How we want to live (well)

Dr Latz, Mr Nguyen, the first question is, as always: Who are you?

Dr Anne Latz: I am a doctor at a clinic for psychosomatic medicine and am heavily involved in prevention – in other words, what is often referred to today as longevity or lifestyle medicine. I have undertaken further training in this field. At the same time, I’m an entrepreneur with a background in business administration; I’ve worked in start-ups and also gained insights into ministerial structures. Today, I have a sort of portfolio career: clinical work, working closely with patients and innovative topics. I’ve been a mum for a few weeks now and have been co-hosting a podcast with Toan for a couple of months.

Toan Nguyen: I spent a total of 16 years at Jung von Matt, most recently as managing director, partner and founder of a subsidiary agency called Jung von Matt NERD. At the end of last year, I left that life behind to pursue a portfolio career myself. Part of this involves trying my hand at being a social media creator – as a face and voice in the semi-public sphere. At the same time, I’ve set up a new company: it’s called From the Future. The idea started as a joke, but turned into a think tank with people I’ve got to know over the last 15 years – including those outside the marketing world. We publish and invest together. This can involve stakes in functional food brands or futuristic clinics. And sometimes we launch projects ourselves: such as our podcast, which for us is not just a format but a media brand.

What happens when a doctor and a nerd meet?

A.L.: Then something new emerges. We bring very different perspectives to the table. I’m more of a fan of the ‘basics’, whilst Toan is more into the ‘future’. That leads to friction, but also to inspiration. We come from very different backgrounds – 16 years in an agency and ten years in a hospital. That shapes us.

T.N.: These differences are what make it exciting. We deliberately take on specific roles, even if they’re somewhat polarised. At the same time, we work with great precision. We set ourselves high standards, both in terms of content and structure. After just a few months, we’d already spent a day in third place in the medical charts.

What is the essence of the topic of longevity?

A.L.: We prefer to talk about ‘healthy longevity’. It’s not about biohacking or self-optimisation under pressure. For me, it means becoming an expert on your own body. Understanding and influencing personalised health – with the aim of not just living longer, but above all living more healthily. The present is what matters: if we change our lifestyle today – diet, exercise, sleep, stress management – we feel the effects on our energy levels immediately. In times of multiple crises, it’s also about self-efficacy and not feeling at the mercy of circumstances. Longevity is a promise: we can take action ourselves to improve our health and, in doing so, regain a sense of control.

T.N.: Control is a central theme. Particularly in my world – management, business – many people experience a loss of control. You don’t know what will happen tomorrow, politically or economically. Control over one’s own body then becomes a kind of emotional anchor. At the same time, longevity is also a field of innovation. It brings together medicine, technology, biotech and new applications such as wearables. It is a melting pot of different communities that are, for the first time, truly engaging with one another – from science and alternative medicine to the tech scene and investors.

What drives you with the podcast?

T.N.: We’re deep diggers. We want to identify the connections and patterns that shape our society, both now and in the future. Our vision for ‘From the Future’ is: What would we want to say about ourselves in 40 years’ time? This applies to our careers, but also to our families and our lives. Sustainability needs substance. At the same time, I’m a novice when it comes to medicine. I consciously turn this into my strength and learn in public. I’m recognised as the daftest person in the room – and that’s exactly what gives me freedom.

A.L.: I see it in a similar light, but would phrase it differently. Toan brings a fresh perspective to an industry that is very static, hierarchical and linear. Many approaches in the healthcare world are repetitive. When someone from outside comes along and asks: ‘What on earth are you doing here? Why does prevention sound so unappealing?’, it provokes a reaction and stirs things up. That’s exactly what we need if we want to frame and talk about health in a more positive light .

Why is the topic of longevity having such a big impact right now?

A.L.: I’m actually surprised at how many people are suddenly talking about it. Prevention has never received this level of attention, even though the subject matter is similar. Longevity evokes stronger emotions. It triggers either enthusiasm or resistance. Yet at its core, it’s about simple things: (…)

→ Read the full interview with Dr Anne Latz and Toan Nguyen in the latest issue of rampstyle #38 ‘Just for the Plot’

(Now available in German)