HHL LEIPZIG GRADUATE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT SUMMER 2021
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HHL LEIPZIG GRADUATE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT SUMMER 2021 New Chairman of the Supervisory Board page 03 Feature stories of HHL alumni pages 07/08 Inspiring talks on sustainability page 09 More updates from HHL … and many more insights into HHL’s pages 11–14 research, teaching and campus activities
02 HHL NEWS SUMMER 2021 EDITORIAL Dear HHL Community, Welcome to the latest edition of the HHL News. Twice a breck presided over the tenures of four different Deans year we provide you with news and updates from our HHL and helped HHL to double its size to over 750 students Community. With this issue you receive information about in 2021. On 1 January 2021, he handed over the position the latest developments at HHL, including intellectual as Chairman to Lutz Meschke, who has been a member impulses through contributions from our faculty and an of the Supervisory Board of HHL for many years already. overview of the many initiatives, events and offerings our Lutz Meschke is known for his passion for digitization, community engaged in during the past months. development and excellence which he also exemplifies in his various corporate roles and which he already applied Reading through the HHL News, one could almost forget in the various projects initiated since he took over his new that we are in a pandemic and that our campus and study role for HHL. locations have been closed since November. The resilience shown by our students, our administration and our faculty In an era where education and research are more dynamic is expressed through the energy that everybody is putting than ever such attributes will be highly beneficial for the into keeping up with a high quality study program, inter- upcoming discussions on the future offerings of HHL. I am nationally relevant research and extracurricular activities. looking forward to keeping you updated and am inviting you to participate in this discussion. Another special focus of this issue of the HHL News is on our Supervisory Board. That HHL has developed into an Yours sincerely, organization that is able to do all this, is also thanks to the leadership expressed by Dr. Tessen von Heydebreck over the past decade. As Chairman of our Supervisory Board he has guided the forward-looking decisions that made HHL into a top 25 Business School worldwide, the leading entrepreneurial Business School in Germany for over ten years and a beacon for excellent education and Prof. Dr. Stephan Stubner start-up support in and for Saxony. Dr. Tessen von Heyde- Dean of HHL Table of Content 02 Editorial 03 New Chairman of Supervisory Board of HHL 04 In Great Gratitude 06 Entrepreneurship 09 Sustainability 10 Leadership 11 Updates from HHL 16 Executive Education Imprint 17 Faculty & Research Publisher: HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management, Jahnallee 59, 04109 Leipzig, Germany 24 HHL Community +49 341 9851-60 info@hhl.de @hhlnews #hhl www.hhl.de Contact HHL News: hhlnews@hhl.de Publication Date: June 2021 ISSN: 1433-934X ISSN (online): 1867-8017 V.I.S.D.P.: Executive Management of HHL: Prof. Dr. Stephan Stubner, Dean of HHL Editor: Sigrid Fischer Photos: Michael Bader, Iona Dutz, HHL, Christian Hüller, Daniel R eiche, Jens Schlüter, Hendrik Schmidt, Jean-Marie Tronquet, Dominik Wolf Cover Images: Christian Hüller, Miriam Wilke (HHL), Daniel Reiche Layout: Stefanie Bader Thank you to all contributors and proof readers of this edition. This edition of HHL News has been produced 100 % climate neutrally.
www.hhl.de HHL NEWS SUMMER 2021 03 NEW CHAIRMAN OF SUPERVISORY BOARD OF HHL Greetings from the new Chairman of the Supervisory Board Lutz Meschke It is a great honor to be the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of HHL Leipzig Since 1 January 2021, Lutz Meschke, Graduate School of Management. I was Deputy Chairman and Member of the delighted to have been asked to share Executive Board Finance and IT at Dr. a few thoughts with you. As part of the Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG as well as Mem- HHL community, you are among the ber of the Board of Management at Por- leadership pioneers around the world. sche Automobil Holding SE, has been the new Chairman of the Supervisory So, go ahead, make something of it. Board of HHL Leipzig Graduate School The world needs capable, responsible of Management. young people who can take effective, Lutz Meschke follows into the footsteps sustainable action in tackling the chal- of Dr. Tessen von Heydebreck, who lenges of the present and the future. led the school’s Supervisory Board for Today’s society needs courageous peo- more than ten years. During these years, ple with strength of character. People HHL did not only earn the international who move things forward. Whether it’s reputation of being one of the 25 best their company, their city or their coun- business schools worldwide with more try. People who speak up when neces- than 140 partner universities and stu- sary and who disagree when it matters. dents from over 65 nations. Dr. Tessen von Heydebreck also promoted the People who get involved and contri school’s strong ties to the region which bute. So, my advice to the young gen- is reflected by the fact that HHL edu- eration and the entire HHL commu- cates approximately 20 percent gradu- nity is that the best leaders are not just ates of the Masters in Management in focused on key performance indica- Saxony today. tors. They are able to look far beyond With Lutz Meschke, the Supervisory their own company and family. They are Board of HHL is gaining a Chairman with able to see the bigger picture and defi- Lutz Meschke, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management great expertise and wide leadership cits in it. They take action to move the experience that will inspire HHL and its world in a direction where there is that even build them up. At the final whistle can achieve a lot for your fellow human community to take action in business bit more fairness and that bit better blow, success only comes to those who beings as well. The more you cooper- and beyond. Lutz Meschke is a leading role model for taking on responsibil- quality of life. There are so many busi- have stuck together as a team. That is ate as leaders, you can shape the world ity on every level of one’s personal and ness leaders who never speak publicly why, it is right for you to network and to be a better place. It starts on a small professional