Mathieu Schmidt’s motivation to support people is rooted in a deep and passionate conviction – a conviction shaped by the values of the samurai. Even as a child, he admired their courage, their deep respect for life and values, and their service to society. The samurai lived by unwavering principles, and Mathieu felt early on that his path would lie in bringing those same values to the world. So his journey took him into public service – the police and the military – where he believed he could positively influence society through integrity and dedication. But his commitment to his values increasingly brought him into conflict with the realities of public service.

Instead of empowering people and promoting a safe society, he was confronted with political decisions and structures that often did not reflect people’s needs and values. Colleagues at
struggled with exhaustion, burnout and loss of purpose – not just because of the workload, but above all because they felt their own values had been betrayed. Again and again, the depressing question arose: Is what I am doing here still serving what I stand for? The daily assignments and strict guidelines forced them to take actions that were in no way in line with their innermost convictions.

In a time of global crises, such as the recent coronavirus pandemic, this became even more apparent. The lack of direction and constant uncertainty exacerbated the inner crisis among those who were obliged to enforce these decisions. For Mathieu, it was particularly alarming that the valuable and fundamental skills – resilience, mindfulness and emotional strength – that were taught in the service are barely recognized in society as a whole. Knowledge that could give people the strength to live in harmony with themselves is largely inaccessible. Why, he asked himself again and again, is this knowledge only available to those who serve the interests of political or institutional authorities?

This growing unease led him to a new mission: he wants to counter a public system that neglects essential skills and values with holistic and human-centered knowledge – knowledge that he enthusiastically passes on in order to strengthen people in their entire being. In schools, for example, we learn nothing about mindfulness, resilience or financial intelligence – all of this is denied to young people, and so a society grows up that lacks the skills that could lead to a happy and fulfilling life. Mathieu recognized that true self-understanding must balance the human psyche and ego, the mind and body. Finding this balance is not an option, but a necessity for the well-being of society.

The 27 ego programs in particular, which give us a deeper understanding of our behaviour and motivation, are a valuable key to self-discovery. Understanding one’s own drives, weaknesses and strengths opens up completely new possibilities for people to live authentically. Complemented by physical health, mental balance and spiritual connection, this is an opportunity to live through the modern world with a clear mind and strong heart.

Mathieu’s mission today is a promise to society. In various ways – through seminars, coaching, workshops and public appearances – he shows people that it is possible to lead a life that serves their own values rather than other people’s interests. His work reminds people that a meaningful life in which body, mind and soul are in harmony is not a dream, but an achievable reality. In a world characterized by uncertainty and insecurity, he wants to show the way out of the crisis of meaning by reminding people of their very own values and convictions.