34. Susanne Wetzel

Shownotes

34. Susanne Wetzel, President of the Frankfurt am Main District Court – Leadership Edition

Who sustains the rule of law? Leadership, responsibility, and motivation in the legal system

The legal system is under immense pressure: rising caseloads in civil, family, guardianship, and criminal matters, coupled with staff shortages and growing demands for speed, transparency, and digitalization. Susanne Wetzel, President of the Frankfurt am Main District Court, speaks with podcast hosts Joy Edwin Thanarajah and Harald R. Fortmann about leadership, responsibility, and the reality of the judiciary.

In the conversation, Susanne Wetzel makes it clear that leadership in the judiciary functions differently than in the business world. Judges are independent and cannot be 'controlled'. Trust, listening, attitude, and reliable framework conditions are therefore crucial.

The president also sees a significant need to catch up when it comes to digitization: While electronic case files have been introduced, true modernization has not yet been achieved. Regarding the use of AI, she advocates for a sense of proportion, as she believes judicial decisions must remain human decisions.

Overview of the Contents of this Episode:‍

• Staff shortages and rising caseloads are placing a massive strain on the judiciary
• The electronic case file is not true digitization
• Modern, standardized IT structures are lacking
• Leadership is based on trust, not on control
• Listening and appreciation are crucial
• Motivation arises primarily from intrinsic factors
• Stressful cases require professionalism and composure
• Leadership quickly reaches structural limits
• Balancing progress and legal certainty is essential

Further Links:

• Susanne Wetzel on Linkedin
• Amtsgericht Frankfurt am Main 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.