Impact Story: Brose

The Client

Brose Fahrzeugteile is a family-owned automotive supplier based in Coburg, Germany, with over 100 years of experience in the industry. The company develops and produces mechatronic components and systems for vehicles, to enhance driving safety, comfort and efficiency. One in two new vehicles around the world today has been equipped with at least one of Brose’s innovative products – their client base is made up of more than 80 car manufacturers and other automotive suppliers. Brose now operates in 64 locations worldwide, with over 26,000 global employees on the payroll.

The Challenge

A new generation of exemplary leaders - capable of inspiring, guiding, and growing their people, their business and their company

Brose has been extraordinarily successful in recent years, and now needs to find new ways to cope with its rapid growth and adapt the organization to a new era. The automotive industry is shifting and changing faster than ever before. The very idea of (auto)mobility is being challenged, and Brose’s customers are evolving and seeking new directions as well. It is therefore of the utmost importance that the company’s leaders can find the right products, services, and solutions to serve both today’s and tomorrow’s client needs.

Developing a sustainable strategy will certainly be a prerequisite for future success. A continuous rise in costs is creating immense pressure in the industry, making it even more vital for Brose to adapt to new markets, and the new working environments, technologies, and societies they reflect. Despite the increasing cost pressure, an investment in new product development is unavoidable if Brose is to retain its existing client base and to win new customers. Their employees need to be ready to face complexity, uncertainty, and changes at all levels of the business.

The Commitment

Individual 18-month learning journeys for selected executives - combining group modules, personalized learning nuggets, development talks, and optional coaching

Brose sought an experienced partner to design and deliver a customized leadership program, focusing on the further development of twelve selected senior executives. The briefing was to prepare these executives to drive Brose to the next level and take further responsibility, and potentially management board positions in the near future. Following a competitive procurement process, ESMT Berlin was selected as partner for the executive leadership program – the choice was made on the basis of the program team’s evident strong commitment, the extensive experience we could offer in working with family businesses, and ESMT’s international exposure and reputation. Our team worked closely with Brose HR development and the management board to conceptualize and then run an intensive learning journey for the twelve individuals, which seamlessly integrated on-site teaching modules with personal development conversations, and executive coaching interventions.

The Learning Design

Individual development plans and 360° feedback

The program comprised three on-site modules in Berlin, Detroit and Bamberg, covering a range of topics across the leadership capabilities defined by Brose - from strategy and strategy implementation, to innovation, leadership and change management. Regular individual development conversations with both Brose HR development and ESMT were also offered, as well as executive coaching sessions, recommended readings and personalized learning nuggets. Each participant was additionally granted the opportunity to attend open-enrolment programs either at ESMT or other training providers and business schools.

Elements:

• Individual development conversations
• 360 degree feedback
• On-the-job assignments, such as project work
• Classroom-based teaching on leadership, communication, influencing, strategy and strategy implementation, innovation, and change management
• Opportunity to attend open-enrolment programs at various learning institutions
• Executive coaching and micro interventions
• Recommended readings, videos, and podcasts.

The Impact

An immediate, tangible business outcome, combined with accelerated personal growth and immersion into a broader network

Participants left the program equipped with new insights and tools to

• provide direction and inspiration as a leader
• guide their team through times of uncertainty and change
• drive innovation and change
• build support and commitment for their ideas and plans
• increase their effectiveness while working in a global matrix organisation
• refresh and apply concrete leadership tools and practices in daily business
• grow as an individual, grow the business, grow Brose

The individual elements incorporated into the company learning journey were highly appreciated by the executives. Many of them are continuing their personal growth journey after the program closure, working with  Brose HR development and ESMT Berlin together to fulfil their further individual development needs.