Dr. Hans-Paul Bürkner (CEO, Boston Consulting Group)

Hans-Paul Bürkner is Senior Partner and Global Chair Emeritus of the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), one of the most renowned consulting firms in the world, and is an icon in the management consulting industry. He was the company’s fifth (and first non-American) CEO from 2004 to 2012. Before taking on this role, he was head of the company’s global Financial Services division and a member of the Executive Committee.

Under his leadership, BCG established the Public Sector & Sustainability Practices, the Social Impact & Education Initiatives and the Insurance and Marketing & Sales Practices. In addition, 18 new offices were opened worldwide. During his tenure, the number of partners and global staff more than doubled and revenues tripled.

Dr. Bürkner holds a Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Bochum, a Master of Arts from Yale University and a PhD in Social Sciences from Oxford University, where he was also awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world.

______________________________________

The CEO Leadership Series is the flagship event series of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) at the Heilbronn campus. The goal of the event series is to connect top managers with young students in order to promote a fruitful dialogue. The guests first hold a panel discussion with the host about their careers and organizations, and then respond to questions from the students in a Q&A session. This gives students valuable insights into the fascinating and exciting life and work of successful and renowned managers.

______________________________________

00:00 Teaser
00:57 Intro
03:07 Opening response
03:46 Childhood
04:57 School
09:26 What would you have done differently?
11:57 Leaving academia
13:55 Starting at BCG
15:45 Advice for interviewing at BCG
17:14 First case
19:09 Surprises at work
20:11 Workload
21:21 Early ambitions
23:52 Milestones and successes
26:09 Client acquisition
30:28 Becoming a successful consultant
33:37 Corporate/office politics
34:54 Fluctuation at BCG
38:05 CEO
42:10 Grow the company
43:04 BCG vs. competitors
45:59 Legacy
47:57 **Start of Q&A**
48:04 What drives you?
50:13 Studying Eastasian economics
52:40 How to convince people
54:24 Cold calling
55:25 Preparing cold calls
56:39 Dealing with pressure
57:46 Growth share matrix
59:28 Germany vs. USA
1:02:10 Artificial intelligence
1:06:57 Corporate social responsibility (CSR)
1:09:36 Key to success
1:10:19 Story about Prof. Li
1:12:08 Perfect fit for BCG
1:14:16 Change management process
1:15:49 Coaching and mentoring
1:20:33 Exciting project
1:22:57 Choosing the right career
1:29:17 End


Music: Good Morning by MaxKoMusic