At Praxity, it’s about the people.
The Last Word is our regular feature where we take you behind the scenes with Praxity leaders – their lives, their likes and dislikes, and what makes them tick. This time, we turn our searchlight onto the incoming Praxity Chair Steffen Ahrens of FALK, and incoming Praxity Vice-Chair Jason Drake of Plante Moran.
Steffen Ahrens
Managing Partner, FALK and incoming Praxity Chair
1. What was the last song you listened to?
Something from Britney Spears when picking up one of my daughters from sports. She managed to pair her mobile phone with my car and takes great pleasure in seeing my reaction when I must listen to songs I can’t stand…
2. What was the last book you read?
Some light reading in preparation for the US election and my trip to Florida in November 2024: Carl Hiaason’s Squeeze Me.
3. What was the last TV programme that you watched?
I hardly watch any TV at all anymore, only news and sports events. I missed the soccer match of Germany/Bosnia (7:0) on Saturday due to a flight and watched the next game Germany/Hungary instead (1:1). Bad choice. Even worse: When I left the room Germany scored the first goal, when I got back Hungary was given the penalty that resulted in the equaliser. My son is convinced that my presence in front of a TV is bad luck for our team and would rather have me stay away (unless I have sweets, popcorn or ice-cream to sooth the pain).
4. What was the last meal you cooked?
I did steaks and burgers on our outside grill (despite the miserable weather). My wife is responsible for the healthy stuff during the week.
5. What was the last item you added to your wardrobe?
A warm jacket. “Winter is coming” J (GoT)
6. When did you last work out?
Yesterday night. Just went for a quick jog in the park when returning from a client after 3 hours in the car.
7. What was the last app you downloaded?
The Global Entry App when arriving at Orlando Airport (prior to the Praxity North American International Tax Conference 2024).
8. What was the last photo you took?
Boring. Was a piece of assembly machinery when walking the production floor with a client, arguing about impairment of long-lived assets.
9. What was the last restaurant you went to?
A rather shady canteen of a big manufacturing client. Was everything but a five-star experience.
10. When was the last time you laughed?
A couple of minutes ago. With the right team you can work hard and still have fun!
11. What was the last great piece of advice you were given?
“When in doubt, bake a cake and share it.” (Eternal wisdom on the fifth floor of the FALK headquarters in Heidelberg).
Jason Drake
Managing Partner, Plante Moran and incoming Praxity Vice-Chair
1. What was the last song you listened to?
I enjoy all genres of music. This morning, I had a mix on, and the last song that played was “The Scientist” by Coldplay.
2. What was the last book you read?
The Big Short by Michael Lewis. I read it years ago and enjoyed it, so I decided to reread it.
3. What was the last TV programme that you watched?
“Sunday Night Football.” If I’m watching TV, it’s normally sports — especially any Detroit sports team.
4. What was the last meal you cooked?
If I’m cooking, I’m usually grilling. Fortunately for my family and me, my wife is the real culinary star in our home.
5. What was the last item you added to your wardrobe?
For my birthday last month, my kids bought me a Detroit Lions shirt. It’s perfect for game days!
6. When did you last work out?
This morning. I try to work out at least five days a week.
7. What was the last app you downloaded?
Microsoft CoPilot. Learning how to use AI has been exciting. It opens up so many possibilities for productivity, creativity, and problem-solving.
8. What was the last photo you took?
A photo at the Detroit Lions game with my family. It was great to capture the excitement of the game and a family moment all in one shot!
9. What was the last restaurant you went to?
The Union Woodshop. It’s a local BBQ restaurant in Clarkston, Mich., with delicious barbecue and pizza that’s all house-made.
10. When was the last time you laughed?
10 minutes ago. I laugh all the time.
11. What was the last great piece of advice you were given?
I received great advice from Ed Parks, who served as Plante Moran’s managing partner from 1981 to 1993. When I started as managing partner, he told me, “Trust in the team — you don’t have to do it all yourself.”