publications to date
Ode to friendship - 60 years Elysee Treaty are just the beginning and the foundation for the European transformation
Germany, France and all of Europe are facing a variety of challenges. We have to tackle them. And that takes speed, courage and perseverance.
60 years is reason for a really good balance sheet. But they are not the end, it is just the start! 60 years Elysee Treaty are just the beginning and the foundation for the upcoming European transformation!
The supervisory board needs 3D glasses to clearly see hidden risks
We talk about international interdependance and its risks, about opportunities and innovation through experience in a mix of industries, success factors of good committee work, competences in the supervisory board and ethics.
Because in the end the 3D glasses are more like a 3P glasses: Profit, People and Planet!
Supervisory boards must keep an eye on all of these dimensions.
CFO: from re-active co-creator to pro-active transformation driver
Various crises shake the companies. How are CFOs dealing with this? In the "CFO expert talk" it became clear: the variety of topics and the speed of change bring an exponential complexity. But CFOs are used to change and uncertainty. Courage and determination are more than ever required!
read articleThree virtues to best balance crises and sustainability matters
Conflicting interests between crisis fighting, ambitious climate protection, accelerated energy transition and maintaining competitiveness and growth in a global world have become a prioritization nightmare for both public and private sectors. But instead of Winston Churchill legendary “Blood, Sweat and Tears”, we still can afford what is hopefully inside ourself “Speed, courage and Backbone” and dare to “make imperfect decisions”, as Charles de Gaulle once said!
See VideoOn the Way to Effective Finance
Evelyne Freitag on the importance of emotional intelligence for CFOs and diversity as a lever for an effective finance function
See PodcastWhy supervisory boards need to reinvent themselves
The responsibility is broad, the liability sometimes higher than the remuneration: the demands on supervisory boards are increasing. What does this mean for their work? Evelyne Freitag believes that courageous teamwork of specialists is required instead of harmonious nice chats.
read articleFactors influencing the “Next Generation”- CFOs
For many of us, the global pandemic provided a crash course in how much companies face uncertainty and constant change. CFOs have to redefine their role and work with the CEO to develop new strategies for innovation and sustainable growth. A successful transformation opens up the opportunity for the CFO to make a real contribution to corporate performance.
read article“How do you promote diversity inside a company and as a supervisory board member?”
We talk about the "office of tomorrow" in a time after Corona, the positive effects of home office as a motor for further training and where Evelyne gets inspiration for the future ways of working. We talk about how a global company is run and how to deal with having more than one boss in the matrix. Evelyne gives an insight into how good Governance can be established in supervisory boards and how women and diversity can be promoted in a company. And last but not least, we learn how she herself managed to combine family and a successful career.
See Podcast“Take the freedom to unleash your creativity”.
As part of the series of SUCCESS STORIES, KNAISCH CONSULTING talks to Evelyne Freitag, member of the management board and CFO at Sanofi, on the topic of “The human success factor”. The French-German talks very openly about her career to date, what is important to her as a personality and what she thinks of the women’s quota.
read article“Why we have reasons to cheer!”
Vaccine disaster? not really! For Evelyne Freitag, CFO of Sanofi-Aventis in Germany, a true miracle has happened in the development of vaccines against the coronavirus. What used to take ten years to achieve has been accomplished in one year.
read articleThe way to the Covid 19 vaccine is risky for pharmaceutical companies
There are many hurdles on the way to the vaccine. What are the risks and side effects of developing a corona vaccine.
read articleThe hour of the CFOs
In an interview with the Handelsblatt Journal editorial team, Evelyne Freitag explains why the pandemic is not only a major challenge, but also an opportunity to adapt more agilely and flexibly to unknown situations and to take new paths.
read articleCovid-19 as a digitalization booster: challenges and solutions for faster digitalization
“Everyone has to learn how to deal with uncertainty. Keyword “risk management”. It’s not about avoiding risk. On the contrary. We have to take more risks. Resilience as a success factor is becoming part of the new normal.” says Evelyne Freitag
read articleCorona, the ESG frenzy and difficult credit negotiations
What do US CFOs have over their German colleagues? Evelyne Freitag postulates “speed instead of perfectionism”: “We are no longer accountants, but change managers, without giving up our role as guardians of the company’s values”.
read articleSpahn’s DVG – is this disruption in the healthcare system?
Digitization will greatly change the healthcare industry – new business models and data platforms are needed. Spahn’s Digital Care Act (DVG) is a world first step. But unfortunately, this is not enough.
read articleCFOs must master digitization, controlling and compliance
Digitalization is not only revolutionizing diagnostics and therapies in healthcare. The CFO area must also be transformed and aligned with new business models. Reconciling digitization and data protection is like trying to square the circle.
read articleZigzag is the new straight
Complaining about a shortage of skilled workers is leading us down the wrong path. In Germany in particular, there is a strong belief that specialists are needed for everything. That’s not true: we need first bright minds with courage and imagination.
read articleAn advice to the Generation Y: Don’t ask what you’re allowed to!
Is there a need for a generational battle between young and old on our management floors? It may sound like a revolution and a new beginning, but the battle is unnecessary. Today’s 50-year-olds have a lot of experience with innovations.
read articleHow to balance agility and long-term success
Success requires quick, precise decisions just as much as prudent long-term strategy. Those who lead must have a perfect command of the micro and macro levels. Successful business is not the product of a brilliant entrepreneur, but the result of a well-coordinated team of countless participants. Because it is not the conductor who makes the music, but the orchestra.
read article“An end to the quarrel between Germany and France”.
The permanent clash between the two states is blocking Europe, damaging the economy – and above all making third countries stronger.
read articleResisting the Pressure: Evelyne Freitag on stretching the boundaries of CFOs today
Faced with technological advancements and growing responsibilities, CFOs are bracing themselves for more pressure and change ahead. In this interview, we discover new ideas on the roles of CFOs, with new demands on their time, such as digitising critical business activities and managing obligations, in addition to traditional finance duties.
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