In this episode, Henrik Mitsch, VP Digital at Elli Volkswagen Group Charging, discusses his journey from career-driven to purpose-driven leadership. He shares insights from his pioneering work in electric vehicle charging infrastructure and energy trading on the European stock exchange.

Henrik also reflects on his transformative experiences at MIT Sloan School, highlighting the role of systems thinking in addressing complex business and climate challenges. Drawing on lessons from professors John Sterman and Frances Frei, he explores frameworks for building trust and resilience within tech teams.

Henrik details his unique approach to team development, incorporating 5-minute learning sessions on topics like non-violent communication, active listening, bias handling, and delegation. He emphasizes the power of open communication, empowerment, and aligning individual goals with company objectives, fostering a supportive environment for high-performing teams.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

03:36 From Career-Centered to Purpose-Oriented Focus

05:52 Elli: The Volkswagen Group Charging Company

06:25 Transformation of the Automotive Industry

06:55 Bi-Directional Charging Capabilities

08:44 Mobility, Sustainability, and Climate Change: There Is No Planet B!

10:44 The Mindful CIO Manifesto: The Role of IT Leaders

11:44 Focus and Presence

13:50 Tai Chi and Mindfulness

16:07 The MIT Sloan School Experience

16:50 Professor John Sterman: Systems Thinking

17:31 Professor Frances Frei: The Trust Triangle Framework

20:55 Human Skills: 5-Minute Learning Segments

22:40 Nonviolent Communication, Handling Bias, Levels of Listening, and Delegation Poker

25:18 Leading Change

25:26 Building a Shared Understanding

25:50 Seeking the Truth and Reaching Small Agreements to Collaborate and Learn

28:27 Purpose: Start with the "Why" – Purpose Can Be Found Anywhere

30:50 Feedback: The Radical Candor Framework by Kim Scott

35:35 Delegation Poker: The 7 Levels

39:35 Managing Competing Demands and Priorities

40:40 Systems Thinking: Awareness-Based Systems Change

41:56 Empowering the Edges

42:31 Professor Frances Frei: What Do You Need to Be Wildly Successful?

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Links from this episode:

·       MIT Sloan School - https://mitsloan.mit.edu/

·       Non-Violen Communication (NVC) - https://www.cnvc.org/

·       Professor Frances Frei (HBR) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesfrei/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVeq-0dIqpk

·     The Trust Triangle – https://hbr.org/2020/05/begin-with-trust

·       Radical candor by Kim Scott - https://www.radicalcandor.com/

·       TED Talk – Mike Robbins (high expectations and high nurturance) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bd2WKQWG_Dg

·     Delegation Poker - https://management30.com/practice/delegation-poker/

·       TED Talk - Simon Sinek | Start with Why - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZoJKF_VuA

·       Professor John Sterman on Systems Thinking – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3_3IRcgt-8

·       Handling bias (purple flag) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEP7_BeXH64

·       Levels of Listening – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kFjKUmIVps

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