Jumping Into Empty Space

Ernst Bergen had good reason to say no when the President of his country asked him to join his cabinet. Massive corruption was considered the ordinary course of business in Paraguay and had driven it to near financial ruin. Bergen, at age 39, was among the most successful men in the country with not an ounce of interest in government politics. What's more, Bergen grew up in a Mennonite colony situated in the inhospitable wilderness of the Paraguayan Chaco. He belongs to a highly industrious religious people who, for reasons of history and theology, are acutely suspicious of being involved in government. Jumping Into Empty Space tells two stories: the beginning of a remarkable economic turn-around in a battered country at the hand of this fearless business strategist; and the emergence of a true leader, told with unusual honesty and wisdom. Not only did Bergen have his own hot temper to control, he had to face extraordinary special interests and decades of despair everywhere, including in the President's own party.

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About the Author:
Ernst Bergin, at age 39, was one of Paraguay's most successful businesspersons. Suddenly his life took a dramatic turn when he was invited by the incoming President of the country to enter his governing cabinet. Although not a politician, he went on to hold two significant positions: first, Minister of Industry and Commerce, and later, Minister of Finance. Currently, Ernst and his wife, Lucy, and their three children, live in Asunción, Paraguay. Ernst continues active interest in his businesses and in consulting related to leadership. He remains an active member of Concordia Mennonite Brethren Church in Asunción.