Founders are asked a lot about numbers, pitches and sometimes failures. After the personal or philosophical, not so often. That’s why in the new “None Of Your Business” format, Gründerszene asks everything that doesn’t normally come up in business interviews. And maybe not in any other interviews either.
This time Philipp Grassinger, CEO and co-founder of Cleverly, is our guest. The startup specializes in tutoring with a psychological coaching foundation. We meet on the Gründerszene roof terrace in Berlin.
The naive questions
Founder scene: How’s it going?
Grassinger: Deep question for being asked so often. I look at this question differently today. In the past I usually just said “good”. Today I would say: very good in some areas, I feel healthy, I am grateful for friends and family. But I also feel stress at work. And an uncertainty in the world.
What is the secret of your success?
The glass is always half full, not half empty. There is no such thing as giving up. You have to get creative. And don’t be afraid to ask for help.
What is your favorite dinosaur?
The one with the really long neck. I just can’t remember the name.
If you were a potato, how would you want to be cooked?
(Thinks) As a fried potato with spring onions. Fried until crispy with butter and bacon. Gnocchi would also be an alternative.
The thoughtful questions
What were you once completely convinced of – but no longer?
That riding a motorcycle is uncomfortable and that I would never need it. I found it really uncool. Now I really enjoy driving. An old Yamaha SR500. Nickname Madonna. Built in 1990.
What would you do if you no longer had anything to do with startups tomorrow?
Maybe a carpenter, working more with his hands.
Why?
Have you ever laid turf? At first you only have one field, and in the evening you see this perfect lawn and know exactly what you did. In my job you write a lot of emails and talk to a lot of people. What have I accomplished today? This is not always so clear to say.
What should people know about you that they mostly don’t?
I can’t swim well, I can’t even crawl.
What have you always wanted to learn – and why haven’t you done it (yet)?
Italian. And programming.
The cultural questions
Which book influenced you the most – and why?
The biography of Rafael Nadal. Because I found it remarkable how capable the guy is of suffering. He was kept extremely small by his uncle. Toni Nadal was also his coach. Rafael won the U14 championship when he was 12 years old. Everything was decorated to celebrate. But Uncle Toni accepted it and said: You haven’t won Wimbledon yet. I didn’t like Nadal before. Was a Federer fan. Now I like both.
What did you read last?
I’m currently reading Midnight Library by Matt Haig. It’s about a library with thousands upon thousands of books that contain your alternative paths in life.
Which horror film traumatized you for a long time?
I don’t watch horror films. Doesn’t give me anything.
What restaurant tip would you give someone who is in Berlin for the first time?
Otto on Oderberger Street. Austrian-German. Very regional ingredients.
Most overrated spot in Berlin?
Potsdamer Platz.
Most underrated spot?
Arkona Square. The food market is especially great.
Your trick for switching off?
Cook. And sport, with friends.
How many days of vacation a year would you take if you could choose?
30.
The literary questions
Dostoevsky: Do extraordinary people have the right to break the rules?
No. (Pause.) Or wait. Have to think again. I immediately thought of Trump and Co., who of course aren’t allowed to do everything. But I think it’s okay to drink a beer when you’re under 16. But that has nothing to do with whether you are an exceptional person.
Austen: Do you have to disappoint expectations in order to be happy?
No. But it really depends on your expectations. You shouldn’t go through life with so many expectations. Because you shouldn’t pursue happiness, you should experience it in the moment. Frugality is a good keyword.
Camus: Is work just a way to forget how absurd everything is?
No. I believe that work is an important component to feeling needed.
Rand: Is selfishness good for everyone?
To a certain extent.
Kafka: Is power scary?
In the wrong hands, yes.
Kafka II: You wake up in the morning and are transformed into a beetle. What are you doing?
Fly off immediately. And get to places I’ve never been before.
Complete, please
If I had infinite money…
…I would buy myself some time first. To deepen things that I’ve wanted to do for a long time. But I would also offer my closest family a carefree future.
… and now something without saving the world or business…
World tour. By van. And a roof terrace apartment.
Either … or
Tent or Grand Hotel?
Tent. This way you can choose the best spots. Most recently I was in the mountains near Valencia.
Night train or flight?
Night train. They will also get better. Nox for example.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee. Mainly from Italy. I’m not a fan of the sour roasts. I want dark chocolate.
Is it[calledthe Nutella or the Nutella?
The.
Nutella without or with butter?
Definitely with you.
