FA C E T O FA C E : W I T H A L E X A N D E R MO H R , E F FA
generals having a beer after work and discussing the day-to-day challenges of running an association. Today we are about 160 secretary generals, managing directors, and executive directors from all sectors. It is a very informal, private circle that meets about twice a year. I am ‘chair’ of this network, but there is no real formal structure. Becoming a member is by recommendation or invitation only. Over the years the network has not only grown in size, but it also became a platform to exchange information or to ask other members for advice in a very controlled and private environment.
all hell’s breaking loose? I think my friends are my hobby a little bit. Brussels feels sometimes like a very small town. But the problem or benefit is, that most my friends work in this EU bubble, which is great, but not for those who aren’t in the EU bubble, who can find this a little bit tiring, I believe. I like to run and to read. As I work for the food and drink industry, good food is always at the centre of things. I have to say in Brussels the line between work and play gets a bit blurred. But I think I really like it that way – we have a passion for what we do.
What are your hopes and aspirations for 2021 – professionally and personally. I am always rather positive. I think by the second half of this year, maybe June or July,
I amnervous of the phrase ‘new normal’. It’s sometimes used by people whowant to sell their virtual products or services...
hopefully business can be back to a more normal routine, and we can start meeting our members in person again. I am a bit nervous of the often-used phrase ‘new normal’. I have the feeling this is sometimes used by people who want to sell their products and virtual solutions. So, I am bit reluctant to adopt this term too quickly. There were many changes in the last 12 months. Some of these changes were overdue. But now the focus must also be to go back, at least partially, to have more direct, non-virtual contact with the members. That is what keeps me going. I am sure we have the worst behind us!
You are a board member of the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE) and chair of the European Secretary General Network. (ESGN) What do you get out of these roles? Both organisations are very close to my heart. The ESAE is perhaps the only association that really takes care of the interests of associations in Brussels, so it is a really important part of this EU bubble. What I like most is that it sheds some light on the work of associations and are a platform to share common experiences and can help executives to become better association leaders. The ESGN is sort of my baby. It started back in 2012 with about ten secretary
42 APRIL 2021 AMIMAGAZINE.GLOBAL
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