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Bucerius Alumni Interview: Michaela Peisger

Michaela Peisger heads the German Practice auditing division of KPMG in New York. In her role she works primarily with subsidiaries of European companies in the U.S. Ms. Peisger participated in the 2003 Bucerius Summer School on Global Governance.

What one aspect of the Bucerius experience is the most important for you?
Bucerius gives me the unique opportunity to step outside my daily environment and engage with the dynamic Bucerius community. I have found many new friends and gained extraordinary insight into global issues.

What did you like the most about your time with Bucerius and the ZEIT-Stiftung?
Our Alumni Network brought me to places like Lisbon, Warsaw, London, Brussels, Geneva, Ludwigshafen and Belgrade. Through the Bucerius Governance Talks, my view of the world broadened and I came away with wonderful memories and new friends.

What do you value most in the Bucerius family?
The Bucerius family is a once-in-a-lifetime networking opportunity. Because of it, I now have friends working with governments, the UN, leading businesses and NGOs. These connections have significantly strengthened my career development.

What did you enjoy most while in Hamburg?
It is impossible to narrow down. I had a chance to meet amazing people there. We enjoyed the city, cherished the boat rides and had great parties. For me, Hamburg is forever connected with Bucerius. And the best thing about going there again is to reunite with my Bucerius friends.

Who do you think should be a Bucerius fellow in the U.S.?
A network lives through actively engaged participants. So whoever is interested, open-minded and can bring the right qualification for the Bucerius programs should take part.

What should Americans know about Bucerius?
It would be great to spread the message that Bucerius is a global network of highly committed people bringing together governments, businesses and non-government organizations.

What can Bucerius learn from the U.S.?
If the rumour is true, then the idea of the Bucerius Summer School originated through Theo Sommer’s experience in the U.S. I am sure that by being active in the U.S., the Bucerius community can gain even more insight.

What is your biggest extravagance?
Participating in Bucerius events. I was part of all Bucerius Summer School reunions and travelled to seven Governance Talks over the last nine years.

What is your current state of mind?
Curious. I moved to New York six month ago and it is fascinating to find out what the U.S. and Germany can learn from each other. And, of course, New York is an amazing city that I am looking forward to discovering.

What German proverb do you like most?
Actually my favorite proverb is in English: “Fight gravity.” It goes very well with my rock-climbing hobby, but it also works for every occasion when someone suggests something can’t be done.