We have been working on the idea of the “Agency of the Future” since before Corona. And during the pandemic, Wolfram Sauer and I realised that this particular time will shake up the working and entrepreneurial world and that new ideas are needed for “the time after”. A regular speaker agency like Premium Speakers is all well and good, but the demands and needs in companies will change.

The fact that we are moving from the C crisis directly into the Ukraine invasion has massively accelerated the change process in companies. The consequences are fatal: high energy costs, job insecurity, inflation and for many people health problems due to long covid and mental illness.

Change needs innovation – The agency for the future.

Wolfram and I met at the beginning of September 2022 in Niendorf on the landing stage and outlined LEADING MINDS, the “Agency for the Future” with our visions, themes, contents, structures and ideas. Done, implemented and since 03 April 2023 we are live. And how, the pipeline is full.

Oops – we did it again.

Now, exactly one year later, we met again on the jetty in Niendorf and rang in phase 2 of LEADING MINDS in beautiful weather. A lot has happened since the launch on 3 April 2023: the first projects have been completed and implemented, we have been able to recruit top experts for LEADING MINDS, increase the range of topics, hold lectures and workshops, and after the first five months we have already been approached by large agencies and future institutes for partnerships.

What have we learned in the last few months?

• Standard business consultancies are out. No one needs boxes of Excel sheets any more. Agility, new thinking and action are needed
• Companies need solutions for the transformation of the future.
• Medium-sized companies are in need and require fast and competent support.
• Implementation competence is needed for interim management in case of short-term failures
• Mental health and psychological security is one of the most urgent topics in the human resources sector.
• Sustainability and CSR are a problem for many, the know-how for implementation is lacking
• Artificial intelligence promotes efficiency and increases the bottom line, but the fear of AI must be reduced
• Digital transformation is underway, but the speed needs to be increased
• Service quality in many companies is disastrous and needs to be improved
• Skills shortages are often just an excuse and are used to cut costs

…and last but not least: Only companies that take care of their employees and are in constant exchange with them, live transparency and lead in an appreciative way will win the “war of talents” and be well equipped for the challenges of the future.

Recognising trends – seizing opportunities. How do you achieve a sustainable and successful corporate strategy?

As with LEADING MINDS – we are constantly learning and look forward to and about the daily project enquiries. Wolfram and I are challenged to recruit the right MINDS and experts for the specific tasks. Because supporting and accompanying the transformation of companies requires a lot of courage in the daily implementation, constantly observing the market, learning new skills and being open to the change processes.

Wolfram Sauer: “The future is developing exponentially, it will be here faster than we all believe today, because all these developments are mutually reinforcing. Therefore, one of the biggest challenges for companies is to keep up with the digital transformation, not to lose touch.”

With our team and experts at LEADING MINDS, Wolfram and I are looking forward to the future. Because we get to actively (co-)shape it. Call us or write to us, we look forward to an active exchange with you.

Wolfram Sauer & Oliver Stoldt