Medici
Ambassadors
Eduard Heger
Former Prime Minister of Slovakia
“I have seen many networks, but few real communities. What Philip and Cris have built at Medici is a place where business owners sharpen each other and grow together.”
Eduard Heger, a Slovak politician and former Prime Minister,led Slovakia through the pandemic, energy crisis, and inflation. He prepared one of the EU’s best Recovery Plans, focusing on reforms in healthcare, education, environment and innovation. Under his leadership, Slovakia condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and provided strong support with all needed assistance. A father of four, he is also a passionate runner and cold-water swimmer. Before politics, he held management roles in the private sector.
Martin Schleske
Master Violin Maker, Writer, & Physicist from Landsberg, Germany
“The Medici Gathering is a rare place where people come together not simply to exchange knowledge, but to listen more deeply, to remain open, and to search together for what gives life meaning. I experienced a community that understands that true significance is not found in having all the answers, but in cultivating a searching heart. Like a fine instrument, we must allow ourselves to be shaped, tuned, and brought into resonance. The Medici Community creates space for that process, inviting people to learn from one another, to receive wisdom and beauty, and to consider how their lives and work might become instruments of something greater.”
Internationally renowned violin maker, physicist, and author, Martin Schleske creates instruments that unite master craftsmanship with advanced acoustic research. His violins, violas, and cellos are played by soloists and concertmasters of leading orchestras worldwide, celebrated for their extraordinary sound and artistic depth. Beyond their musical excellence, his instruments are also regarded as valuable investments and as a means of supporting gifted young musicians through instrument loans. Both VIOLIN ASSETS and the INSTRUMENTUM Foundation cooperate closely with him in this mission. As Martin himself puts it: “A fine violin is an investment in the joy of life.
Christoph Waffenschmidt
Leadership Consultant, Former Mayor and CEO from Berlin, Germany
“What convinced me about the Medici Community wasn’t the program or the events. It was the people. It’s rare to find successful entrepreneurs who are equally committed to family, legacy, and serving others. The conversations are authentic, the relationships are genuine, and there’s a level of trust here that’s difficult to find anywhere else. That’s what makes Medici so valuable.”
At the age of 29, Christoph became the youngest mayor in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s largest federal state. Eight years later, he became CEO of World Vision Germany, one of the largest private aid organizations in Europe. Through this work, support was provided to more than 10 million people annually, always guided by the entrepreneurial principle of “helping people help themselves.” Christoph held this global leadership role for over 15 years. Today, he works as a consultant to leaders in politics, business, and civil society and serves on the boards of various foundations. Starting in the summer of 2026, he will also assume the chairmanship of the Foundation for Fundamental Values and International Understanding. Christoph lives with his family in Berlin.