To start simply – how would you introduce yourself to someone who has never heard your name before?
I enjoy introducing myself as a happily married, proud father of two boys. The reason is simple: professionally, I’ve worked across such a wide range of industries that trying to introduce myself in job-related terms often just confuses people. I still remember the look on my pre-school-aged son’s face when someone at a university building addressed me as “doctor.” He turned to me completely puzzled and said, “Dad… are you a businessman, a teacher, or a doctor?”
You work across psychology, business, and education. Why did Open Gate appeal to you as a place to teach and work?
Open Gate is a school like no other. The values of the school are very closely aligned with my own, the environment is inspiring, and the students are exceptionally talented. That combination is basically a dream scenario for any teacher. It makes teaching feel truly meaningful.
That combination is basically a dream scenario for any teacher. It makes teaching feel truly meaningful.
What keeps you coming back to OG every day?
It’s not really every day—it’s Mondays and Thursdays, and that actually matters a lot. I have always been deeply passionate about teaching, but I’m genuinely happy that it is a part-time role rather than a full-time job. I have enormous respect for teachers who come to work every single day with energy and a positive mindset, because teaching is psychologically very demanding work. For me, Open Gate is almost a place where I come to rest from my business responsibilities and switch my mental focus on. That’s also why I like doing diverse things in life—it makes me feel like I’m really living life to the fullest.
On a scale of “I overthink everything” to “I hitchhiked on a plane” how impulsive are you really?
That’s a great psychological question. I would say I am quite impulsive—but only because I know myself very well and I’m disciplined. That combination allows me to live a passionate and energetic life without making reckless or foolish decisions, which impulsivity often leads to when it’s not well regulated.
What was the hardest part of getting to where you are now? Is there something people usually wouldn’t assume about you when they meet you?
People who know me well would probably say that I’m extremely goal-oriented. Whether it’s sport, school, or work, I approach everything very conscientiously and with full commitment. For me, discipline has never felt like a limitation; it’s actually what gives me freedom to pursue all my dreams.
What is the worst psychological statement you keep hearing, that people keep believing?
“You can achieve anything you want.” Unfortunately, some people take this statement very literally. The truth is: “No, you cannot just take Greenland, Mr. Trump.” Ambition needs to be balanced with realism, otherwise it becomes dangerous rather than empowering.
Is persuasion closer to manipulation or ethics? Where would you as a psychologist draw a line?
Persuasion sits exactly on the boundary between the two. In the wrong hands, it becomes pure manipulation. In good hands, it’s a powerful tool for helping people and improving the world around us. Persuasion can lead to healthier behavior, better parenting, protecting others, or even protecting the environment. The main problem is that about 99% of people don’t really know where that ethical line is - or how to recognise when they’ve crossed it.
Have you ever made a business decision that was psychologically correct but financially wrong?
Absolutely, many times. I value my sanity more than profit. Maintaining a low level of stress is extremely important to me in decision-making. In simple terms, I don’t do business that would keep me awake at night. That means I deliberately avoid conflict-driven or legally questionable business opportunities, even if they look profitable. I genuinely love living a calm, and balanced life.
Looking back at your career so far, what moment felt like the real turning point? The one where you realized, ‘This is what I’m meant to do’?
I’ve always felt comfortable in every role I’ve ever had. I see my professional life as a path full of interesting adventures, where each one is meant to teach you something for the next stage. So rather than a single turning point, I think in terms of milestones. Whether it’s publishing a book, selling a business, running a corporation, or teaching at Open Gate.
And lastly, if you had to diagnose modern society with one psychological problem, what would it be?
Social Comparison Pathology - constant exposure to curated online lives fuels upward social comparison, contributing to dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and distorted self-perception. Let’s remember, that our lives are awesome and those videos on your screen are not a reflection of reality.