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On 9 May 2025, Margot Friedländer died in Berlin at the age of 103. Two days earlier she had still taken part in a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of the war. The Holocaust survivor had devoted the last 15 years of her life to remembrance work, above all in schools. She held no position and had no authority to give orders. Her work nevertheless clearly shows the Law of Addition: leadership means serving others and enriching their lives.
A mission from a dark time
Situation
Margot Friedländer was born in Berlin on 5 November 1921. In January 1943 her mother was deported. She left her daughter the message: “Try to make your life.” Margot Friedländer lived in hiding, was arrested in 1944 and taken to Theresienstadt. Her mother and brother were murdered. In 1946 she emigrated to the USA.
Link to the law
Added value often grows out of one’s own story. Margot Friedländer later turned her experience into a gift for others. Leaders can ask: what have I lived through that helps others today?
A new start at 88
Situation
In 2008 her autobiography was published, with her mother’s sentence as its title. In 2010 she moved permanently from New York to Berlin. She regained her German citizenship. From then on she appeared as a contemporary witness.
Link to the law
Those who want to serve others go where they are needed. In her case that cost her the familiar surroundings. There is no wrong age for such a contribution. Leadership through adding value begins with the willingness to move yourself.
“Be human!”
Situation
Margot Friedländer read from her book in schools and talked with the young people. Her appeal was: “Be human!” She delivered it hundreds of times in classrooms, town halls and memorial sites. She explained that young people today have the chance her brother never had.
Link to the law
Here adding value joins with the Law of the Picture. She spoke without hatred and lived what she asked for. People follow a message when the person behind it is credible. A short, clear message also stays in the memory longer.
Impact beyond her own life
Situation
The Margot Friedländer Prize has existed since 2014, initially awarded by the Schwarzkopf Foundation. It honours commitment to tolerance and against antisemitism. In 2023 she founded the Margot Friedländer Foundation, which has carried the prize since 2024. In 2018 she became an honorary citizen of Berlin.
Link to the law
Those who want to serve others lastingly build structures that keep working without them. The prize and the foundation carry her cause forward. Leaders should consider early how their contribution can outlast them.
Key takeaways
Key lessons
- Ask yourself which of your experiences is useful to others.
- Go where your contribution is needed.
- Put your cause into a few clear words.
- Live yourself what you ask of others.
- Create structures that carry your cause forward.
Summary
Margot Friedländer led without office and without power. She gave young people her time, her story and a clear mission. Because she herself lived what she said, she became a role model for many. Her example shows that adding value to others is the core of leadership.