Leading Corporate Transformation: The WHU Podcast, powered by PwC

About Leading Corporate Transformation: The WHU Podcast, powered by PwC

Im Podcast "Leading Corporate Transformation" der WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management und PwC Deutschland geben Prof. Dr. Serden Ozcan, Prof. Dr. Martin Glaum (beide WHU) und Gori von Hirschhausen (PwC) authentische Einblicke in Transformationsprojekte verschiedenster Unternehmen, geschildert aus unterschiedlichen C-Level Perspektiven europäischer Top-Führungskräfte, beleuchtet mit wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnissen.

Publisher

Prof. Dr. Serden Ozcan, Prof. Dr. Martin Glaum, Gori von Hirschhausen

Category

business · business · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 May 2021

Latest episode

28 May 2026

Latest episodes

24 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   28 May 2026

   Astrid Hermann, CFO Beiersdorf – From NIVEA to Tesa: Steering a Global Portfolio in Changing Markets

   How does a global consumer and industrial company balance heritage brands, science-led innovation, and investor expectations when markets suddenly slow down? In this episode, Astrid Hermann, CFO of Beiersdorf, explains how Beiersdorf manages a portfolio that spans mass skincare, fast-growing dermatological brands, and luxury. She also speaks about why Derma has become a core pillar after tripling since 2016, and how innovation often gets launched there first, where the science can be explained through dermatologists rather than a six-second ad. We dive into the current demand environment, the 2025 market slowdown she describes as unusually broad-based, and what it means when guidance has to be revised. The conversation further turns to Beiersdorf’s industrial side, Tesa, and why it is not a diversification add-on but part of the company’s origins. Astrid outlines the innovation pressure in electronics and e-mobility, from ultra-thin tapes for devices to debonding and recycling requirements. We also talk about operating a listed company with a majority shareholder: how long-term backing can help avoid short-term “wrong decisions,” while public markets still force clarity, credibility, and delivery. We close with Astrid’s personal story, from an early move to the US and two decades in American corporates to lessons on finance as a business partner, flexible leadership with family life, and why humor matters when the world feels heavy. Guest Astrid Hermann, CFO – Beiersdorf Hosts Prof. Dr. Martin Glaum, WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management Gori von Hirschhausen, PwC Germany Editorial Team Annika Lux-Röhrig Simon Görlach

2. 

   11 Jan 2026

   Christian Schätz, COO Microsoft Deutschland – the Future of AI, Cloud Adoption & Fostering a “Learn-it-All” Culture

   What is the perspective of one of the world’s leading technology companies on the future of Artificial Intelligence? In this episode, Christian Schätz, COO of Microsoft Deutschland, discusses how Microsoft scales innovation while adapting to Germany’s regulatory, operational, and cultural environment. Christian explains why Microsoft views AI as a copilot rather than an autopilot — a technology built to augment human capability. He shares how Microsoft, as “customer Zero” applies AI internally, from natural-language access on core business systems to significant efficiency gains in customer support and global shared services. The conversation turns to Germany’s adoption dynamic, shaped by engineering rigor, regulatory depth, and the role of workers’ councils. Christian describes how Microsoft balances its global strategy with local expectations around security, sovereignty, and trust — and why the company’s shift from a know-it-all to a learn-it-all culture is crucial in this fast-moving environment. We close with Christian’s personal leadership journey, from hotel management to the C-suite, and his advice for young professionals preparing for an AI-driven future — centered on curiosity, continuous learning, and the ability to “get stuff done.” Guest Christian Schätz, COO - Microsoft Deutschland Hosts Prof. Dr. Serden Ozcan, WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management Gori von Hirschhausen, PwC Germany Editorial Team Annika Lux-Röhrig Simon Görlach

3. 

   13 Nov 2025

   Jan Philipp Schmitz, Executive Vice-President at Ardian – Scaling Global Growth in Private Markets

   How does one of the world’s leading private investment houses balance agility, scale, and purpose? In this episode, we sit down with Jan Philipp Schmitz, Executive Vice President and Member of the Executive Committee at Ardian, to explore how the firm has grown from a management buyout of AXA Private Equity into a $192 billion global investment leader. Jan Philipp takes us inside Ardian’s multi-asset model, spanning private equity, infrastructure, and private credit - and explains why secondaries and infrastructure are some of the firm’s fastest-growing pillars. He reveals how Ardian combines entrepreneurial speed with institutional discipline, fostering a culture of shared ownership where employees and investors are deeply aligned. We also discuss the strategic value of staying private, and what it takes to scale globally while keeping decision-making decentralized and fast. Guest Jan-Philipp Schmitz, Executive Vice President and Member of the Executive Committee, Ardian Hosts Prof. Dr. Serden Ozcan, WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management Gori von Hirschhausen, PwC Germany Editorial Team Annika Lux-Röhrig Simon Görlach

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

4.5 / 5

8 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 27 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

33

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

51