Business acumen. Business sense. Business savvy. It is an instinctive trait and also a skill developed over time through seasoned judgement gained by learning from mistakes and capitalizing on successes. I was enjoying a walk with a close friend and accomplished CEO last week discussing the...
For corporate directors, Volkswagen AG’s “Dieselgate” is a textbook case of ineffective corporate governance that has led to worldwide criminal investigations and a loss of public confidence. Corporate directors and millions of Americans who enjoy driving VW cars, as well as Audi or Porsche vehicles...
In 2013, American technology magnate Michael Dell said that “mobile will figure out health care … before health care figures out mobile.” Initially, he was right, but during the past year the healthcare industry has started to figure it out. More than 15 years after...
Volkswagen AG (VW), with annual revenues of $244 billion in 2014 and some 600,000 employees worldwide, now stands accused of systematically circumventing and violating environmental safety rules and regulations the world over, possibly for years. News first broke in September 2015 that the German automaker...
If you are an executive at a successful company, then you have probably expanded into new locations within your country numerous times. Each new location required you to confront local red tape and consumer sentiment, but with a little hard work, your new location was...
I immigrated to the United States from Germany almost 25 years ago, so I may be a little biased when I proclaim that United States democracy (despite all its pitfalls) truly does offer the world a model of equality, freedom, and fairness. I think its...
If you have always wanted to take a peek inside the office of a top executive, then Delta flight 676 to Tampa might be your ticket. Or United flight 415 to San Francisco. Or American flight 317 to Chicago. Here is my point: if you...
"Translating Corporate Culture Across Borders" is a favorite subject of mine. I very much enjoy speaking about what I believe corporations need to be mindful of when they expand their operations overseas or when they acquire a business in another country. The National Association of...
Ever looked for the 4th floor of a hotel in China? You will be looking for a long time… This week I had the opportunity to speak at the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Spring Forum in Washington D.C. The theme was “Global...