S3. E5. Why business success is all about people and culture with Erhard Schoewel

Erhard was one of the key figures in the Reckitt Benckiser success story leading a huge transformation over his 27 years there.  

At RB he was famous for his simple, direct management style and his question “What is the number (for the month)?” which kept everyone focused on the business. 

Since 2006 he has not rested on his laurels. Just to mention a few of his Board and investor roles

·      He was CEO & Chairman of Birdseye Iglo Ltd

·      Erhard has served on the Board of Directors of Coty since 2007

·      He is an Angel investor in e-commerce e.g. Lieferando, the leading e-commerce site

He now lives in Berlin, a city he chose for its dynamism.

Points we covered

·      His book project

·      His learnings from his extensive career as a “leader of leaders”

·      His trademark “directness” and why it was so successful

·      Why his favourite experience was his General Manager role in Italy

·      His belief in the importance of the “general management” function and his tips for those taking on the role, #2 is totally different vs #1.

·      How he has found the move from “street fighter” who loves execution to the adviser role very challenging

·      His foundation teaching migrant children how to speak German & work with start-ups, fairchance.org/en

Thanks for listening, and if you think this can help a colleague, please share.