Michael Apel

If you want to know (almost) all my secrets, read the FINANCE Magazin interview. And a good start into 2025 to all of you!

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🌟 Excited to Lead YouGov DACH into the Future 🌟 I’m honored to take on the role of CEO DACH at YouGov—a significant milestone for me and a pivotal moment for our organization. In today’s world of synthetic data and AI-driven recommendations, YouGov stands apart by delivering real insights from real people, interpreted by real experts. This commitment empowers businesses to make confident, authentic decisions. 💡 With the integration of the Consumer Panel business into YouGov’s existing portfolio, we’ve amplified our ability to deliver unmatched value. By uniting high-quality data and deep expertise, we help clients navigate complexity and uncover opportunities for meaningful growth. Looking ahead, we’re focused on investing in our people, expanding our industry expertise, and fostering collaboration to remain your trusted partner in decision-making. 📌 I’m particularly excited for our upcoming Kronberg Unternehmergespräche, where we’ll showcase how we live these values every day. Here’s to shaping the future together! 🚀 #Reality #ResearchReality #Quality #YouGov #RealPeople #RealInsights #RealImpact #Leadership #DataDrivenDecisions #Innovation

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Austria (and many other countries) are once again flooded. Our sales figures have increased by 200% in these weeks. You'd think that would make me happy as the Managing Director. However, I take a rather sad view of the developments. We are not an ice cream store that has had a good start to the season, because not only are livelihoods being destroyed, but people are also regularly losing their lives. A few years ago, these catastrophes were called “floods of the century” and today, such devastating floods occur several times a year. These floods and heavy rainfall are the effects of climate change and some of us still think that this is hocus pocus. But the saddest thing is that Austria is blocking important EU laws, such as the nature restoration law, which does not stop climate change but still protects against some of the effects! Well covered by ORF ! Click here to sign the petition for the nature restoration law: https://lnkd.in/dZMXjmJi https://lnkd.in/dNBvvCrv

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Some weeks ago #TIMBERplus visited our long-term customer WILFRIED KOCH KG for the go-live of their Sawn Timber Stock Management project. Previously, their stock management relied on manual methods and traditional processes, which limited their operations and visibility towards their inventory. With the new solution, they can now track exactly where their products are located in the warehouse and see which items are available at any time. The ability to scan pallet labels will simplify inventory management, allowing them to quickly determine stock levels and optimize their workflows. Additionally, the implementation of the TIMBERplus Forklift App will bring significant benefits by integrating warehouse management directly with their forklifts. This will help them locate and move materials faster and more efficient, reducing unnecessary delays and ensuring smooth operations. A big thank you to Florian Koch and Christian Koch for their trust and collaboration throughout this project! Are you ready to streamline your operations too?🚀 Book a meeting with us to learn more: https://lnkd.in/ernaSrkJ #WoodIndustry #SoftwareSolutions #Veneer #SawnTimber #ProjectGoLive #Forklift 

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𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝘄𝗮𝗿𝘇 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 Despite challenging economic conditions, the Schwarz Group achieved revenue of 167.2 billion euros. ♻️At PreZero, we are particularly proud of our market development: More and more municipalities are turning to our innovative and #sustainable waste disposal solutions, reflected in a significant increase in requests and collaborations compared to the previous year. 🛒Efficient process and cost management at Lidl and Kaufland ensured that customers continued to enjoy attractive prices despite high inflation. 🏭The production companies of the Schwarz Group have also expanded their business fields and now cover the coffee, pasta, and paper product groups. 🛡️A new division, Schwarz Digits, has been established, focusing on digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, highlighting the strategic importance of these areas. The Schwarz Group is solidifying its position in difficult economic times and continues on its growth trajectory. Lidl International Kaufland Deutschland Schwarz Produktion Schwarz Digits

