In my experience of working with Thorsten during his presidency, I found him to be exceptionally accommodating and respectful of people, while also having the courage and clarity to call a spade a spade when needed. He brought a rare balance of warmth and firmness — steady in his leadership, yet never avoiding the difficult conversations that protect the integrity of the association.
A major contribution that deserves special mention is the humongous amount of work Thorsten carried through during the 501(c)(3) (C3) to 501(c)(6) (C6) transition. This was not only complex and time-consuming but required patience, precision and a deep sense of responsibility to ensure the process was handled correctly and ethically. He stayed fully committed through the details, follow-through and sustained effort that such a transition demanded.
In addition, Thorsten’s collaborative engagement with the European Association for Transactional Analysis (EATA) — especially in addressing various organizational and professional challenges — reflected both his diplomatic strength and his commitment to the wider transactional analysis (TA) community. He consistently represented the International Transactional Analysis Association (ITAA) with clarity, integrity and steadiness while navigating sensitive issues.
What also stood out strongly was his willingness to step in and take responsibility when others on the board had to leave or were unable to continue. He did so without complaint or hesitation, ensuring continuity and stability during demanding periods. This combination of dependability, directness and genuine care is what makes Thorsten not only an effective leader but also deeply deserving of the ITAA Service Award.
