By Bruno Müller | Investor | Startup Pioneer | Letter to Charles oct.24 2026
Dear Charles,
this weekend, we turn our clocks back and welcome winter time once again. 🍂⏰
I rather like this little ritual. Twice a year, changing the clocks gives us an opportunity to reflect on something far more valuable than the time displayed on our watches: the quality of our lives and how wisely we use the time available to us.
An extra hour is welcome. But what deserves that hour?
Two simple lessons from my father:
When I was young, my father often reminded me of two principles:
“Von nichts kommt nichts.”
Nothing comes from nothing.
“Was bringt das denn?”
What value does it actually create?
At the time, I did not fully appreciate the wisdom behind those words. Today, I hear two essential lessons: take responsibility for creating something meaningful, and question whether your efforts are worthwhile.
It has taken me quite a few decades to appreciate his wisdom. Better late than never! 😄
These questions have stayed with me throughout my career in engineering, entrepreneurship, business development and university teaching. They apply equally to building a business, mentoring students and deciding how to spend an ordinary afternoon.
Activity fills a diary. Value creation requires us to ask what our efforts achieve — and for whom.
Time management in the age of artificial intelligence
In conversations about artificial intelligence, automation and digital transformation, we often focus on productivity: completing tasks faster, improving processes and achieving more with fewer resources.
My father’s question offers a useful starting point:
What value does it actually create?
If AI helps me write more clearly, explore ideas or prepare a better learning experience for my students, I can see its purpose.
The next question is what I do with the time it saves.
Do I fill the gap with more tasks? Or do I invest some of it in deeper thinking, meaningful relationships, lifelong learning and the people who matter to me?
For me, responsible innovation includes making conscious choices about where technology belongs in our lives.
Execution creates value — and priorities give it direction
“Execution Creates Value” is a principle I bring to my work with founders, students and business leaders. Ideas need action before they can make a difference.
Yet action also needs direction.
A promising business model must create value for customers. A fulfilling life requires us to understand what we value ourselves.
Perhaps the challenge of personal development and time management begins with choosing what deserves our attention: family, friendship, health, curiosity, contribution — and sometimes the simple pleasure of an autumn walk.
So here is a question for our philosophical round table dear Charles:
If we can turn our clocks back by one hour, why can’t we use the occasion to turn our priorities towards what really matters?
What would you like to make more time for this autumn?
Wishing you a wonderful autumn weekend,
Bruno 🍁
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