Hello and welcome,
It’s great you’ve came here to get to know more about me!
I’m René Bohnsack, and, quite frankly, I never imagined that one day I would have this global community around me, that I’d be named among the top 2% of scientists in my field and that I’ve had launched and exited a few ventures. Growing up in a small town, I had no silver spoon or head start. What I did have was a curiosity that outgrew my circumstances and a determination to turn challenges into opportunities. This manifesto is my story and my belief: if I can do it, so can you.
Humble Origins, Bold Dreams
My early life, in a town a world away from privilege, taught me the value of grit and humility. Learning new languages did not come easily for me, and public speaking felt terrifying at first. Yet, each obstacle became a training ground for growth. At 14, I entered a national science, which sparked a lifelong obsession with business dynamics and showed me that passion can thrive anywhere.
Those beginnings instilled two core lessons: never be afraid to start small, and embrace your curiosity even if it makes you different. I carried these lessons forward, knowing that big dreams can be born in unlikely places.
From Classroom to World Stage
My academic journey started unassumingly at a local university of applied sciences. I followed that hunger to the University of St Andrews for a master’s degree and then to the University of Amsterdam for a PhD. There, under the mentorship of world-class professors, I honed my expertise in strategy and innovation. Each step on this path taught me that education is not about where you begin, but how far you’re willing to go.
Fast forward to today, and I am a Full Professor of Strategy and Innovation, and I founded the Digital+Sustainable Innovation Lab (DSIL) at Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics. Here, my team and I merge digital transformation with sustainable development to solve pressing problems.
My research, published in top journals, now focuses on AI and its role in shaping innovative business models and ecosystems. I’m fascinated by how AI and sustainability together can amplify human potential, but I’m also mindful of the responsibilities that come with these powerful tools. This work isn’t just academicm it’s about crafting real solutions for real impact. I’ve learned that true innovation lies at the intersection of technology and humanity. By aligning technical advancement with a purpose to better society, we can achieve progress that is both groundbreaking and responsible.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: From Ideas to Impact
Being a professor and researcher is only part of my identity. I’m also an entrepreneur at heart. Over the years, I’ve co-founded multiple startups and initiatives to bring ideas to life in the marketplace. Each venture began as an idea sparked by a problem – and a belief that with creativity and perseverance, we can build solutions that improve people’s lives.
These entrepreneurial adventures taught me invaluable lessons and I saw firsthand how an innovative idea, combined with the right team and timing, can grow into something that makes a difference. Most importantly, I discovered that the mindset of a “self-made” builder, staying resourceful, resilient, and customer-focused, is as crucial in business as it is in personal growth.
If I Can Do It, So Can You
Standing here now, with a global platform as an academic and entrepreneur, I remain deeply aware of where I started. I never forget the shy student who struggled with English words, or the young researcher working out of a small lab with big questions. That memory keeps me grounded and reminds me why I share my journey: to show that anyone can achieve extraordinary things with the right mix of passion, perseverance, and purpose.
While this starts with my story, it’s ultimately about empowering you to take action. Whether you’re a business leader navigating digital disruption, an aspiring innovator with a bold idea, or someone facing personal hurdles, I want you to see my story as proof that growth is possible from any starting point. You don’t need privilege or perfection to make an impact; you need courage to start and grit to keep going.
Key Principles I Live By:
Stay Curious: Curiosity is a superpower. Let your questions drive you beyond what you know, and you’ll discover opportunities hidden in plain sight.
Embrace Continuous Growth: Every challenge – learning a new language, speaking on stage, or mastering a new technology – is an invitation to grow. Step by step, hard work beats inertia.
Innovate with Purpose: Technology and innovation should serve humanity. Whether it’s AI or any new tool, use it to solve meaningful problems and uplift others.
Lead with Humility: No one succeeds alone – always acknowledge the mentors, colleagues, and team members who contribute to your success. Stay grounded and remember that every achievement is a shared victory.
Give Back: Share your knowledge and uplift others. Mentor those coming up behind you, celebrate your peers’ achievements, and use your platform to inspire the next generation, because impact isn’t a solo act, it’s a community effort.
In essence, my life so far, from a modest childhood to recognition in global rankings, has taught me that innovation and personal development go hand in hand. The world of AI and business will keep evolving, and so will we. I’m committed to continuing this journey of learning and leading, and I invite you to join me.
Let’s push boundaries, uplift those around us, and remember: if I could travel this road from humble beginnings to here, you can too.
Warmly,
René
