After four years at the helm of Skål Germany, outgoing President Jo Jungwirth reflects on a mandate defined by transformation, generational renewal, and global engagement. From navigating internal challenges to strengthening international connections, his presidency has been marked by a clear ambition: to modernise the organisation while preserving its core values of friendship and professional solidarity. In this interview, he shares candid insights into leadership, the realities behind the role, and his vision for the future of Skål at both national and European levels.
1. Opening – Setting the Scene
SE: Jo, as you approach the end of your four-year mandate as President of Skål Germany, how would you describe this period in one sentence?
JJ: An exciting yet challenging experience.
SE: Looking back to the moment you accepted the presidency, what motivated you personally to take on this role?
JJ: I joined Skål International in 2011 as one of the first German Young Skål members. At that time, it was not always easy to navigate what was still very much perceived as “an old men’s and women’s club.” I believed that meaningful change, for the greater good of the organisation, could only happen if it became younger overall. That conviction guided my path all the way to the presidency.
SE: At that time, did you have a clear vision of what you wanted to achieve, or did it evolve along the way?
JJ: As I said, I strongly believe Skål can only thrive in the future if younger Skålleagues take responsibility and if we find new ways to increase the organisation’s value for its members. Rejuvenating Skål was my vision from day one, and today we have the youngest Skål board worldwide.
2. The Personal Experience of Leadership
SE: How did this role change you personally, if at all?
JJ: Everything we experience influences us, our actions define us. I wouldn’t say the role changed me, but it showed me that even in an organisation built on friendship, expectations and reality can sometimes be surprisingly far apart.
SE: What did you discover about yourself during these four years that you didn’t expect?
JJ: That being a bit naïve at times definitely doesn’t help, not at all.
SE: Being President often involves balancing representation, coordination, and mediation. Which aspect did you find most demanding?
JJ: Mediation, without a doubt. When you have ten people at the table, there are eleven different opinions. Generational differences can lead to clashes; everyone has a strong view on what is right or wrong, so finding common ground is never easy.
SE: How did you manage the balance between Skål responsibilities and your professional and personal life?
JJ: A lot happens over four years. Finding a balance that works for everyone is extremely difficult and, to be honest, not really achievable.
3. Achievements and Moments of Pride
SE: Looking back, what achievements are you most proud of?
JJ: Strengthening relationships with Skålleagues around the world. Knowing that even in Tasmania, people know and value me is something special. Receiving the “International Rising Star” award in 2022 and recognition from Skål Europe in 2023 also made me very proud.
SE: Was there a moment when you felt, “This is why it was worth it”?
JJ: Yes, organising a spontaneous charity auction in Hobart and Melbourne with CDs of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. We raised 900 dollars for charities in Tasmania and Victoria.
SE: Are there initiatives that will have a lasting impact beyond your mandate?
JJ: ITB has always been very important to me. I could not accept that Skål International withdrew from ITB Berlin, so I initiated a welcome reception for Skålleagues attending the fair. I am grateful to everyone who supported this initiative.
SE: How has Skål Germany evolved during your presidency?
JJ: We now have the youngest national board worldwide, stronger global relationships, and increased international recognition. The fact that Moritz Freise and I were recognised as “International Rising Stars” shows that the German Board represents Skål and its values very well on the global stage. Maintaining young leadership will be key to ensuring Skål’s future.
4. Challenges and Difficult Moments
SE: What were the biggest challenges you faced?
JJ: Being challenged after my first term while running for re-election was certainly significant.
SE: Did you experience moments of doubt or frustration? How did you deal with them?
JJ: Doubt and frustration are part of everyday life. Sometimes they come from external factors, sometimes from within. I believe it is important to accept what you cannot change and try to change what you can.
SE: How did external factors influence your presidency?
JJ: My presidency began just after COVID-19, when there was a general sense of “starting again.” Despite uncertainties, especially in our industry, there was also relief. Change is never easy, but without it, we move backwards. Continuing to do things simply because they were done that way for decades is, in fact, a slow decline. Change starts in the clubs, the heartbeat of Skål.
SE: What challenge did you underestimate at the beginning?
JJ: Time. The role requires far more time than one initially expects.
5. What Could Have Been Done Better
SE: With hindsight, what would you do differently?
JJ: I would try much less to be a “people pleaser.”
SE: Were there initiatives that did not progress as expected?
JJ: New government regulations were introduced in my first year. It is still unclear whether they have delivered the intended improvements, but I believe we are on the right track.
SE: What structural or cultural limitations made progress difficult?
JJ: Skål is no longer perceived as a “trusted voice in tourism.” In fact, we risk becoming irrelevant. Who knows Skål today? Who considers it an important industry player? Repositioning Skål as an organisation you “must be part of” is the ultimate goal.
6. Relationship with Skål Europe
SE: How would you describe your relationship with Skål Europe?
JJ: Unfortunately, it was not a strong start. While we supported the idea of strengthening Europe’s voice, something was lost along the way, leading to Germany’s withdrawal. However, change is constant, and re-enrolment is within reach.
SE: Where did Skål Europe add the most value?
JJ: Strengthening connections between European clubs, especially cross-border cooperation, and initiatives like the Skål Europe Academy.
SE: Where could cooperation be improved?
JJ: Communication is key. Clear and effective exchange is essential. Mistakes were made on both sides, but the focus should now be on working together for the future.
SE: What should be the role of Skål Europe?
JJ: We should aim to speak with one European voice. It is a long journey, but every journey starts with a first step. Ultimately, everything depends on the clubs. Each member must ask: what can I do to improve my club?
7. Leadership, Governance, and the Future
SE: How do you define good leadership within Skål?
JJ: Leadership in Skål is about representing your country on the global stage. A president is not responsible for each club’s actions, but must present national decisions internationally. For example, Germany’s decision to withhold membership fees due to the ongoing website issues. More than €500,000 have been spent, yet we still lack a proper product. Addressing this at the World Congress in Izmir was, in my view, an act of leadership.
SE: What advice would you give your successor?
JJ: Do not try to please everyone.
SE: What should be preserved and what should change?
JJ: Rejuvenation must continue at all levels. At the same time, we must remember that everything begins and ends in the clubs. National structures can guide, but clubs define their own reality.
SE: What is the role of younger generations?
JJ: They are the future. Without young professionals, Skål will slowly disappear.
8. Legacy and Closing Reflections
SE: How would you like your presidency to be remembered?
JJ: As energetic, present, and sometimes argumentative, always with the best intentions for Skål Germany and the global Skål movement. I consistently pushed for rejuvenation while building strong international relationships.
SE: What has Skål given you personally?
JJ: An exceptional professional network, but above all, real friendships. Sometimes you find truly remarkable people in other Skål clubs.
SE: Will you remain involved in Skål?
JJ: If Germany rejoins Skål Europe, I would like to contribute at the European level.
SE: Can you summarise your presidency in three words?
JJ: I don’t think such a journey can be reduced to three words.
Closing Message
SE: Is there anything you would like to say to Skål colleagues across Germany and Europe?
JJ: It has been a great honour to represent Skål Germany and its approximately 660 members on the global stage. Not everyone agreed with my approach, but I believe I did a good job, from Young Skål member to Club President in Bonn, to International Councillor, and finally National President. It has been an incredible journey. Thank you for being part of it. I am not finished yet.