life and for nurturing active about political issues. I think that is a cultivate your contacts. My recom- scale. If someone needs help or has a and supportive networks. HHL’s Dean shame. I would like to ask you: who will mendation is to continue to expand problem, your network can be there Prof. Dr. Stephan Stubner says, “I am be the ones raising their voice against your community. Get actively involved to offer support. Stand together when delighted and very much looking for- mismanagement and deficits if not the in sharing ideas. Look for stimuli from times are rough. Perhaps help those in ward to his contributions and our fruit- people at the top. If not you? It’s like outside. Listen carefully. Discuss poli- need outside of your own network. With ful collaboration in further establishing football, as a top performer you carry tics and society, too. Stay wide awake this in mind, I wish you every success HHL as a space for first movers and life- more responsibility than many others. and be alert. Networks can help you for the future. Stay courageous leader long connections.” And when times are rough you have to advance your career, that’s for sure. But ship pioneers and become stronger pull the weaker ones along with you or don’t forget, by working together you together. Numbers we are proud of #1 #3 40,000+ 350+ #2 Entrepreneurial Graduates’ salaries Jobs created by Companies founded Master in Management University in Europe HHL founders and or co-founded in Germany co-founders by HHL alumni Startup Radar 2021 Financial Times Global Masters Financial Times Global Masters Stifterverband in Management Ranking 2020 in Management Ranking 2020 #23 #7 #8 #260 #123 Master in Management Career service Worldwide in Newly immatriculated PhD students enrolled globally worldwide the category students “Value for Money” Financial Times Global Masters Financial Times Global Masters QS Masters in Management in Management Ranking 2020 all-time high in 2020 all-time high in 2020 in Management Ranking 2020 Ranking 2021
04 HHL NEWS SUMMER 2021 IN GREAT GRATITUDE Thank you, Dr. Tessen von Heydebreck Dr. jur. Tessen von Heydebreck was the fonds Deutsche Bank endowment fund Chairman of the Supervisory Board of established the Chair of Innovation Man- HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Man- agement and Entrepreneurship at HHL. agement from November 2009 until the end of 2020. He succeeded Dr. Bern- Dr. Tessen von Heydebreck, who has a hard Walter in this position (serving doctoral degree in Law, joined Deutsche Dr. Tessen von Heydebreck from 2001 to 2009), former Chairman of Bank in 1974. Between 1994 and 2007, he “ the Executive Board of Dresdner Bank, was a member of the Executive Board. Dr. Ludwig Trippen (1998 to 2001), for- During this time, Dr. Tessen von Heyde- malschutz (German Foundation for mer member of the Executive Board of breck’s responsibilities included private Monument Protection) and as Honorary WestLB and Inaugural Dean of HHL, as and business customers as well as asset Chairman of the Board of Trustees of IJP When I hand over the role as Chairman well as Prof. Dr. Helmut Sihler (1993 to management. He was particularly inter- Internationale Journalisten-Programme of HHL’s Supervisory Board at my own 1997), former Chairman of the Super- ested in establishing and expanding e. V. Until November 2010, he was a request due to my age after more than visory Board of Porsche AG and for- the business in the Central and Eastern member of the Board of Management eleven years, it is with the proverbial mer Interim Chairman of the Executive European countries, focusing especially of the Committee on Eastern European laughing and crying eye. Who likes Board of Deutsche Telekom AG. on Russia and Poland. In his last posi- Economic Relations. to leave when they have been part tion as the Chief Administrative Officer of such a great success story such as Dr. Tessen von Heydebreck and, with on the Executive Board, he oversaw the In 2007, he initiated the establishment the path HHL has taken? On the other him, Deutsche Bank are closely con- areas of HR, Legal, Auditing, Compli- of the German-Polish Foundation for the hand, I can only be happy and grateful nected to HHL. Deutsche Bank set a ance and CSR, and was in charge of the Preservation of Cultural Heritage and to see Lutz Meschke as my successor, milestone in the cooperation with the region of Central and Eastern Europe. contributed endowment funds. Dr. Tes- whose drive and future orientation will business school in mid-2007 through its sen von Heydebreck is also a member make him an excellent sparring partner endowment of 1,000,000 EUR for the Dr. Tessen von Heydebreck is commit- of the Supervisory Boards of Postbank, for the university’s management as we Kramer Foundation of HHL. In 2011, at ted to cultural and social causes in vari- Vattenfall Europe, the German Energy move forward. the same time as Prof. Dr. Andreas Pink- ous ways. He serves as the Chairman of Agency (dena) as well as the Foundation Dr. Tessen von Heydebreck wart was appointed Dean, the Stiftungs- the Board of Deutsche Stiftung Denk Board of Dussmann Verwaltungs AG. Former Chairman of the Supervisory Board of HHL “ In 2010, it was a stroke of luck for all of us that you became Chairman of the Supervisory Board of HHL, succeeding Dr. Bernhard Walter. This made it easy for me to take over the position as Dean of the university on an interim basis. I have fond memories of the year working with you. You have now earned the right to devote yourself to other tasks. Many thanks and all “ “ the best for you! Prof. Dr. Arnis Vilks Ad interim Dean of HHL from April 2010 until April 2011, Dr. Tessen von Heydebreck became Dear Mr. von Heydebreck, Chairholder of Macroeconomics Chairman of the Supervisory Board in 2009, at a time when important Back then, when you took over the strategic courses of action for chairmanship of the Supervisory HHL’s future development had Board of the Handelshochschule, to be cultivated, introduced and we only met very briefly. I can still implemented. These measures had remember the first question you become particularly pressing in asked me: “Mr. Wiesmeth, why light of the global financial crisis, should Deutsche Bank support both regarding the financial and HHL Leipzig Graduate School of organizational situation as well Management?” I still can’t get as the conceptual alignment of this question out of my head. It Germany’s oldest business school. came spontaneously at the time, It was all about the strategic I knew I had to think about it first, reorientation as a scientific otherwise my answer probably university of international renown wouldn’t have been purposeful. with a clear focus on responsible Afterwards, when I sat in the first leadership, entrepreneurship as or second row at some event – well as international strategic which still happens occasionally management. While Dr. von today – I kept thinking: “What Heydebreck chaired HHL’s would you say now if the Dr. Tessen von Heydebreck und Dean Prof. Dr. Stephan Stubner Supervisory Board, the school moderator up there asked you achieved outstanding positions ‘Mr. Wiesmeth, what do you think “ in rankings, received different about this?’”