JEAN-RENÉ WIEDEMANN

Model: Jean-René Wiedemann @jean_rene_wiedemann Photographer: Reiner Wolpers @emotion_art_photographer

Jean-René Wiedemann is the perfect example of a man who is a fighter both in the ring and in life. He speaks four languages, works for Tesla Motors in Germany, and strives to develop himself as a model and fashion influencer. In this interview, JeanTell us about your childhood. How did you become a model? I was born in Lomé, Togo, Africa. Thanks to my dad, I German nationality. After I received my bachelor’s degree in Lomé, I moved to Paris but eventually decided to come to Germany to start a new life there. I stayed in Augsburg-City, which is the city where my dad grew up. Then I completed military service and after that had a really hard time getting my commercial apprenticeship because the German language wasn’t easy for me. I met my best friends here, so we created the Glory boys family consisting René told MOVER about his childhood, career, and obstacles on his way to success of Thomas & Francois Akpaloo, Williams Mac, Sedic, and Raiz. After that, I met the man who changed my whole life. It was Reiner Wolpers, a photographer from Emotion Art Photographer. He took me to different kinds of photoshoots which were my first shoots. Reiner also helped me to realize that even though I’m not a professional model, I still can inspire people with my personality and positive vibrations that I bring out with the pictures we make. We act just how we think, so that’s why some people become real legends: they just set such a goal. I want my name and image to be unforgettable too.

You know, many successful people had a really hard childhood. Can you tell us what influenced you?

My family influenced and still influences me very much. I don’t think that I want to talk about it much because this topic is very personal, but my family definitely makes me stronger. I’m really thankful that God quickly showed me that life can be unfair, however, you still have to appreciate it, and if you want to make it better, you need to fight because nobody will do it for you.

You’re pretty young but seem to be a very experienced person. What’s your main life achievement? What did you learn to date?

I believe that every day is a big achievement, however, I haven’t made my biggest ones yet. I’m just on the way to it. What I learned is that nobody will work for you to achieve your goals. People can help you, but the only one who makes the dreams come true is yourself. Of course, some sacrifices have to be made, but that’s life and we have to follow its rules.

We know that you like kickboxing and it’s one of your favorite hobbies. Have you ever wanted to become a professional kickboxer?

Kickboxing and Muay Thai boxing are the best things that happened in my life. When I’m at the training, I feel the true balance: I can use all my body either to defend myself or to face problems and find out the way to survive. I’ve participated in several boxing fights, however, I didn’t like it much because, in kickboxing or Muay Thai, you have so many opportunities to use your legs or elbows or to use different types of combinations, so you can be creative. During the ring fight, you only have to make some typical combinations and that’s not interesting for me. Boxing is like real life: when you face difficulties, you need to use all your skills to prove to yourself that you can be on top. You should prove yourself that you can be the king of the ring and the king of your life and make choices without remorse because in the end you’ll find yourself fighting to survive and becoming your own king.

Why did you choose Germany to stay in?

I chose Germany because my nationality is German and I like challenges as well. The German language is pretty hard for me but I decided to try to learn it, why not? I like trying everything new in life, so Germany is another opportunity for me to do it. French is my second language while my native language is Eve. By the way, I speak four different languages. I recognized one interesting fact about the German people: they are really hard-working. Since my childhood in my native country, we have recognized German people as hard workers. My dad has been working hard too. He moved to my native country to start a new life there and I was inspired by his experience. It’s not easy at all, as sometimes I even fall asleep while trying to finish my essay or work at night. However, I still like challenges and that’s why I’m in Germany now.

Do you have any role models or people that inspire you?

My first role models are my family members: my mom, and my dad. I’m also extremely proud of my younger brother Maximilian Wiedemann, who is a great basketball player in my native country. They are pretty far away from me now but they live their best lives in Lomé, Togo. At the moment, I’m inspired by Israel Adesanya, a UFC fighter who is very focused on his goals. I also really like Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock, who currently works with the Under Armour brand which is my favorite brand. The Rock’s life experience really inspires me not to give up, live every day to become a better person than I was yesterday, and try to keep smiling even if you have hard times.

You have experience of working for Tesla. Tell us about this cooperation.

Working for Tesla Motor Germany in Munich is amazing. You quickly learn new things, that is you learn to take responsibility and think ahead. You also learn to manage stress and become as flexible as possible. Working for Tesla is a big challenge because we grow and develop every month, but I like challenges and the Tesla company has enough of it.

How can you develop yourself within the Tesla company? Is it a fast process?

In the Tesla company, you can develop really quickly, but it depends on how much motivation, self-control, and attitude you have. I have colleagues who do their best for the sake of the company, we have a strong team spirit and together we can handle stress and go forward no matter what. We are hungry for success and are ready to face any kind of difficulties. As a colleague of mine says, “We don’t have problems, we have challenges and for any challenge, we have solutions.” Thank you, Rafael, Nazari, Winnie, Dieter, Baba, Sameer, Carlo, Boss Sven, and Tesla Team Munich!

Are you going to become professional with your blog?

In fact, that is why I’m here. If there is an opportunity, I won’t let it go, I will use it.

Do you have any plans on improving your skills in sales or developing yourself as an influencer?

I want to improve both things. I believe that social media will be important in the future, and I want to be a part of it. Sales are the best way to learn how to sell yourself and what you do. Sales taught me to be a many-sided person because the world changes every day and you have to keep up with it.

What’s your main life goal? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

That’s a really good question. Since I learned how to walk and breathe, my main life goal has been working hard for my future, just doing it, because nobody will do it for me. I can’t tell what will happen to me in 5 years because of the coronavirus outbreak, however, I’m sure that I won’t give up. I will work to achieve what I want even if I need to make some sacrifices until people remember my name and know who I am and where I come from. I’m Jean-René Wiedemann, you should remember my name. At the moment, I would like to concentrate on my goals, while remembering where I came from. I haven’t finished it yet, but step by step, I learn to love who I am. Some people may say that I’m quite a frivolous person because I look like a playboy but I’m actually not him, I swear. I just like to be different and I always say that I’m different. My childhood wasn’t easy at all but I keep on going, looking for success and options to get on top. I work for everything that I can have in life. I like obstacles because I can fight to overcome them.