Freudenstadt’s Mayor Adrian Sonder speaks openly about overcoming a childhood disability and how he learned to transform that early challenge into a source of strength. He described how resilience is built not through grand gestures, but through simple daily principles.

Two themes stood out. First, leading with humility and kindness. Second, protecting regular “me-time” to regenerate and restore energy in demanding roles.

Sonder also shared two practical rules for helping others develop resilience: creating environments where people feel seen and respected, and encouraging steady progress rather than perfection.