In a time when more and more is being said about AI agents, digital learning journeys, and virtual work environments, efficiency often seems more important than personal relationships. Technology can make many things easier, accelerate processes, and open up access. And yet we are convinced: right now, the greatest power of development lies in personal encounters.
People matter to us. At JENEWEIN, we talk a lot about closeness, connection, and humanity in our daily work, because we experience every day that this is exactly where change begins. While work is increasingly becoming objectified, standardized, and depersonalized, we see humanity as a conscious counterweight.
«Humanity is the counterpart to the objectification of work. Not as a romantic idea, but as a necessary prerequisite for genuine development.»
Dr. Matthias Krüger
Against this backdrop, we consciously design our JENEWEIN Academy formats — such as the Bootcamp, the Masterclasses, and the Retreat — as in-person events. Not out of tradition, but out of experience. Because there are good reasons why development in a shared space works differently — and often more deeply.
1. These are experiences that resonate
Our formats thrive on experiences. On exercises, conversations, and moments that you don’t just understand, but feel. In-person presence creates experiences that stick because they are emotionally anchored. What we experience ourselves has a more lasting effect than what we merely hear or read. That is precisely why many of our contents unfold their full power only through shared experience. In our Masterclass High Performance Mindset, for example, the program includes various sports activities with Jonas Deichmann. This allows participants to measure themselves against a world record holder and achieve genuine high performance. Participation in the sports program is of course optional for participants… but encouraged.
2. Dynamics emerge that can only unfold together
In-person interactions work differently. Groups develop their own dynamic, trust grows, resonance emerges. People connect with one another, respond to each other, and learn not just from the content but from each other. In this shared space, development arises that cannot be planned — but is often all the more powerful for that very reason. This is also why a great deal of time and effort goes into selecting participants before each format, in order to bring together the best possible group. And yet it is always a truly wonderful moment to witness when something «clicks» within the group and a completely unique group dynamic emerges.
3. The opportunity to perceive the whole person
In a shared space, more is visible than words. Body language, moods, pauses, and nuances often say a great deal about what moves people. This awareness allows us as coaches to guide participants more sensitively and to address individual topics more precisely. For us, presence means seeing the person in their entirety — not reduced to a screen, a voice, or a role. In our Masterclass Rhetoric, for example, Michael Rossié works very intensively with participants on their impact — rhetorically and linguistically, as well as in terms of their overall presence. This includes standing on stage yourself as a participant, receiving direct feedback, and refining your own performance.
4. Distance from everyday life as a space for development
Another key aspect for us is the deliberate detachment from the familiar environment and the selection of inspiring and special locations such as the Allianz Arena or the Achental Resort in Chiemgau. New places open up new perspectives. Those who step out of their daily routine for a few days create space for reflection, new thoughts, and clarity. No emails, no calls, no constant reacting. Development requires time and attention — and this often only emerges when we briefly step off the hamster wheel.
5. A sense of connection that extends beyond the format
Last but not least, personal development is also about personal relationships. During breaks, over shared meals, or in informal exchanges, conversations arise that are often just as formative as the content itself. We as humans are social animals — we seek personal exchange and contact (most of us, at least). Our participants benefit from each other’s experiences, encounter different perspectives, and build connections that frequently last well beyond the program. This sense of connection supports not only learning, but also long-term implementation in everyday life. We therefore place great emphasis on our alumni community and continue fostering exchange even after the programs — also simply because we enjoy it ourselves!
And yet: the digital has its place
None of this means we reject online formats. On the contrary: we use them deliberately ourselves to deepen content, carry forward impulses, or stay connected with our participants after an in-person format. Digital formats can achieve a great deal — especially as a complement.
However, when it comes to opening a genuine space for development, building trust, and initiating sustainable change, we find time and again that in-person presence is the more powerful path. Because that is where closeness is created.
«Because development begins where people truly meet.»
Dr. Matthias Krüger