You get used to the speed
Motorcycle racer Tom Lüthi was the star guest at this year's KMU SWISS Forum in Baden. In pole position were other speakers such as entrepreneur Nils Planzer, CEO Planzer Transport AG, profiler Suzanne Grieger-Langer and SRF director Ruedi Matter. All agreed: To stay well in the race, it takes much more than speed.
Armin Baumann, Managing Director of the SME network KMU Swiss, had the pleasure of welcoming around 450 participants to the 16th KMU Swiss Forum on March 22, 2018 at the Trafo Baden Congress Center. Seven speakers gave presentations on the topic of "Dynamics - Flexibility of Action". The event was once again moderated by Hugo Bigi.
Tom Lüthi: on the road at 340 kilometers per hour
The star guest was motorcycle racer Tom Lüthi. "The premier class is every rider's dream," enthused Tom Lüthi about his move to the MotoGP class. "Every change is a risk, but it's the only way I can continue to develop." To keep moving forward, he said, you need stamina, a clear focus, plenty of electronics expertise and, above all, a free mind to keep a handle on the concentrated power at 340 kilometers per hour. "But you get used to the speed, after all, everyone goes that fast!" added Tom Lüthi with a smile. For the current season, Tom Lüthi will still have to take many learning steps. But he wants to continue to make up places in the king's seat. For him, it is a matter of seizing this unique opportunity.
Using the "time" factor as an advantage
Speed is also a big issue in logistics. The company Planzer Transport AG transports 23,000 shipments a day. In the evening, it shifts from trucks to rail. "This protects the environment and shortens transport time," says Nils Planzer, CEO of Planzer Transport AG. "What is relevant is the first and last mile. You have to be able to interface in order to master the future." And for the future, Planzer is convinced that drivers will still be needed, despite self-driving trucks. On the contrary: In the future, drivers could not only deliver parcels to the customer's home, but also take on additional services such as installation or the assembly of furniture.
Recipes for success for speed in SMEs
Book author and profiler Suzanne Grieger-Langer also provided a lot of momentum. She gave an insight into her multifaceted work as a profiler and revealed her recipe for success in today's leadership in seven steps. The need for clear leadership was also emphasized by Jürg Brandt, Chairman of the Board of vonRoll infratec (holding) ag, in his presentation. The company recovered from the crisis thanks to leadership and a cultural change. Madeleine Stöckli, CEO of B. Braun Medical AG, pleaded for quick decisions: "It's important to think globally, but act locally!" Global thinking is also important for SRF Swiss Television, because its biggest competitors are global giants like Apple, Amazon and Google. "We invest in new technologies to stay competitive. We also focus on our core business and promote interdisciplinary ways of working," says SRF Director, Ruedi Matter. Derek Brandt, CEO Sensile Medical AG, sees the recipe for success in the future primarily in the employees: "There is a shortage of skilled workers. We have to offer attractive working conditions to attract the best employees."
A strong brand is important
In his presentation, Urs Kessler, CEO of Jungfrau Railways, showed how important clear brand management is: "Top of Europe also demands top quality! The participants experienced how other companies present themselves during the breaks in the exhibitor area. Expertise and business cards were exchanged and for once everyone went home a winner. The next KMU Swiss Forum will take place on March 21, 2019 on the topic "Challenge 2030".
10 years marketplace Baden - follow-up event
For the 10th time, the city of Baden invited Baden companies to the Baden Marketplace, where guests could network and exchange ideas. Moderator Hugo Bigi interviewed Barbara Lüthi, the long-time SRF China correspondent and current moderator of the "Club".
