Its been a while!
More than a year filled with different assignment and projects. The regular assignments in the different contexts are continueing. However, due to the economic conditions the focus has shifted somewhat the past 2 years. Cashflow, profitability and liquidity are high up the agendas in alla the companies I am involved in. Nothing new but more emphasis on that.
During the past years you sometimes felt some FOMO of not always being part of all the full digital companies and the boom in those companies. With stratosphere valuations and double digit minus profitability valued to billions I am now also glad to be part in contexts that have sound businesses and businessmodels with real tangible revenue flows. Of course there are lesssons learned and the digital agenda is paramount for all companies there has been a more sound shift to incorporate the digital where we are. To dig where we are and do a gradual shift at least for me in my role as a boardperson, investor and CEO in diffferent contexts I am in.
The overall focus still is on leadership regardless if you are full digital or in an “old” business and the main focus is on execution, execution…in most private companies and especially in those private equity context I work with.
The past year I have been involved in a international project. France, Greece, UK and the US which has been a good learning experience and good checkpoints that old truths still holds.
Since a year ago I have also stepped in as Interim CEO in one of the companies I am also chairman in. It is always nice to be closer to operations and be able to follow through on initiatives and see where we end up. I am so thankful for the team and the team members I have in this context and together we have managed to move the company forward more in one year than in the last 3 years. Of course I am biased but I also reflect that I have a part of the traction or lack of traction over that past 4 years as a boardperson. However, thats why it feels good in that context to step up a bit further and take more operational responsibility for the past year and try to mitigate some of the deviations and get back on the original plan. It still holds but with focus on being more diligent and better in execution and getting the whole company onboard.
Learning points over the past year on a personal side to is to stress down more and keep a better balance in life in general. Since a rather big healthscare in Janury 2024 with a pulmonary embolism after a overseas trip with a infection I am now also more focused on getting back on track regarding my health but also in work. I am working more efficiently now and leave more time for contemplating and not rushing into decisions to fast regardless what.
On a personal side I still continue and will still continue to do those shorter breaks regurlarly where I can be off work but still manage work from a distance. The latest such is my trip to a favorite recharge place for me – Los Angeles, where I spend 4 days with a good mix of execise, food, work and relaxation. ⭐️❤️
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