28. Stefan Daniel

Shownotes

28. Stefan Daniel, „Mr. M“ and Global Senior Brand Representative, Leica Camera AG – Leadership Edition

100 Years of Leica: Courage, Brand and the Revival of an Icon.

A brand that changed photography like no other, whose history shows what courage, design and radical consistency can achieve. Leica is celebrating 100 years – a period in which a technical innovation became a cultural icon. In this podcast, Stefan Daniel — known to his customers as "Mr M" — talks to hosts Joy Edwin Thanarajah and Harald R. Fortmann about a brand that almost disappeared, reinvented itself, and is now experiencing worldwide growth. He provides insights into the company's development over the past century. Employee retention, corporate culture and the role of brand ambassadors all play an important part in this success story. The return to analogue photography and the impact of AI on photography are also discussed.

‍Overview of the Contents of this Episode:

• Leica has established itself as an icon over the past 100 years
• Employee loyalty through passion and identification with the brand
• The role of brand ambassadors is important for brand identity
• Long-term strategies are necessary to be successful in the industry
• Innovation and courage are crucial for corporate management
• Analog photography is experiencing a comeback
• Artificial intelligence is changing the definition of photography
• Leica responds to customer requests and adapts products accordingly
• The future of Leica will be shaped by a broader product range

Further links:

• Stefan Daniel on the Leica Website
• Leica Website website
• Joy Edwin Thanarajah on Linkedin
• Harald R. Fortmann on Linkedin
• Harald R. Fortmann on Instagram
• Deininger Website
• Five14 Website
• Suits & Sneakers on Linkedin
• Suits & Sneakers on Instagram

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.