. In this respect – dear accreditations on a national Mr. von Heydebreck – in a way you and international level and was were also formative for my life. Under Dr. von Heydebreck’s leadership, HHL has developed into one of the consistently named Germany’s I wish you health, strength and, of leading business schools in Europe. In the more than ten years he has chaired best entrepreneurial university. course, lots of fun in everything the Supervisory Board, Dr. Tessen von Heydebreck has always understood how you do for your new path in life. Prof. Dr. Andreas Pinkwart to maintain a balance between the highest quality standards in research and Former Dean of HHL from 2011 until 2017, Prof. Dr. Hans Wiesmeth teaching, the value-based approach to education and a necessary growth path. Minister for Economic Affairs, Innovation, Former Dean of HHL Digitalization and Energy of the State of from 2005 until 2010 Prof. Dr. Stephan Stubner North Rhine-Westphalia Dean of HHL, Chairholder Porsche AG Chair of Strategic Management and Digital Entrepreneurship
www.hhl.de HHL NEWS SUMMER 2021 05 IN GREAT GRATITUDE Timeline of Dr. Tessen von Heydebreck’s tenure as Chairman of the Supervisory Board 2011 Dr. Tessen and Dorothee von Heydebreck in front of HHL’s Reading Room In January 2011, HHL is the first German business school 2017 to launch a new part-time Master of Science program. 1 April 2011: HHL has a new management: Prof. Dr. In February 2017, HHL is Andreas Pinkwart takes once again honored as best office as Dean and Dr. Axel German start-up university by Baisch as Chancellor. The the Stifterverband. official handing-over of office happens on 18 May 2013 2015 30 June 2017: After six successful years as Dean 2011. 2009 of HHL, Prof. Dr. Andreas Saxony’s Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer September 2013: For the 21 January 2015: Pinkwart leaves the university visiting HHL in 2019 July 2011: Handover of implementation of HHL’s the renovated canteen A celebration is held in to take up the post of future concept “innovate 2019 Number of students building Jahnallee to all the Senate Room of the Minister for Economic Affairs, 125”, the university needs Schmalenbach Building to Innovation, Digitalization at HHL: 366 users. Named after Eugen more room for teaching, mark the 70th birthday of and Energy in North Rhine- Schmalenbach, who studied research and student On 1 November 2009, Dr. Tessen von Heydebreck. Westphalia. at HHL in Leipzig from 1898 April 2019: Saxony’s Prime Dr. Tessen von Heydebreck work. The move from to 1900 and was one of the 13 July 2017: Minister Michael Kretschmer takes over as Chairman Katharinenstr. and the HHL’s Reading Room is first alumni. Prof. Dr. Stephan Stubner visits HHL. He also of the Supervisory Board, expansion of the Jahnallee given the name “Reading takes office as new Dean of emphasizes the importance succeeding Dr. h.c. Bernhard campus take place. Room Dr. Tessen and HHL Leipzig Graduate School of HHL’s DIGITAL SPACE Walter. Dorothee von Heydebreck” In November 2013, the of Management. and assures HHL of the state two-day HHL Forum on February 2015: The start-up government’s support for “Rethinking Leadership” is accelerator – HHL’s SpinLab Starting in fall 2017, “HHL a dedicated “Digitization” being held. is being established. goes Munich” by offering a faculty. part-time Master of Science program on the premises of 31 August 2019: During the the Bavarian Business School graduation ceremony for in Munich. the class of 2019, taking place in the presence October 2017: 25 years of an audience of 1,200 ago, the Leipzig Chamber people, HHL is awarding HHL Supervisory Board of Commerce and Industry an honorary doctorate to meeting in 2009 – Dr. Tessen and Friends of HHL founded Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel von Heydebreck becomes today’s HHL Leipzig Graduate with a laudatio of Christine new Chairman HHL Forum 2013 School of Management. Lagarde. 2010 2014 2020 31 March 2010: The term of June 2014: With about Number of students at HHL: 759 office of Dean Prof. Dr. Hans Wiesmeth, who has led the 2012 200 participants the first HHL-International-Investors- 4 April 2020: 1st Virtual Campus Day university since 2005, ends. Day takes place in Leipzig. September 2020: Take-off of the May 2012: To mark HHL’s 1st batch of HHL’s DIGITAL SPACE From 1 April 2010, 20th anniversary, an October 2014: “HHL goes Prof. Dr. Arnis Vilks leads international conference Cologne” as HHL’s part-time 11 November 2020: Last meeting of HHL as Dean ad interim. titled “Marketing for the Master of Science program the Supervisory Board of HHL chaired 21st Century” is being held. starts at its new branch in by Dr. Tessen von Heydebreck Professors Philip Kotler, Cologne with 28 students for Heribert Meffert, Michael the first time. HHL celebrates the 120th anniversary in 2018 Czinkota and Hermann In December 2014, the Simon speak as renowned German government Dr. Tessen von representatives of the officially recognizes HHL Heydebreck’s field of market-oriented as a research institution. speech during management. The university is authorized HHL’s 120th In November 2012, an to conclude hosting anniversary 18-member Board of agreements with foreign Dr. Tessen von Heydebreck during Trustees consisting of high- researchers, which his final meeting as Chairman of ranked representatives from among other things eases HHL’s Supervisory Board business and academia is international collaboration. newly appointed at HHL. Prof. Dr. Ulrich Lehner takes over as Chairman. 2018 October 2018: HHL celebrates the 2016 120th anniversary of the first German business school Lutz Meschke, Dr. Tessen being founded in Leipzig in von Heydebreck and Dr. Tessen von Heydebreck during In January 2016, HHL 1898. Prof. Dr. Stephan Stubner (fltr) a HHL Conference in 2012 becomes the first academic The Federal Minister for member from Germany Economic Affairs and to join the Peter Drucker Energy, Peter Altmaier, Society Europe. congratulates HHL on its December 2016: The outstanding achievements HHL Forum “Rethinking and successes in the fields of Leadership” with the entrepreneurship and start- presentation of the new up company formation. Dr. Tessen von Heydebreck Leipzig Leadership Model is is being congratulated on his taking place. outstanding achievements HHL Forum 2016
