Dr Bernd Waltermann

Firms & Transformation:Thriving in the 'New Normal'Dr Bernd WaltermannSenior Partner & Managing Director

The real economic question is the shape anddurability of recoveryHappy days are back againFeels like "L" for manyLow growth will challengemanagementEndangers the economicand social environment weare all used to

In a slow growth environment...Competitive intensity rises disproportionatelyPressure increases on costs and profitabilityUncompetitive cost bases do not get rescued by growingwith the marketGrowing generally means gaining shareBroken business models get exposed

Learning from the Great DepressionStrong Leadership and FocusBold moves and decisive actionDefence strategiesProtect financial fundamentalsDrive down costsIncrease flexibilityProtect revenuesRetain your best peopleAttack strategiesInvest in Marketing and R&DAdapt to changing customerbehaviors: portfolio, pricingCapitalize on government spendPursue opportunistic M&A ,strategic divestmentsTake the fight to your competitorsReshape the business model (e.g. internationalization)