Every week, interesting personalities from the world of finance and beyond share their personal preferences in our section Backstage.

What do you do first in the morning?

First, I prepare breakfast for my children. While we eat breakfast, I read to my children. Recently, I read Astrid Lindgren.

What is the best thing about your job?

That I truly feel every day that I’m working at the forefront of societal development. And that I’m helping to shape a better world—one in which people enjoy living. That’s exactly what motivates me: guiding people on the path toward a more sustainable future—with solutions that are both environmentally and economically viable. What I particularly value is the daily exchange with others who are working toward this goal with just as much passion. And I love the moments when I dive into new technologies and can feel: something truly forward-looking is happening right now.

A moment that changed your life?

When I was 22, I spent six months traveling from Europe to Asia by bicycle. That time was full of formative moments, such as drinking tea with mullahs in mosques or visiting people's homes in Iran. I met incredibly warm and optimistic people there who wanted to be able to interact more with the world outside their country. These encounters broadened my horizons immeasurably. They showed me how much we can learn from one another, and that real change always begins with human connection.

What cars do you own? Which is your favorite?

I'm not a car person. We have a VW Touran for mountain activities with our children. I have six pairs of skis, two mountain bikes, and four guitars. I'm always happy when I don't have to get in the car.

What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?

The sooner you realize that you're a nobody, the faster you can grow and the easier you'll go through life. Mike Tyson summed it up perfectly: «How do I deal with criticism? If I think I'm somebody, it hurts me a lot. If I remember that I'm a nobody, I can work with it very well.»

What are you particularly proud of?

I'm proud of always having had the courage to believe in myself and in other people. I've always managed to build great teams and achieve great things with them. It's easier for a team to do difficult things that are really important than easy things that don't matter.

What was your biggest defeat?

I was once in the extended squad for the German national lacrosse team, but didn't make the final selection. At the time, I was naturally disappointed. Today, however, I see it as a valuable experience. Another Mike Tyson quote: «Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.» It's important to get up quickly and keep going.

What is your favorite wine?

In summer, I enjoy a Riesling from the Rheingau, in winter, I prefer a heavy Rioja.

What projects are you currently working on?

Me and my team are currently working on the next generation of impact investing solutions. Our goal is to make sustainable investing even more accessible, combining real impact with attractive returns. That's what drives us every day.

What is most important to you at the moment?

Staying true to my values with courage and integrity. Currently, many of the things that are important to us in this world are under attack - by populism, by power ambitions, and by the climate crisis. We must not let ourselves be defeated - democracy and the future thrive on active participation.

What would be the biggest surprise for someone who had to do your job for a day?

How much hands-on work my job actually requires: every day, I work and think deeply about issues and take a lot of time to talk to colleagues, business partners, and our impact investors.

What is your personal drive?

If my children are anything like me, they will one day judge me harshly: What did you use your talents and energy for, Dad? I want to be proud of the things I have dedicated myself to - and enjoy the journey along the way.

What are you afraid of?

What I fear most is that something will happen to the people I love.

Your favorite watch brand?

I don't have a favorite watch brand. To be honest, watches, or status symbols in general, don't matter to me.

What do your employees value most about you?

Above all, they appreciate my honesty, because it creates a good basis for trust and cooperation within the team. And my passion for the issues I believe in. This commitment is often contagious and drives us forward as a team.

Your best investment?

Proposing to my wife. That was the best decision of my life.

Dr. Tillmann Lang is an entrepreneur, technologist and impact investor. He is CEO and co-founder of Inyova Impact Investing, a leading platform for sustainable investments tailored to private investors. Before founding Inyova, he worked at McKinsey, ETH Zurich and SAP. Tillmann holds a PhD in computer science and mathematics from ETH Zurich and studied in Germany, Switzerland, the U.S. and Chile.