🚀Day 5 of the high-flyer trip - serendipity, sailing & sister cities

Indescribable, formative, very different, open minded, think big - that was the high-flyer trip 2025 right up to the last day.

In the Leadership Garage of Prof. Sabine Remdisch was centered around a term that describes Silicon Valley in a special way: serendipity - the art of discovering the unexpected through openness and curiosity. What is often seen as an efficiency gap in Europe is part of a consciously designed culture of innovation here.

During the discussion, it became clear that the most successful companies in the Valley specifically create spaces for the unplanned - through open time models, flexible environments and interdisciplinary exchange. The best ideas often arise in the space in between and, especially in the age of AI, automation can create new scope for creativity, networking and the unexpected.

In conversation with Mark Chandler at City Hall focused specifically on networking between Kiel and San Francisco and the similarities between the two twin cities.

A strong player here is the San Francisco Public Library. Here we have Maureen Singleton and Michael Lambert as well as Ben White and Jarie Bolander, strategist for growth and ecosystems and Commissioner of the Library. Together, we discussed the importance of storytelling, urban development and the future potential of libraries, among other things.

In the afternoon, Staff Commodore Beau Vrolyk and Race Director Felix Weidling in the St. Francis Yacht Club welcome. A place where history, entrepreneurial spirit and international partnership meet.