Biography

I have a professional background in theology, philosophy and ethics. I first received my cand. theol. (M.A.) degree in Denmark, then my Ph.D. degree in Chicago, and then enjoyed seven years of teaching at the university level in the American Midwest.

I am currently involved in a project with business leaders who focus intentionally on personal character and authenticity in their own professional development. More about that below.

My most recent book, The Power of One, reflects on ways we can use loneliness as a source of personal empowerment. I am convinced that loneliness is a greater taboo than sex, money, and power ever were. So, what better response than looking loneliness straight in the eye and turning it into a privilege? If you share my desire to see that happening, please visit The Power of One Project.

My first book, Theology of Anticipation, is about the American philosopher C.S. Peirce. His thinking is so eccentric that I had to invest a few years in the fascinating universe of this brilliant man. He convinced me that our minds’ capacity to hope is much more powerful than their capacity to think optimistically about the future. In the language of my book, anticipation trumps optimism.

I have published in academic journals as well as other journals, and have participated in various forms of research projects. Some of my favorite topics are the following. Kierkegaard, Schelling and German Idealism. American Pragmatism. Philosophy of the self. Sexual ethics. Environmental ethics. Science and religion. The problem of evil. Systematic theology. The scholarship of teaching and learning. Film and philosophy. (Academic CV available upon request.)

As a child, I wanted to be an actress. Perhaps that is what drove me into the world of education. I often think there is only a minimal difference between acting and teaching. Both are fueled by a deep passion to interact with others about things that matter so much that they can change our lives.

At the core of my interests is this question: “How do you become yourself?” Imagine a world where all of us moved around in complete freedom to be who we are. We would not hurt or threaten each other. Rather, we would join forces, imagine things, and then create them so we could enjoy them and play with them. We would be ourselves.

Think of it as our good fortune that we desire this world, but do not have it.

It is the opportunity for us to fight for our desires. For some reason, it seems like we will not see them fulfilled unless we take in stride the up-hill battle of pursuing them. This, I believe, is our best opportunity to develop that internal stamina and strength that we call personal character.

It is also the reason I chose the career I did. I wanted to understand how we can make a difference and create the world we desire. I am now convinced that in order to do that, we must tap into the deep resources we can find in the power of one, anticipation, hope, and the capacity to succeed.

This brings me back to my project with business leaders who focus intentionally on personal character and authenticity in their own professional development. They know that the future of successful careers belongs to those who choose to stand on the foundation of a strong personal character.

These business leaders are pointing us to one of the most powerful demands emerging in the current climate of our vulnerable market economy. It is the demand that anyone’s personal success will stand or fall with a willingness to be trustworthy and authentic.

Whether we are CEOs, ambitious professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, or strong individuals who want to lead ourselves well, we cannot succeed if we forget to be authentic. Things like education, skill, experience, and even natural talent, are important for personal success, but they will not carry us all the way. For that, we need the substance of personal character.

So, whenever I get the opportunity to speak, I apply all the things I ever learned in order to best communicate this one single thing: Be yourself first.

In the morning, I run along the waterfront in Hellerup, just north of Copenhagen, Denmark, where I live. I mostly compete with a mix of kayakers, swans, dog-owners, skinny dippers, boats, and bikers. We all want to take in the beauty of the sea that somehow manages to look differently every morning. I guess it is in the light and the wind. When I get to the end of my run, I kick off my shoes and jump in the water. No better way to start your day!