It was an absolute pleasure to be interviewed by Felicia Shakiba for her podcast. Felicia’s exceptional friendliness, profound competence, and visionary approach made the entire experience both enriching and enjoyable. Her illustrious career, spanning nearly two decades and impacting over 130,000 employees, speaks volumes about her dedication and expertise in people strategy. As the Founder and Podcast Host of CPO PLAYBOOK Consultancy and a respected figure on the Advisory Board for Y-Combinator company Extern, Felicia’s insights are both enlightening and inspiring.
Felicia’s ability to explore complex ideas and empower organizations to become sustainable, balanced, and high-performing powerhouses is truly remarkable. Her background, which includes leadership roles in multinational giants like WPP and a solid educational foundation from Stanford Graduate School of Business, underpins her deep understanding of organizational dynamics. Her quote, “I love exploring ideas, empowering organizations to become sustainable, balanced, high-performing powerhouses,” perfectly encapsulates her passion and vision.
I am honored to share my insights on leading transformation and cultural integration and I hope our discussion offers valuable lessons for those navigating similar challenges.
FIND THE FULL EPISODE OF THE CPO PLAYBOOK PODCAST HERE
Interview Highlights summarised by the podcast host
Today, we’re joined by Jochen Werne, CEO of Experian DACH, who shares his insights on leading transformation and cultural integration following Experian’s recent acquisition.
Jochen Werne’s Background and Influence of Navy Experience
Jochen Werne’s journey began in the Navy at 19. Coming from a small village in southern Germany, he ventured into the world, embracing the Navy’s promise: „Join the Navy, see the world.“ This disciplined, structured environment taught him invaluable lessons. As a navigator, he learned to plan and adapt, often without relying on instruments. These experiences ingrained a sense of discipline, precision, and adaptability—skills that proved essential in his business career.
Navigating the seas on a sail training ship, Jochen faced the formidable forces of nature, fostering a deep respect for teamwork and resilience. These formative years shaped his leadership style, emphasizing perseverance, precision, and the ability to thrive in challenging environments.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Trust
Jochen Werne joined Experian in August 2023, amidst the ongoing integration process triggered by Experian’s acquisition of several companies from Arvato Bertelsmann in March 2020. This integration involved approximately 300 employees across multiple companies. However, the timing coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting unique challenges.
The pandemic necessitated remote integration, a daunting task without face-to-face interactions. Despite these obstacles, Experian aimed to establish a substantial footprint in the DACH region. The goal was to replicate the success of Experian’s well-known services in the United States and other regions, bringing similar capabilities to Germany.
Amidst all these rapid changes, Werne’s immediate focus was on creating success together with his new team. Trust, as he emphasizes, is built through actions, not just words. His approach involved clear communication and delivering on promises. This fostered trust and confidence among the team.
The integration process required a shift in mindset, particularly during the pandemic when physical presence was limited. Jochen’s leadership emphasized creating a supportive environment where employees felt valued and motivated. By setting clear goals and achieving tangible results, he instilled a sense of trust and commitment.
Major Changes and Cultural Integration
The integration involved several key changes:
1. Awareness and Communication: Creating awareness of the new organizational culture and continuously communicating the changes were crucial. Jochen emphasized the importance of understanding the local culture and adapting the global strategy to fit the local context.
2. Mindset Shift: A significant challenge was shifting the mindset of employees. Jochen highlighted the need to change how the market was approached and how Experian was perceived. Building brand awareness and demonstrating the advantages of being part of a global group was essential.
3. Security and IT Infrastructure: Integrating IT systems and ensuring data security were vital. While this required additional effort, Jochen stressed the importance of convincing employees about the benefits of these changes for the overall security and efficiency of the organization.
Creating a Unified Vision
Jochen’s leadership focused on aligning the diverse cultural backgrounds within the organization. Experian’s global presence and the local roots of the acquired companies required a delicate balance. Jochen aimed to leverage the strengths of both, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
He recognized that while Experian’s international rules and standards were essential, understanding and respecting the local culture were equally important. By combining the best of both worlds, Experian could thrive in the DACH region.
Lessons Learned and Future Directions
Jochen Werne’s experience underscores the significance of cultural integration in successful mergers and acquisitions.
His approach, rooted in discipline, adaptability, and trust-building, has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of integration. The journey is ongoing, but the foundation of trust, communication, and a unified vision positions Experian for continued success in the DACH region.
In conclusion, Jochen Werne’s insights highlight the importance of understanding and respecting cultural differences, clear communication, and building trust through actions. His leadership journey, influenced by his Navy experience, provides valuable lessons for anyone navigating the challenges of business transformation and cultural integration.
