NEW PROFS: Episode 2 with Professor Dr. Josefine Denzin

In our interview format "NEUE PROFS" we introduce you to the new professors at RWU. They will give you insights into different areas of their lives. In addition to information about their careers, you will also learn a lot about their academic expertise, their teaching approach and one or two private details.

In the current episode, we welcome Professor Dr. Josefine Denzin. She is part of the Faculty of Technology and Management, where she is Professor of Business Psychology.

What always fascinates me about my department...

that business psychology connects many disciplines and people. A very good example of this is the pendulum between theory and practice, which swings in many different directions. We also deal with the psychological effects of developments in the field of artificial intelligence.

My first impression of RWU is...

Purple and green. Purple because I really like the branding. A big chapeau to the public relations and marketing departments. They do a great job, regardless of the channel. Green simply because of the beautiful surroundings here, but the sustainability aspect is also becoming more and more important in research, teaching and people's mindset. There are also very friendly colleagues and students.

My own time as a student was...

an extraordinary time. It was multitasking between heaven and earth. I financed my studies myself as a flight attendant at Lufthansa and coordinated my flight and semester schedules. It was always a balancing act. I wasn't partying with fellow students every weekend, but traveling to Los Angeles, Tokyo or New York every other weekend, for example. It wasn't a classic student life and I got to work in a large corporation early on. I also wrote my thesis there. I had more stress at times, but it also allowed me to experience many cultures early on and gave me a taste for more intercultural collaboration.

One experience that changed my life...

was a backpacking trip with a friend through India for almost three weeks. It changed my life in terms of being open to trying things out, but also listening to my body and taking time out from noisy and stressful situations.

I find a balance to my everyday working life...

Yoga and running. It's part of my everyday life. It sounds boring, but you can do it anywhere. Running is a great way to get to know a new city. I've discovered relay triathlons. It's fun to do something together with friends and then hand over the baton after a discipline. I rode my racing bike, one friend swam and the other ran - that's real team building.

What I particularly appreciate about other people...

when they are people who have already seen a lot of the world and have an open mindset. It doesn't necessarily have to be travel. It's also enough to have worked in different cultures and been through many changes. I also think it's important that people are helpful - and I noticed that at RWU. I was given a very warm welcome and received a lot of support. I also really appreciate that about my new colleagues. I also like talking about good food, because food connects cultures and people.

I find inspiration...

in books or articles in DIE ZEIT, when I have time. But also in movies or paintings that I talk about. I find inspiration in working with different characters, especially with students. I find this dynamic exciting.

If I could only give my students one thing to take away with them, it would be...

Go out into the world to broaden your own horizons, whether through Erasmus during your studies or in your job afterwards. You should take the opportunity to be courageous, take on new roles and take on responsibility.

If I could meet one person - even a historical one - it would be...

Viktor Frankl, who wrote the book "Say yes to life anyway". Frankl was in different concentration camps four times - including Auschwitz. Anyone who reads the book wonders how he managed to find a spark of courage to face life again. The book and his personality really grabbed me. Also as a warning against this terrible time. I am very grateful that Frankl survived this time and documented it very personally. I am also very grateful that my grandfather had a great influence on me. Because he always warned us grandchildren that something like that must never happen again.

If you would like to get in touch with Ms. Denzin, you can find more information here: Prof. Dr. phil. Josefine Denzin | People | RWU Ravensburg-Weingarten University of Applied Sciences