Make Boards Work: Marc Stöckli

Welcome to Episode 48 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Marc O.Stöckli , a Swiss entrepreneur, investor, board member, former Global Chairman of Entrepreneurs’ Organization, and author of Make Boards Work. 

Marc shares a deeply practical and reflective account of how discipline, trust, humility and curiosity have shaped his life and work. From his upbringing in Switzerland and formative leadership lessons in the Swiss Army, to his international career across Hong Kong, Tokyo, New York and Switzerland. His journey moves from law and investment banking to strategic consulting, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, board leadership and the behavioural dynamics that make or break high-performing teams.  

Marc also shares practical tools from Entrepreneurs’ Organisation and the boardroom, including one-word openers, start-stop-continue feedback, trust-building exercises, after-action reviews and the value of a beginner’s mindset. This episode is packed with practical wisdom and thoughtful leadership lessons.  

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, board member, team leader, founder, coach, or someone interested in building better spaces for decision-making and growth, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that trust, curiosity and discipline are at the heart of better leadership.        ⏱ Timestamped Overview 

00:43 – Introduction to Marc Stöckli  03:43 – Entrepreneurs, Advice and Experience Sharing  07:05 – Marc’s Journey into Entrepreneurship   09:04 – Growing Up in Switzerland   13:23 – Swiss Military Service and Leadership Lessons   18:04 – Work Hard, Play Hard   23:42 – Working in Hong Kong, Japan and New York   27:51 – Building His First Company and Discovering Boards   30:01 – Why Boards Matter   33:28 – Support, Challenge and Beginner’s Mindset   37:26 – Boardroom Assumptions and One-Word Openers   46:09 – Building Trust Before You Need It   50:19 – Start, Stop, Continue Feedback   54:44 – Patek Philippe and the Power of Legacy   01:00:04 – Discipline, Writing and Make Boards Work   01:10:08 – Six-Page Memos vs Long PowerPoint Decks   01:13:03 – Never Miss Twice   01:16:14 – Why Entrepreneurs Need EO  01:22:29 – Psychological Safety in the Boardroom        💬 Quote of the Episode 

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill, one of Marc Stöckli’s favourite quotes.        🧠 Related Campaign Example   Patek Philippe Generations Campaign: Marc chose the iconic Patek Philippe campaign for the way it captures legacy, stewardship and long-term responsibility. The famous line, “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation,” resonated deeply with Marc’s view of leadership, particularly during his time as Global Chairman of Entrepreneurs’ Organization. Rather than focusing on personal legacy, Marc reflects on the idea of stewardship: leaving an organisation in better hands than when you found it. The campaign also stands out for the way it reframes a luxury purchase as something passed down, protected and looked after for future generations. 

Can find more information about the campaign here: https://www.patek.com/en/manufacture/inside-patek-philippe/the-generations-campaign   

    👣 Relevant Links & Mentions    Marc Stöckli’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-o-stockli/    Make Boards Work Website: https://www.makeboardswork.com/          🌐 Connect with Tim Africa 

🔗 Website: https://www.tim.africa   📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa   📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica 🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tim.africa_      Podcast Page: https://www.pod.tim.africa