had been sitting with me 11 years ago at the National Achievers Congress in Stuttgart, you would have seen him too. Les Brown.
He leaned forward, looked at us with sparkling eyes, and shouted: “You gotta be huuuungry!” Not hungry for noodles with sauce – but hungry for more life. For what’s buried deep inside of you, waiting to be released. He said: “The richest place on earth is the cemetery. Because there lie inventions, solutions, and ideas that could have moved humanity forward. But those people never had the courage to act on their dreams. And one day it was too late… because ‘someday’ never comes.”
In that moment, I felt heat rushing through my body. Every single word pierced straight into my heart. It was as if Les was speaking directly to me. Whispering: “Norman, wake up. There is more inside you.”
Back then, Les was 60 years young on paper. But on stage, he radiated the energy of a 20-year-old. Because there was fire burning in his heart. A fire to leave something behind. To spark something in his audience.
Tell me—what activity makes you feel decades younger when you do it? What’s your thing?
Fast forward to today, October 5th, 2025.
On this memorable Sunday, I’m standing on a stage myself. Not in Germany, but in Orlando, my former home away from home. And next to me… Les Brown himself. We laugh, we embrace, and we inspire more than 600 people to remember their own greatness.
And not only that—we also spent the past months writing a book together:
“The Power of Perseverance – Unleash Your Greatness.”
To be honest: I can hardly believe it. My heart jumps with joy—louder and higher than it did 11 years ago in Stuttgart.
Do you know what’s crazy? When the invitation to join the book project came, I hesitated. I called Anke, told her about it, and expected her to say I was crazy. But she stayed silent. And out of that silence came just one question: “When you are old one day—do you want to be able to say that you wrote a book with Les Brown?”
Before she even finished, images of the book rushed through my mind. My heart whispered: “Yes, of course.” My mouth answered with confidence: “Absolutely.”
Anke laughed: “Well then. Let’s go. Les isn’t getting any younger. Who knows how long you’ll have this chance?”
Today, Les Brown is 80 years young. Still my mentor, still my role model—and now united with me in a book. Could I have imagined this 11 years ago in Stuttgart? No.
But deep down, I always knew: One day it would happen. And because the universe has a sense of humor, it even added a co-authored book project on top. Or as Anke would say: “Just do it. It might turn out great.”
Here’s the truth: Between a dream and its fulfillment, years may pass.
My first talk on a cruise ship: 5 years from idea to reality.
My first two European public speaking titles: 6 months.
Sharing the stage with Les Brown: 11 years.
There is no fixed timeline in the universe. But there is one constant: your belief that it’s possible. And honestly—you have a lifetime. So why rush? Enjoy the journey. Look forward to what’s coming. In the end, your belief decides whether you keep going—or give up.
Now take a moment. Feel into yourself. Where are you right now? Maybe your goal is crystal clear, but it feels so far away that it takes your breath. Maybe you’re tired from fighting for so long. Maybe doubt gnaws at your self-worth. And you know what? Exactly in those moments, your story is decided. Because none of us makes it alone. Not me. Not Les. And not you.
That’s why I want to extend a very personal invitation to you.
If you feel stuck, if your dream feels out of reach, or if you simply need someone who sees you and reminds you of your greatness—I am here. In my 1:1 coaching sessions, I walk beside you. I hold up the mirror so you can see what’s truly inside you. I ask you the questions that open doors. And I remind you that your dream is not impossible—it is waiting for you.
Your dream is not a fantasy. It’s real. It’s possible. And it begins the moment you say Yes—to yourself, to your path, and to getting the support you deserve.
If this speaks to you, reply to this email and let’s start a conversation. Because the rest of your life doesn’t begin someday—it begins now.
Make it count.
Because it would be a shame if your dreams never saw the light of day.
