I know courageous decisions and the risk of jumping into the unknown only too well. When I was 19, I moved to a university in the USA - one of 50 white students among 3,500 black students. This experience had a lasting impact on my life.

I pushed my own boundaries further when, full of doubt, I applied to the best international security program in the world - and was not only accepted to Georgetown, but also received a full scholarship.

Then I quit my promising job at the World Bank to see if I could realize my dream and become a professional cyclist. I failed several times and began to believe that there is no profession that you really love. At the age of 30, I finally left my job as a management consultant, took my bike and moved to the other side of the world - with no plan, just one hotel night and a rental car for six weeks. My goal? To find the meaning of my life. A year later, I set a seemingly impossible record.

Every success is based on doubts, obstacles and setbacks. But most people don't talk about them. I do. In my book, I talk about fears, failure and the challenge of questioning traditions and expectations. It's about how to make dreams come true - and what it takes to do so. It shows that "normal" people can achieve extraordinary things if they give themselves permission.

Do you have a dream or a goal that seems impossible? Then this book is for you.

My life is characterized by courageous decisions, by constantly crossing boundaries - be it in my studies, at work or in sport. I have fears and doubts like everyone else. But I tell you why I do it anyway in this book, in my talks and workshops. And I want to inspire you to push your own boundaries, take bold steps and realize your full potential.