12. Melanie Kleemann, C-Level Retail Executive, Keynote Speaker, ex IKEA, Vorwerk and P&C Group - Leadership Edition

Shownotes

Melanie Kleemann, C-Level Retail Executive, Keynote Speaker, ex IKEA, Vorwerk and P&C Group

Cultural change: the basis of digital transformation

What challenges do German SMEs face in the digital transformation? Melanie Kleemann, former top manager at IEKA, Vorwerk and the Peek & Cloppenburg Group, shares her experiences and emphasizes the importance of trust and a participative management style. In conversation with podcast hosts Harald R. Fortmann and Joy Edwin Thanarajah, the C-level retail executive explains that digital transformation not only involves technological change, but also requires a cultural shift that starts at the boardroom level. She discusses how German culture shapes expectations of quality and error avoidance and highlights the importance of identity and mindset in organizations, especially in adapting to modern ways of working.

An overview of the contents of this episode:

• Challenging digital transformation in the SME sector
• Flat hierarchies promote innovation and change
• Senior management plays a central role in the transformation
• Cultural changes are necessary for success
• Transformation is an ongoing process, not a one-off project
• Clear communication of the vision is necessary
• Participative management style can reduce resistance
• Error culture is crucial for innovation
• Identity and mindset influence corporate management
• Hybrid working models require trust and clear communication
• Cultural differences shape the way companies work
• Competitiveness depends on adaptability
• Office presence rules can indicate a performance problem

Further links:

• Melanie Kleemann on Linkedin
• Harald R. Fortmann on Linkedin
• Joy Edwin Thanarajah on Linkedin
• Deininger Website

About Suits & Sneakers

Suits & Sneakers is a podcast for decision-makers. In the leadership edition, Deininger CEO Joy Edwin Thanarajah and managing partner Harald R. Fortmann talk to leading personalities about topics such as new working environments, digitalization, the transformation of leadership and their long-standing experience in building and managing companies.

About Deininger

Deininger, headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, is one of the leading executive search consultancies in Germany and operates with a global network of partners. Since its foundation in 1981, Deininger has specialized in identifying and recruiting top executives for companies in a wide range of industries. With business and industry expertise, Deininger supports clients in filling key positions in a dynamic market environment and a changing business world. With many years of experience and a focus on quality and sustainability in cooperation, Deininger has established itself as a trusted partner for national and international companies, from start-ups to larger medium-sized companies and corporations. Deininger - Frankfurt, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, China, Dubai, Great Britain, India, Poland and USA.

About this podcast production

• The intro voice-over of the podcast was recorded by Chérine De Bruin.
• The Deininger podcast “Suits & Sneakers” is a TON.EINS production.