06 HHL NEWS SUMMER 2021 ENTREPRENEURSHIP HHL #1 place for aspiring entrepreneurs in Germany based business school is the front run- innovation and entrepreneurship, HHL For more information: ner in the category of universities of up also offers a vast number of open for- to 5,000 students. The Stifterverband mats to promote the entrepreneurial https://www.hhl.de/press/ comments on its decision to honor the spirit in the city and the region. respective institutions: HHL Dean Prof. Dr. Stephan Stubner, HHL’s entrepreneurial spirit “[…] They raise their students’ aware- Professor for entrepreneurship and a in numbers ness on the topic of start-ups in an out- serial entrepreneur himself says: standing way, thereby qualifying them Number of HHL start-ups > 350 by offering an appropriate range of “Founders require a special ecosystem. (founded or co-founded courses and events. The schools sup- They need like-minded people, inves- by HHL alumni) HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Man- port students seeking to start their own tors and a region that offers a non- Number of jobs created > 40,000 agement has secured the top spot for business through extensive measures bureaucratic and flexible environment aspiring entrepreneurs in the Startup and consultation.” (Peggy Groß, Stif- to the young entrepreneurs. The award Number of alumni > 320/10 % Radar Ranking 2020 published by the terverband Press Officer) shows that, together with the City of who founded/ Stifterverband. The Startup Radar is a Leipzig and the Free State of Saxony, we % of HHL community study funded by the Federal Ministry For years, it has been HHL’s mission to are on a fruitful path allowing start-ups Start-ups in Saxony > 50 for Economic Affairs and Energy, which create excellent framework conditions to grow. The recognition motivates us in evaluates the entrepreneurial develop- for founders in Germany and, particu- our efforts to create an attractive envi- Jobs created in Saxony > 800 ment culture at German universities. larly, at a regional level. In addition to a ronment for founders which promotes Unicorns from HHL 4 For the fifth time in a row, the Leipzig- broad range of courses in the fields of healthy growth.” The start-ups of our second batch HHL DIGITAL SPACE – Launch Day Batch #2 Capybara offers a platform for The HHL DIGITAL SPACE is HHL’s all parents to create exciting and suitable family trips right early stage tech incubator focusing on your doorstep. Edurino co-founders Irene Klemm and on digital business models in Leipzig. Franziska Steiner In its incubator program, HHL offers a free of charge 12-week program to ChargeHotels is a platform Edurino anyone interested in starting their for booking and planning business from developing their ideas sustainable travel. On the The founding team consists of HHL platform the team has all the way through to market matu- alumna Irene Klemm (MSc16) and Fran- 6,000 hotels registered rity. The prospective founders meet already. ziska Steiner, who successfully raised like-minded people and are sup- their first pre-seed round during the ported by coaches who help them Prof. Dr. Stephan Stubner, part of the expert jury HHL DIGITAL SPACE incubation pro- review their business ideas for pur- Connekt is an all-in-one gram already. They were also awarded pose and chances of success. tubner with an open livestream, S trading platform solution, with the Best Startup Pitch at this year’s where over 100 viewers were pre- which provides the necessary Accelerate@HHL Conference. tools for SMEs to compete in On 20 April 2021, the Launch Day of sent and supported the founders. the digital era. Edurino addresses the need of kids aged Batch #2 took place with a hybrid The event was combined with the 4–8+ to learn digital playing and learning event as the highlight of the incu- “Best of Seed Award” granted by competency in a responsible and educa- bation program. In an online pro- the Karl-Kolle-Stiftung. Lavelio with tive environment. This way, they acquire LEVOOBA Kids is an awarded, duction at Leipzig Media City the their AI-based social media solution language-based learning skills that are needed at schools in the eight teams of the second batch for influencers consisting of the four app for playful practicing of 21st century and beyond. Their offer is school content – digital but presented their business ideas in HHL students Bernhard Franik, Laura a solution of a physical toy and digital screen-free. pitches to the expert jury consisting Hepper, Moritz Moerke and Selina learning app that invites kids on a story- of Constanze Buchheim, Founder Homann won the voting by the vir- based journey and learning environment. and Managing Partner at i-poten- tual audience and jury. They received For monetization and market entry in PRESENCE is an industry- tials, Lukas C. C. Hempel, Founder the prize money of 3,000 EUR and specific multi-stream real-time 2021 a starter kit is launched with first and Managing Director at booking- a pitch slot during the HHL SpinLab collaboration system that learning content and further learning kit and HHL’s Dean Prof. Dr. Stephan Investors Day in June 2021. enables crews a digital return material can be purchased afterwards. to the sets. HHL’s Business Plan Seminar Snsry is a digital and cloud- based B2B marketplace for industry-spanning sensor Integrated in the curriculum, the 8 ECTS technology. Business Plan Seminar, taught by Prof. Dr. Stephan Stubner, took off this March. During the past three months, MSc stu- REACH is an independent dents already had the chance to develop financial advisory and their business idea to found a com- coaching app that offers an individual financial strategy pany. The seminar follows the incuba- and execution via app in a tion approach of HHL’s DIGITAL SPACE subscription model. and leads teams through the phases of problem-solution-validation. Paired with input sessions from entrepreneur- Edurino is a new digital and ship experts, five teams worked on their tangible solution to prepare idea and will hold their final pitch on kids for school and beyond. Behind the scenes during the hybrid Launch Day 18 June. Stay tuned for new start-ups being founded!
