(hier klicken für deutsche Version)
Biyon Kattilathu (*1984) holds a doctorate in economics and is today known as a speaker, author, and entertainer. On his journey from academia to the stage, it was less about career ambitions and more about a personal mission: the wish to touch people emotionally and encourage them. His experiences with racism and exclusion have left a mark and influence his work, though they are never its focal point. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of self-worth, authenticity, and consciously engaging with one’s own life path. The motivational trainer explains his popularity as a mixture of heart, discipline, and the ability to connect with diverse audiences – while insisting, despite all the public exposure, on remaining true to himself.
Biyon, today you do perform on large stages and move thousands of people with your energy and your message. How did you find this path – from a PhD in economics to a celebrated speaker? What drove you?
The word motivation contains motive – the why. And my why has always been clear: I wanted to help people express what lies on their hearts. The how only became clear over time. Even though I studied something I never practiced professionally, I regret nothing. Every experience was important to bring me to where I am today. I firmly believe that everything comes at the right time. What drove me back then still drives me today. If your why is so strong that it brings tears to your eyes, then you know you are on the right path. That is when you get up in the morning and want nothing more than to do what truly matters to you.
In your doctoral thesis, you focused on customer psychology. How much do your scientific insights still influence your work today as a speaker and coach?
It is hard to measure how strongly theory really shapes practice. But I believe that much of what we learn, and what makes sense to us, sinks into the subconscious and continues to work from there. Still, lived life always comes first for me. Personal experiences shape us most deeply – and they flow into everything I do to this day.
Your career is marked by sold-out shows, bestsellers, and celebrity status. In your view, what makes you and your message stand out? What is it that touches people about you?
I believe I have a talent for touching people’s hearts – simply because I speak from the heart myself. What comes from the heart reaches the heart. But especially when you do shows or write bestsellers, talent alone is not enough. It takes values, discipline, and the willingness to go the extra mile. And that is what I do – not to arrive somewhere, but because I love the journey. And also, who I become along the way. Many people can identify with me. Younger audiences might find me relatable or “cool,” people with a migration background see themselves reflected in me, and many Germans sense that something culturally familiar also resonates within me. But in the end, what matters most is this: people can feel that it comes from the heart. And that I truly mean what I say.
You speak openly about racism, discrimination, and bullying – things you have personally experienced. Which experiences have shaped you most? And how do you manage to turn negative experiences into positive energy?
Especially in my younger years, I experienced a lot of racism. But I believe that within everyone lies a power of transformation – the ability to turn negative experiences into something positive. Often you only recognize this in hindsight. In the moment itself, it does not feel good. But life is lived forwards and understood backwards. To make this transformation, you need reflection, awareness, and courage. Making peace with what was, and realizing that pain also carries strength – for example, in the form of empathy or a sense of justice. I believe this can be learned. It is not innate – but it arises when you are willing to face it.
Were there key moments in your life when you realized: “I am different – and that is a strength”? Or asked differently: are there things you would rather not have done in hindsight, such as Let’s Dance?
I find it difficult to name single key moments. Looking back, it is often easy to interpret something as decisive – especially if it turned out well. But I tend to be cautious about that. What shaped me most were the things I did not want. The wrong environment, the wrong career, the wrong paths – all of that showed me very clearly what I was truly searching for. The flip side is what guided me onto my path. Still, I would not change a thing. I regret no decision, because every experience had its purpose. It is easy to say you would do something differently – but no one can truly know what consequences that would bring. I am grateful for everything and convinced: I am exactly where I am meant to be.
What advice do you give to (young) people who today face prejudice or exclusion – whether because of their background, their name, or their appearance?
What I would like to say to those who face such experiences is above all: You are not alone. Even if it sometimes feels that way – many share that feeling. It is also important to understand: the problem does not lie with you, but with where it originates. Do not take it personally – even though that is easier said than done. The best protection against hostility is a healthy sense of self-worth. Everything you do for your self-love and your relationship with yourself strengthens you – and helps ensure that such things cannot break you.
When you stand on stage today – do you sometimes still feel in your heart like that little Indian boy searching for his place in Germany? Or has that image changed? Critics, of course, also accuse you of commercialization, of merely selling products – how do you deal with that?
I often feel that the little Biyon is still sitting in the front row, listening to me. Much of what I do today is what he once wished for himself. In that sense, he has remained a part of me. At the same time, I am very grateful for the trust of people – that they open their hearts, feel that I speak from personal experience, and that what I share can truly help them. In the end, what matters most to me is this: If I can look in the mirror and know that I do everything for the right reasons – with a clear conscience and a pure heart – then I can sleep peacefully.
What does it mean to you to be visible as a German-Indian voice – especially at a time when the social climate is becoming more challenging?
I am deeply grateful to be able to take on this responsibility – and also proud of my roots in India. I stand for tolerance, respect, and equality. Through my community, I constantly see how much connects us as human beings – and that there are far more similarities than differences. That gives me great hope. Every challenge has two sides. It can also be an opportunity – for something new, for better coexistence, for new paths. And I am glad to be part of that.
Thank you for your candid answers!