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The new issue of the IHK magazine Düsseldorf & Kreis Mettmann (@ IHK Düsseldorf) has been published! With what we consider to be a very successful article on the subject of energy costs as a competitive factor for companies in the region, to which we were also able to contribute. This was and is an important topic for #KEBO and we have been able to significantly reduce our consumption through many larger and smaller measures. Our flagship in terms of energy efficiency is of course the new photovoltaic system, which enables us to produce around 50 per cent of our own electricity. It is also worth talking to your own energy supplier, such as #StadtwerkeDüsseldorfAG (Heidrun Leinenbach), because the price of electricity is an important location factor. #sustainability #corporateresponsibility #energyefficiency #IHKDüsseldorf #Düsseldorf #specialtychemicals #chemicalindustry #ÖKOPROFIT

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⛓️‍💥Broken supply chain? While companies keep managing their supply chain with Excel 🧮 or - more sophisticated ? - with Excel exports from their ERP 🤯 I am not surprised that material flow is not what it is supposed to be. 🤖 AI to the rescue? AI is great and will definitely help us improve performance in many areas. Will it work 100% autonomously, though? I doubt. 💡We need also solutions for people to work smarter Here comes process mining - e.g. using the Celonis inventory management App as a basis - into play. With smart apps which integrate data across multiple sources we can provide 🙋‍♂️people with the information they need in real time to manage the supply chain more effectively📈. Read the latest supply chain pulse check to learn if this insight has already reached today’s supply chain managers. #CPB #SCNO Dr. Julian Theis Sezin Maden

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Our CEO & Co-Founder, Stefan Klauser, shares key insights on the "Swiss Grand 8" portfolio in HZ Banking. The AI-optimized portfolio achieved a +25.4% return (13% volatility) compared to the SMI’s +4.2% and an equally weighted version’s +10.2%. The article highlights how AI serves as a reliable second opinion, supports tailored portfolio strategies, and saves time while improving accuracy—yet underscores the indispensable role of the human factor and data quality. Check out the full article (in German) below! 👇

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#Heidelberg Printing Group to Cut 450 Jobs as Part of Restructuring Plan Heidelberger #Druckmaschinen, a leading engineering company, has announced plans to cut 450 jobs, more than 10% of its workforce, at its Wiesloch-Walldorf facility. The company aims to improve its competitiveness through a "future plan," designed in collaboration with the works council and IG Metall. As part of the restructuring, the company will reduce personnel #costs by over 100 million euros over the next three years. The goal is to boost economic efficiency and reinvest in the company for long-term growth. What impact do you think this restructuring will have on the company's future? #Heidelberg #JobCuts #Restructuring #EconomicEfficiency #Germany Heidelberg - Gallus Label Printing Machines

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🎙️ Exciting news! I had the privilege to discuss critical issues affecting Germany's industrial sector as the host of the new (German) RENOLIT Podcast "Zukunft Industrie." My first guest, Michael Kundel, and I delved into how global crises, skyrocketing raw material and energy costs, and excessive regulation are currently burdening our industry. 🚀 Key Highlights: - Emphasizing Flexibility: The German industry needs more flexibility and a pragmatic approach to retain its technological leadership and preserve valuable jobs. - Reducing Bureaucracy: Less bureaucracy and enhanced support for innovation processes are crucial. - Balanced Regulation: While regulations are essential for protection, overregulation can impede growth. 🔍 We also discussed the importance of stable and reliable political conditions at the European level to foster industrial strength. 🔗 Catch the full episode here and let us know what topics we should cover in future episodes! https://lnkd.in/e5MR78Q9 #TeamRENOLIT #Podcast #Innovation #ZukunftIndustrie New episodes will be released on a bi-weekly basis - feel free to share your thoughts and feedback for upcoming discussion!

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Seriously consider #Paptic materials if you are searching for sustainable alternatives to get rid of unnecessary plastics. Doesn't matter whether you replace your internal transit packaging to Paptic or create a stylish and well-functioning package that is protecting your product all the way to end customer. Be smart and reduce plastic usage like Secto...

