107: We Empower! with Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg - Episode 107107: We Empower! with Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg - Episode 107
UK Health Radio Podcast
Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg talks with innovation hub CEO Nadine Thees about courage, positive mindset, green tech and the realities of startup life. They address fear, AI, female founders and why taking chances and using networks wisely can reshape both careers and futures.
51:09•18 Jul 2026
Brave Choices, Positive Mindsets: Nadine Thees on Building Futures
Episode Overview
- Adopt a "what if it works?" mindset instead of constantly expecting failure, especially during crises and life transitions.
- Keep clear "buckets" for work, family and personal time, and protect moments that are just for you, such as running or swimming.
- Take chances when they appear, even if they feel risky, as they can lead to greater fulfilment than staying in a supposedly safe role.
- Use networks intentionally: attend events with a concrete goal, seek warm introductions and be visible from the very beginning.
- Women and men alike are encouraged to be braver in business, ask for appropriate funding and treat others’ success stories as realistic possibilities for themselves.
“"Take your chances when they come up. Be brave and just try, because it gives you so much back when you try."”
Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? This conversation takes a slightly different route, focusing on courage, mindset and future skills through the lens of entrepreneurship and tech – themes that can easily echo through any recovery path. Host Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg sits down with Nadine Thees, CEO of the Digital Innovation Hub Düsseldorf Rheinland, to talk about how fresh ideas become real companies and why a positive outlook is more than just a cute slogan.
Nadine shares how moving spontaneously to New York with her husband, jobless but determined, taught her to "take your chances when they come up" and to trust that bravery often pays off. You’ll hear Nadine speak candidly about burnout risks, news-fuelled anxiety and the rising desire for "safe" jobs, especially among young people.
She argues that a constant focus on worst-case scenarios feeds fear, while asking "what if that works?" opens doors – in business, in career changes and in personal life. The conversation digs into green tech and health innovation, from carbon-negative cement to mental health apps that help bridge the waiting time for professional support.
Nadine also tackles the gender gap in funding, saying women often take fewer risks yet run more resilient businesses, and urges female founders to be visible, ask for big numbers and use networks for actual business, not just pleasant chats.
With plenty of real-world examples and a good dose of humour, this episode speaks to anyone trying to build something new – a business, a career or a sober life – who needs a reminder that "we need to stop focusing on all these bad things" and start acting instead of just complaining. If you’re craving a nudge towards courage and practical optimism, this might be the conversation to spark your next step.
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