And he has devoted his time and energies to talking about what his own experiences have meant to him and what he has learned -- to encourage each and every one of us that the way to make the most of our talents is to make a difference in the lives of others.

WHITEHOUSE: My Fellow Americans

All of which has transformed the Deutsche appointment into something of a test of whether corporate Germany has learned what many in the UK would see as one of the big lessons of globalisation, that global companies should appoint the best person for the job, regardless of nationality.

BBC: How Deutsch do you have to be to run Deutsche Bank?

She says she has learned to appreciate what she has and scoffs at her one-time need for high-end labels.

CNN: Long-distance life and love lessons