Meet Marlow Guttmann, President and Co-Founder of Rotaract Hamburg International. Marlow Guttmann
Marlow works in People & Organizational Development and is a TEDx Keynote speaker on leadership, artificial intelligence, innovation, and the future of work. His experiences in Germany, New Zealand, Italy, and Sweden have shaped his passion for building bridges and creating communities where young people can connect, learn, and make a difference together.
We asked Marlow five questions about his leadership journey and his vision for the club.
What inspired you to co-found the club?
“To be honest, it all happened quite naturally. We were a group of young people who wanted to build something international in Hamburg. We saw an opportunity to combine an international community with the Rotary and Rotaract spirit of friendship, service, and personal growth.
Our vision was to create a place where people feel welcome, regardless of where they come from, as long as they share our values and want to contribute. Seeing this community grow since our founding in February 2025 has been incredibly rewarding.”
How have your international experiences shaped you?
“Living in New Zealand, Italy, and Sweden taught me that there is rarely only one right perspective. People do not have to agree on everything. What matters is that we respect one another, remain curious, and continue learning. These experiences have shaped how I work, lead, and build relationships.”
What does leadership mean to you?
“I often compare our club to a social startup. We are growing, experimenting, and learning together, and everyone can help shape where we are going.
Leadership is not about having all the answers or always standing at the front. It is about creating an environment where people feel encouraged to contribute, discover their strengths, and take ownership. That is where intrinsic motivation begins.”
What moments have stayed with you most?
“It is often the small moments: new friendships, members supporting one another, someone finding a new job through the community, or an idea becoming a real project. I especially value seeing members bring in their own ideas and take responsibility. That is when you realise the club has become bigger than its founders. The community begins to shape itself.”
What is your vision for the future?
“My hope is that the idea behind Rotaract does not stop when people leave a meeting or complete a project. I hope our members carry this mindset into their workplaces, friendships, and communities. As a young generation, we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to help shape the future. If people continue supporting others, building communities, and believing they can make a difference after I hand over my role, then we will have created something much bigger than a club.”
