Max Hussmann is a seasoned professional whose career journey spans continents and industries, reflecting his deep passion for leadership, entrepreneurship, and global exploration. With a rich background that includes executive leadership, innovative entrepreneurial ventures, and international exposure, Max has consistently demonstrated his ability to thrive in high-stakes environments. His success in fundraising, event management, and television production further highlights his entrepreneurial flair, while his multilingualism—fluent in German, English, French, and Spanish—and his certifications as an FAA ATP Pilot and RYA Yacht Master underscore his diverse skill set.
Max’s story begins in West Africa, where he was born, but his upbringing took him across various continents, allowing him to immerse himself in different cultures. This early exposure to global diversity has shaped Max into what his friends call a “global citizen.” His educational path is as diverse as his upbringing. He began his studies in Germany at AWD College of Finance, followed by further education at Business School in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Currently, Max is pursuing a degree in International Relations at the London School of Economics, reflecting his commitment to understanding the complexities of global affairs.
Professionally, Max has worn many hats throughout his career. He started at AWD Financial Services, where he honed his skills from 2003 to 2007. He then moved on to TAM Aero Taxi as a Project Manager, where his responsibilities included team building, employee training, and managing key projects. In 2010, Max transitioned to Ackerman Trust as a pilot, a role he embraced for four years. As a pilot, he fueled his passion for aviation, leading him to launch Elegance Group Limited, his first major entrepreneurial endeavor.
In 2018, Max took on a leadership role at JetQuote FlyZUUM, a burgeoning business development initiative. Here, he played a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth from the ground up. His strategic vision and leadership capabilities were instrumental in establishing the company’s foundation. Today, Max serves as a European Business Consultant at Wealth Drive Gain Limited Nigeria, where he continues to leverage his extensive experience in business development and international relations. In addition to his consulting work, Max serves as a Gulfstream Captain, Foreign Policy Advisor, and Board Member, showcasing his versatility and commitment to excellence in all his endeavors.
Travel has always been a significant part of Max Hussmann’s life. From an early age, he developed a deep passion for exploring the world, which has taken him on countless adventures across continents. These experiences have enriched his understanding of the world’s interconnectedness and continue influencing his professional and personal life. Max’s travels are more than just a pastime; they are a source of inspiration and a means to gain fresh perspectives. Whether navigating the bustling streets of a foreign city or exploring remote, uncharted landscapes, Max approaches each journey with a keen curiosity and a desire to connect with different cultures.
This global outlook has broadened Max’s worldview and profoundly influenced his professional endeavors. His experiences across various countries and cultures have endowed him with a unique ability to navigate complex international business landscapes. This global perspective, combined with his diverse skill set and leadership experience, makes Max an invaluable asset in any role he undertakes.
Max Hussmann’s career is a testament to his adaptability, drive, and commitment to excellence. Whether leading a business initiative, piloting a Gulfstream, or advising on foreign policy, Max brings knowledge, experience, and a global mindset. His journey is far from over, as he continues to explore new opportunities and challenges, all while remaining deeply connected to his passion for travel and cultural exchange.
In every role he takes on, Max Hussmann exemplifies what it means to be a truly global citizen—someone who embraces the world’s diversity and actively contributes to its interconnectedness through his professional and personal pursuits.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I like to work with to-do lists. I set myself goals for how much I want to accomplish each day. My day starts with doing something good for my soul and health, and generally, I try to end the day on a good note. I don’t like taking conflicts to bed.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Find out the result of an idea by attempting it. If you don’t try, you don’t know. I run ideas past my closest friends and trusted mentors. I go full steam ahead with each idea and see what sticks. You have to be prepared to accept failures. I would say 1 success out of 150 ideas is a good ratio.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Psychedelics have great potential in the pharmaceutical world.
Also, the development and research in power generated through hydrogen.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Keeping a personal diary each night and working with simple to-do lists.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be less cocky, less arrogant with success, and be prepared for failure – it will happen one way or another. Be more patient: Rome wasn’t built overnight.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you.
The United States is going to break into complete chaos and will cease to exist in less than 100 years.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Wake up early—the early bird catches the worm. I start the day with some form of meditation—not that I follow a program or textbook—I try to find a quiet place and gather my thoughts. I watch the news every morning and every night before I go to sleep. It’s a ritual. Inform yourself of what’s going on in the world, not just in the US—the world.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I try to get some sports in, particularly surfing. If I am traveling, I’ll try to go for a run—anything outdoor.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
I’ve always focused on building strong, genuine relationships—both personally and professionally. I believe in staying connected with people who share my values and vision. It’s important to surround yourself with mentors and advisors who challenge you to grow and to keep a circle of like-minded people who support and inspire you.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
My first large business ran out of cash flow and had to close shop. What did I learn from it, expand your client base – make sure you have a great portfolio of clients providing income sources from various streams. The business had 3 major clients of which 2 unexpectedly terminated our relationship leaving me with 20% income overnight.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Evernote is a great tool for managing your ideas, to-do lists, and developing projects
What is the best $100 you recently spent?
I got myself a cryofacial done – whatever you do, never forget yourself. You need to be able to spend time and money on yourself – make sure you are rounded and keep yourself feeling healthy and happy.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast from which you’ve received much value?
Sapiens & 21 Lessons from the 21st Century by Yuval Harari
Recently I read “Kitchen Confidential” by Anthony Bourdain – what an amazing book.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Movie, my “Octopus Teacher” – it is filmed close to where I grew up. The story just presents such tenacity and respect for planet Earth we all too often forget in our day-to-day endeavors.
Key learnings:
- Every interview always, I feel, lets you reflect, and almost sort of brings you back to reality. I often find myself being so submerged in ideas, business opportunities, planning the next steps, and thinking about value chains and growth potential that interviews sort of bring you back to the status quo and let you realize that there is no reason to hide from failures or overinflate your successes.
- Interviews allow me to reflect on failures. What would I have done differently, or rather, what have I truly learned from them? Have I just made the same mistakes over and over again?
- Social Media is a contentious point in my life. It’s like a hate-love relationship. It’s become such a necessity and yet I feel I would just love to go back to the old times. Why does everything we do in today’s world need to be exposed? Why does everyone need to know? I find myself often questioning, in my line of business, do all those likes and followers truly transform into profit? Do they have any meaningful impact on my business let alone myself – the answer is: NO. In my industry the majority of the business is still done in the conventional ways, face to face and by recommendations. What is Social Media doing to the younger generation? Their ability to forge relationships, their sales ability face to face, their interactions and communication skills outside of sitting next to one another and communicating via snapchat?
- Interviews spark my interest in reflecting, spark my interest in subjects I have wanted to spend more time learning about and discovering.