What was your earliest memory?

Honestly, I do not really know. My mum was very good in preparing extensive photo albums of my early days, so I have a lot of pictures providing evidence of what I was up to back then. Those and the stories often retold by my parents form some memories. One unforgettable moment I can recollect, though, is from staying over at my grandparents. I must have been four years old and it was spinach and fish for lunch. The rule was that we had to eat what was served... brrrr!

Did you go through training/university or straight into work?

I did the German apprenticeship system with dual education in the company and at school. Then it was right into work. Back in the 1980s there were no MBAs, so the only additional education I did was the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers’ exams.

Who have your mentors been?

Dieter Fuchs was the chartering director at Bernhard Schulte who hired me 27 years ago, when I was still very young. I have learnt a lot, particularly a strong focus not only on main terms but also to the details of contracts. And obviously Dr Heinrich Schulte, who has been pushing adamantly for us to retain a vivid interest in all the different fields of shipping, not only being a specialist in one area.

Ambition or talent, which is more important?

Ambition. That is, unless you want to become an artist, musician or sports star, in which case you don’t get anywhere without talent.

What else would you have done if you hadn’t gone into shipping?

To be honest, no idea! I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I stumbled across the apprenticeship as a shipping clerk and thought I’d give it a try. And I haven’t ever wanted to do anything else since.

What is your biggest extravagance?

My six bicycles.

How do you relax?

I love riding my bikes, as I can cruise along and mentally digest any day.

What would you like to own that you do not possess?

A ship.

Where and when are you happiest?

On the shore of the Baltic Sea near Kiel in northern Germany, where my granddad built a small weekend house. We used to spend all summer there during our youth and teenage years. Having the chance to spend a few days there is heaven.

What would you change in shipping if you could?

I was brought up with people working to very high standards. Over the past decades we have seen a deterioration of ethics, and people do not honour agreements or simply ignore standard requirements. I would love to see a return to adhering to high standards and common rules.

Is politics important to you?

It is, as it sets the framework for our lives. I think we all have to be interested. Democracy does only work if people take an interest. Widespread disinterest is one of the biggest problems of our time.

Which four people, living or dead, would you like to invite to dinner?

Queen Elizabeth II, Charlie Chaplin, Jules Verne and Sophie Scholl (the anti-Nazi activist within the White Rose non-violent resistance group in Germany who was executed in 1943).

What would your 20-year-old self say if you met today?

He would ask what I am doing in the office. As a teenager I did not know what I wanted to do, except not working in an office like my dad!

What keeps you awake at night?

The kids: small worries when they are small, larger worries when they grow up.

What are your favourite song, book and film?

I can never remember any song or singer, and whether I like a certain type of music very much depends on my mood. Book: The Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett; Film: The Godfather.

What is the most important lesson you have learnt?

Be right and get right is a different cup of tea.

What are your best and worst characteristics?

I am naturally optimistic and believe in the good in people. If it turns out to be different, I am still not resentful. I can also get very stubborn when I believe that I am right.

What is your greatest achievement so far?

On the private side, my family. In business, there are two things. First, being involved in creating a joint chartering platform where different partners work together in a way previously thought impossible by many. Secondly, participating in creating the first truly global charter party, the NYPE 2015.

What has been your greatest disappointment?

Fortunately I have been spared any great disappointments so far.

What ambitions do you still have?

Owning ships.