German motivates others
Mark Pingel of Hamburg, Germany, seeks ways to inspire others at work, school and in his free time. Photo submitted
By Tom Victoria
It’s rare to see Mark Pingel without a smile on his face. He’s busy inspiring others with a positive attitude in work, school and travel.
The 23-year-old German not only wants to achieve his goals, but helps others do so as well.
“I really want to help others achieve great things,” Mark said.
In his duties for Hapag-Lloyd AG, a global shipping line in Hamburg, and as a student at the Hamburg School of Business Administration, where he recently submitted his bachelor’s thesis on human rights in shipping, he seeks opportunities to spread positivity and motivation.
“I’m so happy people are coming to me and saying you’re so inspirational,” Mark said.
Whether it’s including people and their ideas in meetings or expanding cultural awareness, he never stops identifying ways to elevate others.
“It’s really about appreciating everyone,” Mark said.
One exercise he employed was asking co-workers what they like about themselves.
Mark’s bachelor’s degree will be in International Management.
“You learn how to be a leader,” he said.
“It’s really about appreciating everyone.”
Photo by Markus Schwarze
Mark may pursue a master’s degree in the future.
He has a keen interest in a growing global concern.
“I’m really into the topic of sustainability,” Mark said.
He said people worry about not receiving a return on the investment of environmental measures.
“The return will come,” Mark said.
He stressed if done right, the advantages of sustainability will be recognized. Mark cited a survey showing individuals willing to pay a little more for products and services to that end.
Mark wasn’t always outgoing.
“I was always shy about contact with other people,” he said.
But Mark learned to speak his mind and share ideas.
HIs insatiable curiosity about other cultures was spurred as a child living near a port city. As Mark matured, he seized opportunities to explore. He’s been to numerous countries, inside and outside of Europe, including Spain, Portugal, Indonesia and the United States.
Mark cited exploration as a method for self-improvement.
“People have to travel and learn other cultures,” he said.
Mark also does some modeling. He started when a photographer asked him to do a photo shoot.
Mark also models. Photo by rallehamb968
“He was so happy with the results,” Mark said.
So the calls and shoots continued.
In addition to hitting the gym, Mark researches subjects such as management and human rights in his free time.
“I like to educate myself in topics I care about,” he said.
Mark emphasized the need for people to accept who they are. He realized he was gay at 14, but was told it was a phase.
“I still have a boyfriend,” Mark said. “I don’t want to surround myself with people who don’t appreciate who I am.”
He stays motivated by giving himself a pep talk every morning.
“The day will be great,” Mark tells the image in the mirror.
He advised others to maintain a positive attitude, make a list of milestones have been achieved and not be shy about expressing an opinion.
“Be confident with yourself.”
“I don’t want to surround myself with people who don’t appreciate who I am … Be confident with yourself.”
Photo submitted
Mark's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrkmichel_/
