Sometimes you know right from the start where you want to go. This was also the case with our interview partner of the month, Thomas Germann, who discovered his fascination for tax law and fiduciary work during his studies. Today, after more than 25 years at AGEBA Treuhand AG, many of them as Managing Director and now as co-owner, he stands for what fiduciary work is all about: trustworthy support through decisive phases of life and business.
"You have to understand both - business and law. It is precisely this thematic breadth that makes tax law so exciting," says Thomas Germann, who studied in Basel and discovered his passion for this challenging interface towards the end of his studies. But what particularly excites him about his work goes far beyond numbers: "As a trustee, you accompany people and companies through many decisive moments - from foundation to liquidation, and in the case of private individuals often for a lifetime." This trust, which is built up over years, is at the heart of his work.
Thomas Germann has been running the family business since 2009, having replaced his father and company founder Rolf Germann as Managing Director and taken over his shareholding rights. The company is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year - a time in which much has changed. Processes have been digitalized and working methods modernized. But one thing remains the same: personal contact and trust are unshakeable values that still form the foundation of the company today. AGEBA Treuhand AG form. What drives him is the combination of personal proximity and comprehensive expertise. This is exactly what is reflected in the AGEBA Treuhand AG echo: An experienced team of lawyers, auditors and specialists work closely together to provide companies and private individuals with individual support throughout the entire life cycle.
In addition to his work as a trustee, Thomas Germann has been involved in voluntary work for many years. Whether as a trustee of the Aeskulap Clinic in Brunnen, co-founder of the Seeklinik Brunnen AG or President of the Bio-Foundation Switzerland - His projects combine entrepreneurial thinking with social responsibility. When asked about time management and balance, he answers calmly: "You have to trust that it will be enough." For Thomas Germann, it is essential to consciously make time for his family and personal moments - despite the challenges of a busy schedule. These time-outs help him to stay clear and follow his inner voice to make decisions with heart and mind.
This mixture of commitment, expertise and a clear signature makes Thomas Germann a real driving force. Find out in this interview what gives him energy, how he defines success and why trust is the most important currency in his work.
Mr. Germann, if you had taken a different path when you were younger, what would you have become?
"I could have imagined becoming a doctor. I didn't choose this path because my personal experience meant that I could hardly set foot in a hospital. Later, I was able to contribute my interest in medicine as part of the Board of Trustees mandate at what was then the Aeskulap Clinic and get to know the methods of various holistic approaches. This way of thinking and working fascinated me in all my later tasks."
What is your favorite way to start your day?
"My favorite way to start my day is outside in nature, enjoying the magic of the first rays of sunshine in our garden under the cherry tree. I cherish this quiet moment in various forms throughout the year and then feel ready for my various tasks."
What does success mean to you personally?
"I associate personal success with my effectiveness. Am I effective in my tasks in a good way? This also includes keeping things in balance. In business terms, this means that I prefer long-term perspectives rather than seeking short-term financial success. I feel particularly effective where I can contribute to further development, for example when a succession solution is successful and a company is well positioned for the future. On a personal level, success for me means being able to go my own way and combine tasks in a variety of areas in a fruitful way. "
What would you work for free for a week?
"My work in the non-profit sector means that it is often unpaid. I generally don't differentiate between working time and free time, both are life time. There are many great initiatives that I would work a week for. With the Rosa and Bernhard Merz Foundation, for example, we support Emergency Pedagogy International, which intervenes in war and disaster zones and reduces the consequences of trauma.
The agriculture that feeds us deserves more personal attention. The common image of the rich, subsidy-driven farmer is wrong. For most people, farming is a time-consuming and hard job. I am down-to-earth, which is why I have been mucking out the barn at the farmer's in the village on Sunday evenings for many years. My very personal, tangible contribution of time."
What was the best professional advice you ever received?
"Advice is always based on experiences from a certain context at a certain time. I always found them inspiring, but none so outstanding that I made it my motto. Over the years, you develop your own signature, your own strategic or leadership approach. I think it is always important to remember why we are doing something. I like to focus on people and their development."
We would like to thank Mr. Germann for his contribution to this article.
Batterman Consulting Basel AG
Executive Search,
Byfangweg 1a, CH-4051 Basel
T +41 58 680 55 55
basel@batterman.ch