www.hhl.de HHL NEWS SUMMER 2021 07 ENTREPRENEURSHIP – FEATURE STORIES OF HHL ALUMNI HHL’s start-ups and their impact on our well-being Interviews and stories by Sigrid Fischer Christian Klemenz – Stine Täubert – Co-Founder Martin Elwert – Tobias Zimmer – Founder and Managing Director and Chief Beer Scout at Founder and Managing Director Founder and Managing Director at Bierothek® Dr. Hops Craft Beer-Bar at Coffee Circle at coffee-bike and myChoco HHL alumnus Christian Klemenz (MSc4) In 2015, PMSc1 alumna Stine Täubert Martin Elwert, who graduated with a HHL alumnus Tobias Zimmer (K23) is the Founder and Managing Director had the idea of opening a craft beer bar, diploma in business from HHL in 2006, decided to start up coffee-bike, the behind the Bierothek®, a specialty store where spreading beer culture and having founded Coffee Circle in 2010 with two mobile coffee company, after having all about beer. It is the place to go when the opportunity to try a variety of beer other former colleagues from his time as attended Prof. Dr. Stephan Stubner’s it comes to exceptional and offbeat beer styles should be the norm. She started consultant at Roland Berger. Coffee Cir- entrepreneurship lectures at HHL, which, specialties, international craft beers or a sommelier study and deepened her cle started as a coffee roasting company in combination with the entrepreneurial simply for a large variety of products knowledge of beer culture and history. in Berlin focusing on exceptional cof- spirit of the HHL community, were the around beer. For Stine it was enlightening to dive in fee quality, fair trade and social impact tipping point for him to follow his true When talking to Christian about his and discover a scene where people were through innovation along the value passion for founding. Tobias remembers journey, he mentions that he decided enthusiastic about their products. Brew- chain. Adding to that is the online shop that “when coming to HHL, I finally real- to study at HHL particularly because he ers, distributers, bar owners, and staff where customers can find coffee as well ized that my ideas and thoughts reso- had been contemplating about the idea often consider each beer as a little piece as everything else needed to brew and nated with other people, that there to start up his own business for a long of art. In this community, the spirit and enjoy it. In 2019, Coffee Circle opened were others out there who thought just time by then and wanted to join a place product quality count more than num- their first café in Berlin and up until now like me when it comes to entrepreneur- where he could learn more about under- bers. In 2016, she then teamed up with they have already opened up two more. ship. I felt confirmed in my belief that going such an adventure. “In the end, Franz Uhlig and Dr. Christof Petrick, who Over the past years the company has founding your own business is a legit- my passion for the product beer itself shared her enthusiasm for beer diversity grown to more than 65 employees, many imate and great way forward.” So in as well as my passion for entrepreneur- and entrepreneurship. Together, they of them having been with Coffee Circle 2010, a mobile coffee shop on wheels ship were the two main reasons for me put a vision into action and in April 2017 for a long time already, which “I am very was created in Osnabrück, Germany. to be able to set up a thriving business,” the Dr. Hops Craft Beer-Bar opened its grateful for and which makes this team With overall more than 250 coffee bikes, says Christian. “These were also the fun- doors for the first time and since then, it an incredibly trusted and safe environ- represented across 17 different countries, damentals that carried me through diffi- has been a place known for its passion ment to work in,” says Martin. Coffee together with 190 franchise partners and cult times and never made me lose sight of sharing great beers with people. Circle has raised and invested more overall more than 600 employees, the of where I was going,” he adds. “If other For Dr. Hops craft beer is not only than 2.5 M EUR to support the coffee business has grown into an internation- people are debating about starting up defined by the pure joy of experiment- farmers and regions where their coffee ally successful franchise concept. Tobias their own business, I would encour- ing with many ingredients from new beans are growing in – these are mainly says that “it is so much fun and incred- age them to be brave enough to follow hops, orange peel to the fruit of para- located in South/West Ethiopia, Kenya, ibly rewarding to be offering a premium their inner passion and to go their very dise; but craft beer is understood in the the Democratic Republic of the Congo, product delivered at picturesque spots own way. I am sure they won’t regret truest sense of the word craftsman- Myanmar and Colombia. In the coun- which results in lasting memories for our it.” Christian did go his very own and ship with respect for the product. Stine tries of origin of the coffee beans, Mar- customers. But coffee-bike shouldn’t successful way and by now, the online says, “the team is flexible, enthusiastic, tin explains, “we work on the grounds remain the only business for him to be shop of his business offers over 300 dif- and innovative, which helped us move with the local communities to analyze running: When traveling through the ferent types of high quality beer. Addi- quickly by setting up and hosting fun and evaluate key needs that need to beautiful Tanzania in 2016, Tobias came tionally, the Bierothek® also has several online livestream events to enable us be tackled and we then conceptualize up with the idea to combine business stores in major cities such as Leipzig, to stay in touch with our audience by how projects can be undertaken. These with creating a social impact. The idea Munich, Vienna and Berlin where aside bringing beer edutainment to their liv- projects often revolve around the basic of myChoco – really good chocolate that of buying beer, customers can also get ing rooms. With livestreams we are able supply of clean water, access to edu- can do more than just being delicious – a free beer consultation and book beer to reach a broader range of people. cation and sustainable cultivation. We was born. The innovation is to combine tastings and workshops. When being We are happy to share our passion for want the local communities to be part the pleasure of buying and enjoying the asked what makes him happy on a daily handcrafted beer even during difficult of the improvement process, which chocolate with a good purpose – and basis, Christian states: “It is so gratify- times.” If the bar is open and you are increases their confidence, motivation that purpose is building schools in Tan- ing to walk through our stores incognito lucky you may even find Prof. Dr. André and entrepreneurial drive. That way zania. Tobias explains that “the comple- and to hear customers speak about our Casajus from HHL’s Chair of Econom- they remain competitive, which is a key tion of the second myChoco school pro- products with so much excitement. Our ics and Information Systems working factor for everyone involved and which ject will be finalized in the next months. predominant driver is to deliver a highly a bar shift and sharing his passion of closes the value chain.” When asking It is a remarkable feeling and I am proud qualitative product. And seeing others beer and great drinks. Stine also men- Martin what makes his job so special to to be setting up a value chain that helps cherishing