24. Oliver Schwegmann, CEO of the Berentzen Group – Leadership Edition

Shownotes

Oliver Schwegmann, CEO of the Berentzen Group – Leadership Edition

Leadership in different corporate cultures

From family-owned businesses to global corporations, every corporate culture has a different impact on leadership. Executives therefore need to be extremely adaptable. But how can leaders successfully switch between these worlds? How can they bring their own vision to new environments? Oliver Schwegmann, CEO of the Berentzen Group, joins podcast hosts Joy Edwin Thanarajah and Harald R. Fortmann to talk about sustainability, diversity, innovation, and the challenges of corporate leadership. He shares insights into his career, reflects about the importance of having strong personal values and taking a firm stance as a leader, as well as the need to position oneself on social media. The conversation also explores the Berentzen-Group’s strategic direction in international markets.

Overview of the content of this episode:

• Sustainability must come intrinsically from within the company
• CEOs should actively engage in social and societal issues
• CEO communication should be authentic and personal
• Innovation takes place on many levels – not just product-related
• Don't plan your career too much, listen to your intuition
• Energy sources such as sports are crucial for performance
• Personal experiences and one’s own path shape leadership style
• Leadership requires active listening and adaptability
• Balancing family and career is a challenge

Further links:

• Oliver Schwegmann on Linkedin
• Berentzen Group website
• Harald R. Fortmann on Linkedin
• Joy Edwin Thanarajah on Linkedin
• Deininger website
• Five14 website

About Suits & Sneakers

Suits & Sneakers is a podcast for decision-makers. In the Leadership Edition, Deininger Group CEO Joy Edwin Thanarajah and Harald R. Fortmann, managing partner of the personnel consulting firm Five14, talk to leading executives about new working environments, changes in leadership, and their many years of 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 Five14
Five14 is an executive search boutique that connects companies with individuals who shape change. From digital transformation to the age of AI, we identify executives who combine technological expertise, strategic vision, and cultural leadership.

Traditional “post and pray” recruiting no longer works here. Five14 stands for a new kind of search: targeted, discreet, networked, and always on equal footing. Our team - multiple award-winning consultants with decades of experience in marketing, sales, and corporate management in the digital industry - supports start-ups, medium-sized companies, and corporations in actively shaping the working world of tomorrow.

We make an impact, not just fill positions. As partners to our clients, we act openly, transparently, and in accordance with the principles of proper personnel consulting (BDU). Sustainability and social commitment are firmly anchored in our DNA: Since our founding, we have been climate-neutral and invest 14% of our profits in social projects.

Five14 – Executive Search for leaders who shape the future.

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.