Leadership Espresso with Stefan Götz

Sustainability isn't just what you sell, it's how you operate. Maike Gebhardt, MD of Utopia - Germany's leading voice on sustainability - reveals how authentic leadership creates resilient, thriving organizations even during crisis.

As both an environmental economist and mathematician, Maike approaches sustainability with analytical rigor and genuine passion. She shares why Utopia chose to be a for-profit co...

What if the key to extraordinary business success isn't found in better strategy, technology, or talent—but in understanding your organization as an energy field? Colin Tipping, the leading authority on radical leadership tools, reveals a transformative approach that's changing how forward-thinking companies operate.

The conversation begins by exploring how every organization functions as an energy system with fo...

What if the secrets to effective leadership were written down 1,500 years ago? The Benedictine order, with 25,000 monks and nuns worldwide operating schools, universities, breweries, and printing houses, offers leadership wisdom that challenges modern management assumptions in profound ways.

At the heart of Benedictine leadership lies a paradox: authority emerges not from asserting power but from serving others. "Peop...

What drives someone to climb 500-meter vertical walls without ropes or attempt seemingly impossible feats that push the very limits of human capability? In this riveting conversation, the legendary Huber Brothers—Thomas and Alexander—take us deep into the psychological landscape of extreme alpinism and reveal striking parallels to leadership and personal growth.

The brothers articulate a philosophy that transcends climbing...

What if the greatest crisis of our lifetime is actually the catalyst for the transformation we've been waiting for? Dr. Chuck Spezzano, author of over 50 psychology books and global business leader, reveals how COVID-19 presents a pivotal moment for visionary leadership.

"When a big wave is coming, turn your ship into the wave instead of getting hit broadside," Dr. Spezzano advises. This powerful metaphor fr...

Leadership isn't about charging ahead full steam—it's about positioning yourself at the center of the wheel, staying calm, and listening deeply. Jeff Allen, a business leader with experience as a container ship captain, shares how navigating stormy business conditions requires exceptional awareness and personal responsibility.

The fundamental principle is "Leadership is hearing the calls for help." When...

What if everything we've been taught about competition in business is fundamentally flawed? In this thought-provoking conversation with Jeff Allen, we challenge the core belief that competition brings out our best and explore why it actually creates dysfunction instead of excellence.

Competition divides the world into winners and losers, destroying the very relationships that make success possible. "You don'...

What happens when you combine curiosity with courage? Leadership coach and author Elizabeth McCourt brings this powerful dynamic to our conversation about the future of leadership. From her base in New York, Elizabeth shares her philosophy that has guided her through multiple careers and athletic pursuits: "If I can do it, you can do it too."

The magic in Elizabeth's approach lies in her relationship with di...

What happens when you buy a 180-year-old family business that desperately needs transformation but has no clear path forward? Astrid shares the remarkable journey of how she revitalized the Berenson Group by building trust rather than demanding change.

When Astrid acquired this promotional products company with approximately 1,000 employees, she faced an organization paralyzed by uncertainty. Rather than imposing solutions...

+++ #Successful career or being #human? Astrid Schulte, #CEO and co-owner of the #Berendsohn Group reinvented a multi-million dollar family business by #reinventing herself first. 

She transformed an unfulfilled 80-hour week of being the lonely star into a mindful team player inspiring everyone to his and her greatness. +++ 

Astrid Schulte claims: “Being human is not the opposite of being a tough manager, working hard, being on the f...

+++ The #NewNormal in business comes from the power of accountability. What do you think you are accountable for? Just for your success, or the success of your team, company or even the competitor? And what about the failures? +++ 

Serial entrepreneur Jeff Allen from the UK claims: “If you want to be successful long-term than you want to choose to become a good learner. 

As life is a mirror, you can choose to be a...

**Key Lessons & Insights**
1. **Leaders as Sense-Makers**  
   - Leaders must help teams make sense of uncertainty in a world of constant change rather than seek fixed answers.  
   - Embracing multiple perspectives allows for adaptive leadership rather than rigid decision-making.

2. **From Command to Facilitation**  
   - Leadership is evolving from being directive ("pointing the way") to fac...