that, makes the hard work tions “how helpful the network of HHL him, he answers: “Using business as a everyone involved.” He closes by saying, all worth it. To sum it up: I feel blessed alumni has been along our journey.” source for good is an incredible feeling “I love my job, I love my colleagues and to make that small difference in peo- After four years of Dr. Hops, Stine and for me. I am proud of the social impact I cannot think of anything better for me ple’s everyday life, to be a part of their her team are proud to be a well-recog- we are making and that combined with to be doing on a daily basis. Maybe my happy moments possibly creating last- nized craft beer place in Germany that my love for premium coffee make this journey is an inspiration for someone ing memories by selling happiness in is able to combine beer entertainment job so exceptionally valuable for me.” else, who is carrying that entrepreneur- bottles.” with education and to share passion and ial spirit within them. If I could give one knowledge, while promoting the idea of bit of advice, then it would be to – just responsible beer enjoyment. do it.” Photo: © Bierothek GmbH Photo: © Coffee Circle Photo: © coffee-bike Christian Klemenz Stine Täubert Martin Elwert Tobias Zimmer
08 HHL NEWS SUMMER 2021 ENTREPRENEURSHIP – FEATURE STORIES OF HHL ALUMNI HHL’s start-ups and their impact on our well-being Interviews and stories by Sigrid Fischer Dr. Jenny Müller – Founder Annemarie Heyl – Bart Porthun – Pater Dr. Dr. Justinus Pech – and Managing Director at Co-Founder and Managing Co-Founder and CEO at Founder and Managing Director DIE FRISCHEMANUFAKTUR Director at Kale&Me ZEN GEIST at Monastic Dry Gin “After having debated about it for four While studying abroad in undoubtedly After visiting Seoul, South Korea, HHL In 2018, HHL alumnus Pater Justinus years,” as HHL alumna Dr. Jenny Müller one of the most beautiful places in the alumnus Bart Porthun (M15) conceived founded the start-up Monastic Dry Gin. (PhD) still remembers, “I finally decided world, Cape Town, South Africa, HHL the idea of Ginseng soft drinks, the Its gin is made in silence in the Helfta to start up my own business called DIE alumna Annemarie Heyl (M14) and her company name ZEN GEIST (a word play Monastery from juniper with a selec- FRISCHEMANUFAKTUR in 2017.” The friend (and later co-founder) Konstan- between Asian “Zen” and German “Zeit- tion of coriander, ginger root and lemon reason behind was the fact that Jenny tin Timm underwent their very first juice geist”), company logo, and basic recipe. balm. It combines the knowledge of a could no longer close her eyes on huge cleanse and were overwhelmed by the Bart was later joined by scientist Martin centuries-old European monastery his- amounts of fresh food going to waste results. Not long thereafter, as this fun- Hartke. Both were astonished that con- tory with the modern techniques of gin and finally knew “what is needed today damental transformation stuck with sumers of soft and energy drinks have production. The purpose of the product are ideas with a social impact, such as them so immensely, they were entering few options when it comes to natural is the common good – on the one hand improving the shelf life of fresh-cut a new and self-determined life by tak- alternatives. So, in late 2019, the two is the pleasure of drinking and enjoying fruit so that less food has to be thrown ing a deep-dive into entrepreneurship entrepreneurial-minded friends decided the gin, as P. Justinus describes it “there away in stores.” And from this idea her and starting up Kale&Me. The goal was to create a solution themselves by build- were a lot of great moments in my life start-up was born offering fresh and and is still today to make the world a bit ing on Bart’s original recipe to offer cus- that started with a good glass of gin” healthy food to-go in the shape of fruit healthier by offering cold-pressed juices tomers two innovative, natural and tasty and on the other hand selling the prod- salads. After two years into the jour- and juice cleanses to support preventa- alternatives to existing soft and energy uct itself helps to preserve and promote ney and a few setbacks due to various tive fasting. Annemarie remembers that drinks. These are: The Ginseng Original the monastery in its structures and social changes of producers, DIE FRISCHE- “setting up Kale&Me was a natural pro- (the “classic”) and the Ginseng Matcha activities. When P. Justinus hired his very MANUFAKTUR created the so-called cess. I believed so much in our products (the “vegan power combination”). ZEN first employee, he still remembers how LIEBLINGSWASSER (favorite water), and our idea that we didn’t spend too GEIST use jaggery, which is unrefined happy he was “when [he] looked into a which entered the market in Decem- much time thinking about writing the organic whole cane sugar to sweeten face filled with joy about having been ber 2019 at the airport in Frankfurt. The perfect business plan but about what their drinks. But what is Ginseng all given the opportunity of becoming LIEBLINGSWASSER comes in various values to ground our business on.” And about? The ginseng root contains so- part of the Monastic Dry Gin journey.” styles such as pineapple-sage, black- these values are: regionality, sustainabil- called ginsenosides, which make up the In 2015, P. Justinus founded the “Institut berry-lemongrass and cranberry-rose- ity, quality, responsibility and authen- positive characteristics of the plant. Gin- für Führungsethik” (Institute for Lead- mary and can be bought online or in ticity. “It is hugely important for us to seng is considered immune-boosting, ership Ethics) in Bochum, which he has supermarkets. Since the development of use regional resources, to reuse test energizing and stress-reducing. With since led, and which focuses on coach- the new product, the business recently leftovers, to recycle our bottles and to their products Bart and Martin are also ing executives as well as designing and moved to Halle (Saale) and their team deliver only high quality products to our supporting musicians as part of their running seminars on leadership related also grew to eight people overall, “which customers. It is an incredible feeling to earnings will go towards musician pro- topics. As teaching is part of P. Justi- makes this an even more exciting new create an added value for society and jects. In return, these musicians promote nus’ DNA, he is not only educating his step,” Jenny says. What’s different to the to thereby take on responsibility not their drinks. When talking about their employees on how to further grow their previous product? Jenny explains that only for oneself, but also for other peo- start-up, Bart shares that the “key to business or designing and carrying out “our customers immediately see that ple’s well-being,” Annemarie explains. success is grit – passion combined with workshops as part of his institute, but he the fruity taste of the different waters And this is all only possible as team stamina. Everyone’s journey is a bit dif- is also teaching students at HHL on the stems from the natural herbs and fruits effort. Annemarie says that “my co- ferent, but if you’re motivated to reach topic of authentic leadership. Having that are in it. There isn’t much marketing founders have pulled me through tough where you want to go, if you’re willing acquired a PhD in marketing at HHL and or explanation needed to sell the water.” periods and vice versa. We have never to take small steps, and in spite of self- another one in theology at the Pontifical