#09 Eric Liedtke

In this episode, we warmly welcome Eric Liedtke! According to his
LinkedIn profile, Eric spent 19 years at adidas and is now a
“free agent fighting plastic waste”. He takes us on a journey
that includes interesting insights, learnings, and his
down-to-earth understanding of leadership.


 


[00:00] Eric Liedtke was responsible for all brands in the adidas
Group and was awarded as “CMO of the Year” in 2017. He further
launched a partnership with “Parley for the Oceans” to prevent
plastic waste, where he is still a steering committee member.


[01:40] After talking about the Covid-19 situation in the US, Flo
asks Eric about his opinion on the new normal. One of the main
questions that Eric raises is: what can be done remotely and what
should be prioritized when you are together physically?


[09:24] Eric is known for working for adidas, but how was his
journey, and what brought him there?


[16:03] Is there a correlation between doing team sports and a
professional career? Flo and Eric talk about this question,
teams, and self-improvement.


[21:36] In 2006, Eric came to Germany and shares with us what it
was like as an American without any German language skills. He
further talks about the culture and collaboration in Germany and
the differences to the US.


[28:35] Flo wants to know more about Erics journey and career
planning. So, Eric shares with him the three questions he asks
himself once a year to make sure he is on the right path.


[32:24] With becoming a board member, Eric was part of the team
that reset the brand adidas. He tells us more about the changes,
the new strategy, and also the acquisition of Runtastic.


[41:06] Do people in high positions know everything? What about
coping with full calendars? How is it to work with celebrities
like Kayne West? Eric gives us some details on his work at
adidas.


[53:58] At the end of 2019, Eric left adidas. He shares the
reasons, the decision-making process and talks about his new
chapter: a more purpose-driven mission.


[1:02:54] To finish this episode properly, Flo wants to know
Erics biggest leadership challenge, a book recommendation, and
what advice he would give his 18-year-old self.


Links:


Here you find the book “The Infinite Game” by Simon Sinek in
German and English.


We also linked you to the book “The Ministry for the Future” by
Kim Stanley Robinson in German and English.


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