“We try not to talk about work at dinner. It works sometimes, sometimes not,” confides Tjorven Bellmann with a smile, in an interview on the show Behind the scenes of power.
Talking about work actually seems inevitable for her and her husband who, in addition to sharing their lives, share the role of German ambassador to Canada. However, family is at the heart of the professional choice of the two diplomats.
Tjorven Bellmann, Matthias Lüttenberg and their three children, aged 10, 12 and 15, moved into the official residence in Ottawa last September. It is initially Ms. Bellmann who holds the position of ambassador, while her husband will take over after eight months. The couple will alternate in the position for the duration of the mandate of at least four years.
They are both career diplomats. Before arriving in Ottawa, she was political director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Berlin. He was director in the same ministry and responsible for Eastern Europe.
Our children […] need their parents. In Berlin, […] we didn’t have time to listen to them, to support them at school and it’s much easier here when we share the work.
This diplomatic model was born from a deliberate desire to modernize the profession, to be flexible for young families and to encourage more women to occupy this position.
If it is already applied in Slovenia and Sweden, this is a first outside the borders of Europe and within a G7 country.
This initiative by the German government has generated a lot of curiosity from fellow diplomats in Ottawa. It’s really something people love here. I hope it is possible to stimulate [une discussion] also in other countries
remarque M. Lüttenberg.
It’s true that we came up with this model for ourselves, but I think it’s becoming more and more normal. Within the service [diplomatique] German, there are 60 couples like us. It’s really interesting for many colleagues in Berlin to see if this works.
Two ambassadors… but only one salary
When we ask the couple about the advantages of sharing the position and occupying it alternately, the answers come forth, without hesitation and almost in unison.
The eight months give us the[occasion] to have a period […] where you can really start projects and also finish them
explains Ms. Bellman.
The diplomat emphasizes that to facilitate the future handover, communication and coordination are essential.
I take care of the children’s home, […] I am the driver. We go to football, to the orchestra, so my weeks are full, but sometimes I also work a little
adds Mr. Lüttenberg. He explains that the situation also makes their children happy.
Which of the two thinks they have the better role? This is a very good question
assures Matthias Lüttenberg, with a smile on his face.
I find both roles super interesting. Ambassador is a dream position. There are so many […] things we can do
says the ambassador. Their work-study model also allows them to devote more time to family.
This is the last mission before they [les enfants] do not leave the house, then it is also a time which is very expensive
she adds.
This division of roles does not stop at diplomatic responsibilities. The couple also share a single salary. This is the only sad point of the model
concedes Matthias Lüttenberg with humor. Despite everything, the ambassadors do not regret their choice.
It’s a deliberate decision on our part to really achieve a balance, a little more, between family and profession
explique Tjorven Bellman.
The ambassador already knows that she will hand over the keys to the embassy to her husband during the month of May 2025.
If she admits not to think about it
her partner candidly confides that she is looking forward to it.
Naturally, I think about it
he says, triggering more bursts of laughter.