When asking Jenny what she is truly had a doubt that we couldn’t make it as doubts keep going and keep trying, Gregorian University in Rome, P. Justi- happy about, she mentions: “It’s really a team as we always had each other’s you’ll surely have success.” He lastly nus is like a bouquet of flowers filled great to see that we’ve created a prod- back.” As their business has been grow- believes that “whatever you’re doing, with knowledge and marvelous stories. uct that people truly wanted and are ing, so has their team as well as portfo- it’s a people’s thing – meaning that you’ll So, in case you are in and around Leipzig enjoying. With our delicious water we lio of offers. When being asked what she need the support from talented people. this summer, why don’t you join him dur- are encouraging others to drink enough enjoys most about her job, Annemarie If you can inspire others of your idea and ing one of his gin boat tasting tours on on a daily basis and while doing so they shares that “I love and am fascinated to help you out, you’ll come a long way.” Lake Cospuden to hear more about his are treating their bodies and souls with about the fact that I keep learning new They’re hence tremendously thankful passion for gin and entrepreneurship. something healthy and good.” At the things on a constant basis. It inspires for the support they have received from It’ll for sure be a gin-tastic experience. end, she shares that she would rec- me to know that each small move for- the SpinLab – The HHL Accelerator and ommend others who may also be fac- ward is just a stepping stone and there the HHL network. Along with Leipzig ing struggles “to just keep going even is no end in sight where this journey being a “trendy place” for their products when it gets tough because there is may take us. And that in combination this was an important reason for start- always a solution out there and things with the fact that we are helping others ing up their business right here. will turn around again.” to feel good, to find inner strength and tranquility makes it all worth it.” Photo: © Justina Smile Photography Photo: © Sigrid Fischer, HHL Photo: © Kale&Me GmbH Photo: © Carolin Krekow Dr. Jenny Müller Annemarie Heyl Bart Porthun and Martin Hartke Pater Dr. Dr. Justinus Pech
www.hhl.de HHL NEWS SUMMER 2021 09 ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUSTAINABILITY 7th Female Founders Class has HHL Expert Talk on “The German successfully graduated Economy in the Post-Corona World” Since 2017, the Female Founders Initia- in Leipzig or that of Almut Prkno, work- with Professor Hans-Werner Sinn tive is accompanying young women on ing on a mobile animal practice service. their way to their own business. In col- On 19 May 2021, HHL Leipzig Gradu- laboration with SMILE – the founder’s Successful women also organize the ate School of Management invited network of Leipzig, HHL offers a free program: Since spring 2021, the initia- its audience to a virtual conversation Photo: © Romy Vinogradova of charge six-months class of 12 partici- tive is part of the Chair of Prof. Dr. Clau- with Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Hans-Wer- pants including workshops, coaching dia Lehmann and led by the research ner Sinn, perhaps Germany’s best- and mentoring from women for women. associates Rossitza Ivanova and Car- known economist, who was the Presi- In spring 2021, the program has already olin Raatz. If you have a great idea dent of the Ifo Institute until 2016. The organized seven classes and by doing and want to be part of the next class topic of the conversation revolved so supported about 70 women in real- starting in fall 2021, send an e-mail to around what policymakers could have izing their visions. Among the multitude gruenderinnen@hhl.de. done better in the pandemic from an of exciting ideas were for example those economic perspective and what chal- Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Hans-Werner Sinn, of Maricruz Bermudez Serrano and https://www.hhl.de/ lenges society will face if the corona- one of Germany’s best-known economists Valeria Clement Caicedo “Hallo.city”, a experience/initiatives/ related measures are dropped. In networking platform for internationals female-founders-initiative/ front of an audience of more than a return of inflation due to pent-up 200 viewers, HHL Prof. Dr. Wilhelm demand and an extremely expan- Althammer of the Sparkassen-Finanz sionary monetary policy?” or “How gruppe Chair of Macroeconomics dis- long should we expect zero interest cussed questions such as: “How great rates?” with expert Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. is the risk that we will have to expect mult. Hans-Werner Sinn. Inspired by Marisa Drew: Finance for Sustainability After one semester of workshops, events and seminars the participants of the Female Founders Initiative proudly presented their final pitches in front of the audience. During their talk Marisa and Stephan highlighted and discussed the fol- Photo: © Credit Suisse lowing aspects: Accelerate@HHL Conference _ What are the different strategies in sustainable investing? Over more than six months, the Acceler- _ What is the “Double Delta of Impact ate team worked hard to put together Investing”? and how do investors an exciting list of speakers to make create impact? Accelerate 2021 an unforgettable event. _ How do you measure impact on Accelerate@HHL is the entrepreneur- Among others, these included: Marisa Drew, Chief Sustainability Officer & investors’ level? ship conference of Germany’s most Global Head of Sustainability Strategy, _ Where is sustainable investing Advisory & Finance at Credit Suisse entrepreneurial university – HHL Leipzig _D r. Manuel Nothelfer heading and what are the next Graduate School of Management, which Founder at Wellster Healthtech Group super trends? is organized solely by students. Every _P rof. Dr. Andreas Pinkwart On 15 April 2021, HHL welcomed year top entrepreneurs, investors and Minister for Economic Affairs, Marisa Drew, Chief Sustainability Marisa closed the inspirational fire- young talents are invited to share their Innovation, Digitalization and Energy Officer & Global Head of Sustainabil- side chat by giving three power- insights and to challenge future beliefs. of NRW and former Dean of HHL ity Strategy, Advisory & Finance at ful pieces of advice to the HHL _S ven Schmidt Credit Suisse, to a most insightful fire- community: Due to the pandemic, the Accelerate Chief Marketing Officer at side chat with HHL’s Dean, Prof. Dr. _ “There are just so many opportu- conference 2021 took place online for Maschinensucher.de Stephan Stubner, exclusively open nities to create a great career for the first time ever on 29 and 30 April. _J ennifer Baum-Minkus to the HHL community. The talk was yourself and to be part of the [sus- The two-day conference ranged from Founder of gitti conscious beauty organized as part of the cooperation tainable] movement.” panel discussions related to the finan- _C hristoph Behn between HHL and the Credit Suisse. _ “Sometimes these big world prob- cial or food industry to thematically Founder of die kartenmacherei lems seem like – how could you diverse keynotes all on the overall topic _D r. Mandy Hecht Since 2020 Marisa Drew is the Chief possibly have an impact – you as an “The Power of Change”. Chief Operating Officer at Codecheck Sustainability Officer and Global individual. [But] just remind your- _T ina Dreimann Head of Sustainability Strategy, Advi- self […] that a third of the answer to The Accelerate team was able to attract Founder of