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The Recycling of construction (related) materials is important and will further increase in relevance, that's we at REHAU New Ventures are convinced of. That's why I am happy to see the Co-Founders of #RecyClaim making progress here and I am happy to back them. Important takeways: _Innovation needs to be done in #networks (the lone wolf approach is not leading to success if we try tackle a value chain problem all alone) _As an active pre-seed investor with a strong corporate in the back, our raison d'être of New Ventures is that we provide assets to create a competitive advantage _Venturing can and should combine a viable business with a meaningful mission way to go Martin Schade and Ruslan V. 💪 https://www.recyclaim.com/

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Finally received the Verified Social Enterprise label. We see it as a good first step to make social businesses more visible and hope for a lot more political steps to follow (like tax incentives for companies that have equal economical and socioecological goals and KPIs). Social businesses and NGOs create solutions where the state fails to create them, often times under high personal commitment. We believe it will be of atmost importance that more and more companies start working on solutions for a better future instead of just maximizing profits and shareholder value.

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Kurt Safrata gives his insights on restructuring As an expert in restructuring, the Finance Manager of Management Factory Corporate Advisory GmbH, Kurt Safrata, has analyzed, accompanied, and rescued many companies in crisis situations. Particularly in times of crisis, weaknesses and legacy issues are ruthlessly exposed. He says that almost invariably, inadequate communication is lamented in the affected companies. Whether as an external consultant or overall responsible party, a delicate balancing act is needed. On one hand, every crisis presents an opportunity, and significant evolutionary steps can be quickly initiated. Often, it's not just a matter of adjusting a few things; sometimes, the entire business strategy needs to be reconsidered. On the other hand, especially in the initial phase of a crisis, profound changes are difficult to implement. This requires time, personnel, and financial resources, all of which are scarce during an acute crisis, and key personnel are typically engaged in their daily work. A promising restructuring concept must always build upon a company's competencies and strengths, whether it's profitable business fields and customer segments, efficient organizational units, or experienced employees who make the difference compared to competitors. Therefore, especially at the outset of restructuring, it's crucial to consider what is functioning well and providing useful results and data. Only after initial stabilization is it possible to reconfigure poorly performing processes and organizational units. #interimmanagement #restructuring #cfo  

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We use this PositiveLeadership Approach from Evo at #utzgroup to leverage our growth strategy and secure ownership cross all hierarchies. Just had Romeo and Reto moderating our Management Conference in Italy 2024. It‘s about to change the mindset. more leadership, less micro management. The Noah Set is full of positive thoughts for day to day positive leadership. great help in change.

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𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫 A special meeting is on the agenda today just before the weekend: I have the privilege of participating in an inspiring sales meeting with approximately 150 colleagues from Germany and the US. One of them is my colleague Sebastian Bloechl. Not only is he supporting me with my presentation, but he is also celebrating his birthday today. 🎉 So I would like to take this opportunity to say: Happy Birthday 🙂 If you’re wondering what’s on todays menu:   𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬-𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬: We delved into the art of cross-selling, exploring how we can offer complementary products and services to our clients. By leveraging existing relationships and understanding our customers’ needs, we can maximize value and enhance their experience. 🛒 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: A recurring theme throughout the meeting is the concept of servant leadership. As leaders, we must prioritize the well-being of our teams and foster an environment where everyone thrives. By putting people first, we create a foundation for success. 💪 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬: We will explore innovative methods to engage clients and colleagues. Role-playing exercises allowing us to step into our customers’ shoes, gaining fresh perspectives. Additionally, the reverse thinking method challenges us to question assumptions and find unconventional solutions. 🔃 I assume that the sales meeting is going to be a dynamic blend of collaboration, learning, and growth. 😎   Now my question to you: How exactly do you go about planning such meetings? Do you have special methods that have proven themselves over the years or do you like to try out new approaches? Felix Brockmeyer Keith Lang  Nathan Guadagni #ServantLeadership #CrossSelling #Innovation

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