"Success is about balance – not your bank account"

At this year’s Cashflow Conference, we met Maurice Bork, a Spiegel bestselling author, host of the No. 1 success podcast in the German-speaking world, and founder of the largest personal development network. His new book, »Erfolg ist kein Zufall«, releases on August 20. In it, Bork distills insights from over 350 interviews with extraordinary individuals, proving that success isn’t luck—it’s the result of learnable, actionable principles. We spoke with him about these success factors and what holds people back from reaching their potential.

Mr. Bork, your book is titled »Erfolg ist kein Zufall«. How do you define success?

My definition has evolved. Early on, it was material – luxury watches, fast cars, exotic vacations. But after interviewing high achievers across fields, I realized: Success isn’t wealth. It’s about fulfillment—freedom, health, strong relationships, growth, and making a positive impact. True success is balancing these elements.

Why do so many still equate success with money?

Because financial success is visible. You see the car, the mansion, the vacation photos—not the discipline, crises, or personal growth behind them. Often, external success compensates for inner emptiness. Buying a luxury car to feel worthy? Real fulfillment works from the inside out. As Rolf Dobelli wrote: »True success is inner success.«

How can someone achieve holistic success beyond career and status symbols?

Through self-reflection and accountability. My book outlines 13 success factors: passion, self-worth, decisiveness, discipline, environment, resilience, and more. Ask yourself: What truly fulfills me? Where do I excel? Where can I grow? Aligning with these leads to both success and happiness – because real success stems from inner stability.

Is there one factor you consider most critical?

Accountability. It’s the foundation. If we blame others or fate, we surrender our power. Success begins when we take responsibility for our thoughts, choices, and actions – and stop making excuses. It’s uncomfortable but essential. I’ve interviewed people who transformed their lives through accountability, regardless of their starting point.

What would you say to someone who thinks, »It’s too late for me«?

That’s a myth. Success has no age limit. I’ve spoken with 14-year-old founders and 60-year-olds starting anew. What matters is the first step – and the right time is now. Every journey begins small. And we must never lose our appetite for growth.

After 350 interviews, what surprised you most?

How many high achievers prioritize silence and retreat. People associate success with networking and hustle, but the opposite is key: reflection, digital detox, meditation, walks, journaling. One guest – a top tech CEO – spends every Saturday completely offline. These mental spaces aren’t weakness; they’re strength in a world of noise.

You emphasize mindset shifts. An example?

The growth mindset: believing abilities develop through learning. My interviewees saw setbacks as lessons, not failures. One told me: »I failed three times – and now I’m grateful, because it made my success possible«. Research confirms this mindset breeds resilience and achievement.

If success isn’t accidental, is there a system?

Yes: the 13 factors. Work on them, and you’ll inevitably grow – and succeed. For example, curating your environment. Your happiness, health, and income hinge on the people around you.

Your greatest hope for readers?

That they realize: Success isn’t a privilege – it’s a choice. I want to give them permission to believe in themselves again. This book isn’t selling a fantasy. It’s proof that clarity, accountability, and action can transform lives. Not overnight, but steadily. And when it does, life isn’t just more successful – it’s more fulfilling.

About Maurice Bork: Entrepreneur, investor, Spiegel bestselling author, and founder of »Die wichtigste Stunde«. »Erfolg ist kein Zufall« releases August 20.