better ventures sory and Finance at Credit Suisse. global net zero is our own behav- 650 registrations from overall 34 coun- Considered an industry trailblazer, ior, the things that you do day to tries for this year’s conference. In this The experience of being part of this Marisa is one of the few women to day. The choices that you make as regard, the switch to online helped to entrepreneurial initiative helped the have run an investment bank – for a a consumer, what packaging you attract the most diverse Accelerate team of 34 students not only grow, global bank. use, […] what questions you ask.” audience so far. but the journey of organizing a two- _ “So, try to become as informed day online conference made them truly As a passionate advocate for sus- as you can be, don’t be suscepti- The Accelerate@HHL Conference 2021 experience the #HHLspirit. tainable finance, Marisa is driven to ble to the soundbites that lead you offered a diverse and entertaining mix: help mobilize capital for positive to jump on a wave without being change and believes cross-sector informed. But if you are informed, _ A panel discussion about the future of collaboration is key to tackling sys- then take action. Be your own different industries such as financial temic challenges. She has been rec- activist because you can drive services, food or smart cities ognized by the BBC as one of the those outcomes even if you don’t _ Keynote speeches on finding Most Powerful Women in Britain and have a single dollar or Euro or co-founders, getting funding from by Fortune Magazine as one of the ‘Swissy’ of capital. Your behavior VCs, soft skills of tomorrow and 50 Most Powerful Women in Interna- can create enormous impact.” digital education tional Business. _ A pitch contest in which the winner “Edurino” won 1,000 EUR for the best In addition to her work at Credit Sui- Watch the full talk right here: pitch awarded by a VC jury sse, Marisa is on the advisory boards _ Networking opportunities with of the charities “Room-to-Read” and https://www.youtube.com/ sponsors via their virtual booths or the “Lessons for Life Foundation”. watch?v=kNmwLGSTgNM workshops
10 HHL NEWS SUMMER 2021 LEADERSHIP Dismantling News from the Leipzig Leadership – Leadership Model The corona crisis is also a stress test for thinking about leadership. Is the Leip- a talk series with zig Leadership Model up to date? How can it be applied to cope with the new complexity? What are new questions? Currently, the faculty as a whole engages in intense discussions and reflections, which shall be published in due course. corporate leaders Many articles, interviews and even case that needs to change. If the work of the studies have been written about the future will be dominated by creation, by innovative leadership approach at HHL definition we need freedom. We have to start-up trivago. The experiences of let go of control and power and create a over a decade of building up and scal- space to let people evolve. ing the company to an IPO at Nasdaq inspired HHL alumnus Rolf Schrömgens Intrinsic motivation and purpose: We to start a social venture together with need to build environments that follow former Head of Organizational Develop- the shift from external driven motiva- ment at trivago Anna Gottschalg: lead- tional factors to internal driven ones. ership.sprouts. Their purpose is to help individuals and organizations rethink Dynamic capabilities: We need organi- their approach to leadership. Based on zations that constantly evolve and learn. their experiences at trivago and from the Ultimately, the value of an organiza- interaction with many corporate leaders tion will be less defined by what output Executive Coaching Program they have developed a new concept. it currently creates and much more by how fast it learns. celebrates its 1st anniversary As Anna Gottschalg outlines: “The exist- ing narratives of how we are expected Identity: We need to create value- Last year’s joint coaching program pants have already successfully com- to lead and create our organization based organizations, remove rules and with the renowned coaching com- pleted the program and benefitted were once crafted for a way more static processes as the way of operating and pany May & Company has devel- from the sparring of an international and simplistic world. They were making rather set a frame determining the oped well and is an add-on to the set of professional coaches. sense in a resource-focused production space in which people can create value. HHL Executive program portfolio. economy and got washed away by the It is a common mindset, mission and It includes a three-months coach- If you are interested in personally tidal wave of digitalization. Our organi- purpose that implies a deeper sense of ing program for junior and middle- growing via coaching, please see zations are drowning in an overload of belonging. management executives and a six- details here: information and dependencies. Lead- months coaching program for senior ers are seemingly reaching the limits of Education has a high responsibility for leaders. Up to now, several partici- www.hhl.de/coaching their cognitive capacities. Mantras such carrying the narratives we tell each other as: think faster, work harder seem naive about the world. To help changing our knowing that more computation power or more skillful applications do not pro- vide a solution for the fact that eventu- perspectives and opening up our mind- sets to new approaches, educational institutions should also become spaces “ Every day we are confronted with leadership challenges. ally, human beings with all their hopes where (self-)development and reflection This is why we need to understand and apply the practices and fears are instrumental for the crea- are triggered and new approaches and of effective and successful leaders. Our coaching program tive output.” narratives are offered for inspiration. puts a hands-on perspective on individual leadership challenges. This is an ideal addition to our curriculum. On the grounds of this understand- To enable such new perspectives and Prof. Dr. Tobias Dauth ing, leadership.sprouts developed the reflection, HHL and leadership.sprouts Academic Director Executive Education and Part-time MBA Program HEIDI principles for sustainable lead- offered an open talk series in spring ership: creating long-term success in 2021 titled “Dismantling Leadership” fast learning, identity-based organiza- inviting students and the public to dis- tions through humbleness, empower- cuss with leaders from different back- ment, intrinsic motivation and diversity grounds (see below) current topics Yo of thought. evolving around leadership. #LeadershipPioneers u m Inspired from To Change The Way You Think, ak Change The Way You See by Adam Brandenburger, e th Humbleness and diversity: We need to _F lorian Heinemann, Founding the HHL Alumni Association launched this thought e leadership series dedicated to taking a deliberately di be humble and let go of our own biases Partner of Project A ffe while being open to alternative per- _W aldemar Zeiler and Philip Siefer, different perspective on the back of our generational re challenge to achieve more with less resources. nce spectives that let us look at a problem Founders of Einhorn from multiple directions. _W ilfried Gillrath, Impact Investor and former CEO at Lichtblick Empowerment: The way we organize _M iriam Meckel, Founder of ada work is built on the idea of distrust – _N iklas Östberg, CEO at DeliveryHero Connect | Share | Inspire
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