Everyone in the (global) financial community has second (or third) thoughts these days about Credit Suisse. Once the Big Boy in the room, with the notion of a prime location to work, inflated salaries, and the attitude that only the top tier organisations of the financial industry can produce has burned through capital, putting it […]
Corporate transformation is a critical aspect of modern business, as companies seek to adapt to changing market conditions and stay ahead of the competition. However, despite its importance, many companies struggle with the process of transforming their business operations, and a significant percentage of these initiatives fail. In this article, we will explore why corporate […]
The role of non-executive directors is often sought as an attractive crowning glory of a career in management. It is easily overlooked that the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO) differs from the regulations in e.g. Germany or the Anglo-Saxon area and that the board of directors, unlike the German or Anglo-Saxon supervisory board, does not […]
Buy now, to create competitive advantage in times of rapid change The shock of the latest decision of the SNB to no longer defend the floor of 1.20 for the CHF to the Euro is not yet gone, but quickly the smoke vanishes. For now, it is important to quickly assess the situation, analyse the […]
For Generation X, born between the mid 60’s and late 70’s, blessed with the illusion of everlasting growth, and the succeeding Millennials, spoiled by the amenities of the modern information society, COVID was a hard stop from full throttle. When talking about startups, thoughts are with the young Bill Gates, smiling at a police camera […]
In professional sports, mental readiness is key for champions. This is highlighting the importance of being mentally balanced also for senior executives. The Non-Executive Board must observe and nurture the mental health of the firm’s top executives in addition to overseeing the firm and acting as the interface between shareholders and executive management, to create resilient and sustainable organizations. Executives are skilled, able, and well-meaning! Yet, in situations of rapid change, […]
Cash constraints and scarce liquidity are notorious in Distress and Turnaround situations and often characterize situations of rapid change for many companies. Maneuvering under these conditions is often a question of discipline and applying the right tools in a timely manner. Challenges are faced on many levels of the organization, but ultimately it comes down […]
COVID-19 has catapulted us to collaboration 2.0. The black swan event of a global pandemic has disrupted the work-environment. The urge to adapt is inevitably forced from the outside on companies, creating a situation of rapid change, where the dynamic of the transformation keeps accelerating. Companies are struggling to retain their operational integrity shaping the […]
High emotional engagement of the executive management can flaw the assessment of the situation of the firm and the decision, to discontinue an ineffective strategy. Yet, the lack of adaptability has been identified as a major reason for bankruptcy. This is intuitive, understanding, executives are maneuvering through vast uncertainties every day. In situations of rapid […]
“How did you go bankrupt?” Bill asked. “Two ways,” Mike said. “Gradually and then suddenly.” “What brought it on?” “Friends,” said Mike. “I had a lot of friends. False friends. Then I had creditors, too. Probably had more creditors than anybody in England.” Ernest Hemingway, The Sun Also Rises Entrepreneurs and executives with experience in […]
