A Moving Performance Full of Energy
It was a special day when Verona Pooth took the stage at the #nxtKNOWLEDGE Knowledge Forum Stuttgart. “There’s a spirit in the air that makes my heart race,” she began, visibly moved. Although she had experienced many appearances before, this was one of her very first presentations in front of such a large audience – and she used the moment to share a powerful message: True strength often comes from weaknesses.
Watch the video here:
No degree, no formal education – but a clear vision
Verona looks back on 25 years of career success – but the beginning was anything but promising. No diploma, no formal training, and a pronounced grammar weakness. “What would become of me?” she asked herself. The answer: a woman who never gave up. Because even though no one believed in her, she believed in herself. And that, she says, made all the difference.
A slogan becomes iconic – thanks to authenticity
Her big breakthrough came with the commercial for “11880.” The creative idea: Verona was supposed to speak incorrect German on purpose – even though she never actually spoke that way. Instead of playing along, she stayed true to herself: “I said, either I say it the way I would say it, or I won’t say it at all.” That led to the sentence “Da werden Sie geholfen” – now an official idiom in the German Duden dictionary. A weakness became her trademark.
“Say yes first – and figure it out later”
Verona revealed her personal rule for life: Say yes when a chance arises – even if you don’t yet know how to make the most of it. That’s what happened with her music career: When producer Alex Christensen asked if she could sing, she simply said “Yes.” Even though she knew she wasn’t a singer, she took the leap – and scored her first summer hit. “Sometimes your mouth just says yes – and the rest falls into place.”
Fashion, courage, and media buzz – without a budget
Her fashion brand “Immerschön Design” also began with no money, no advertising, and no fame. But Verona was creative: She staged a fashion show in a Hamburg club, borrowed clothes from H&M, recruited models from beauty pageants – and got the media to talk about her. Her message: If you don’t get opportunities, create your own.
Giving is the new taking
A particularly emotional part of her talk centered on giving. In a talk show, she spontaneously promised to build an SOS Children’s Village in Bolivia and donate one million euros – without having the money. But she kept her promise. She put her entire advertising fee of €500,000 on the table and motivated others to join in. Today, 112 orphans live in “Veronas Casitas.” For her, it’s the most meaningful project of her life.
The mirror of life: What you give comes back
Verona believes in karma – and in the idea that everything we put out into the world comes back to us. “If you smile in the mirror, a smile comes back at you.” Her talk was a reminder that success is more than fame or money. It’s about humanity, attitude, and the courage to be different.
Conclusion: Be yourself – especially with your flaws
Verona Pooth showed that an unconventional résumé isn’t a disadvantage, but can be an advantage – if you have the courage to love yourself and believe in your vision. Her story is a call to all participants of the #nxtKNOWLEDGE Knowledge Forum Stuttgart to believe in their dreams, seize opportunities, and give something back.
“Maybe I inspired you a little today – but you inspired me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” – Verona Pooth
