Leadership Insights from Andreas Utermann

Hosted by Prof. Kamran Razmdoost, Dean of ESCP London Campus, this series explores leadership through a mindset-focused lens, inviting industry leaders to share how European values and collaborative management styles can drive effective leadership.

In his reflections, Utermann revisited his career journey over the past 40 years, sharing insights drawn from both his professional experiences and the personal values he developed along the way. He emphasised that while timing played a role in his success, it was ultimately his dedication and adaptability that enabled him to excel.

From Rank to Mindset

The key lessons that emerged from his reflections were:

• Stay Agile and Open-minded: Adaptability is crucial. Think on your feet and avoid fixed preconceptions, as staying receptive to new ideas enables you to make the most of evolving opportunities.
   
• Build Trust by Working with Existing Teams: When you step into a leadership role, avoid bringing in your own people right away, as this can disrupt trust. Instead, work with and develop the talent already within your organisation to create stability and cohesion.
   
• Prioritise Listening: Listening to your team members is essential for understanding company culture. By tapping into “the wisdom of the crowd”, leaders can gauge what truly drives the organisation and make informed decisions on how to guide it.
   
• Stand by Your Principles: True leadership requires integrity. Be willing to take risks for what you believe is right, as this courage will earn the respect and trust of both your peers and your team.
   
• Commit to Self-Investment: Never stop growing. Many leaders benefit from working with coaches who help them overcome new challenges, especially in their first leadership roles, allowing for constant skill and mindset development.
   
• Be Present and Open to Unexpected Opportunities: Focus on your current role rather than obsessing over the next career step. Don’t underestimate the value of microtasks and show your best quality in everything you do. Being fully engaged in the present allows you to recognise valuable, unexpected opportunities that may shape your career path in unexpected ways.
   
• Practice Authenticity and Enjoyment: Leadership is about authenticity, so regularly check in with yourself—are you enjoying what you do? Are you having a positive impact? Authenticity, combined with a genuine sense of purpose, is essential for sustained success.
   
• Recognise Leadership Beyond Hierarchy: Leadership isn’t about position; it’s about mindset. Everyone can demonstrate leadership by staying true to their values, even when setbacks occur, as long as they maintain integrity and a focus on growth.

Ultimately, Utermann emphasised that leadership is more than rank. It’s a mindset of integrity, adaptability, and continuous self-reflection. He also provided advice on managing conflicts and disagreements within a team, how to ensure that everyone in board meetings feels heard and understood, and the importance of giving your best in even the most menial tasks. Additionally, Utermann offered practical tips on maintaining professional relationships throughout one’s career and how to differentiate oneself in the competitive job market for those looking for their first job.