Dr Frank Hornung’s roadmap for the industry in Kochi

Dr Hornung set the stage by emphasising the event's theme: Building organisations that outlive their founders. He challenged the audience to envision the pride and fulfillment of being part of a company that thrives for generations. Drawing on his international experience, he shared timeless, straightforward principles that form the backbone of long-lasting organisations. His message was unambiguous: Remain curious, think innovatively, and be humble. These are values that should be embedded within your business.

Hornung drew an intriguing parallel between business leaders, NASA astronauts, and sports stars — each striving for targets beyond imagination. He emphasised, "Your people do not follow you. They follow the vision of the leader."

He challenged the audience to envision what it would feel like to be part of a company that endures through generations. Drawing on experiences from international companies, he shared timeless principles that, despite their simplicity, form the backbone of long-lasting organisations. The message was clear: stay curious, think innovatively, and apply these enduring principles to your own business.

According to the Edelmann CEO, having a bold vision is only the beginning — execution is paramount. He stated, "Success requires a well-defined strategy, one that involves making deliberate choices rather than simply drifting along." He advocated for breaking the vision into annual team meetings and measurable targets, ensuring that each step taken achieves the far-reaching goal.

Citing research by Tim Collins, Hornung highlighted the traits of superior leadership. He argued that leaders who combine humility with unwavering determination — prioritising the organisation's success over personal accolades — cultivate loyalty and long-term commitment. He encouraged leaders to engage in continuous self-reflection and personal development to remain effective in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Hornung highlighted the theme of the event, with a focus on creating organisations that outlive their founders

Hornung stressed the importance of building a strong second-line command and fostering transparency within an organisation. He emphasised that an environment of honest feedback and open communication enables leaders to address issues directly and promote collaborative problem-solving.

Advocating for decisions based on facts and figures, Hornung remarked, "While some family-owned businesses may rely on instinct, basing decisions on data minimises uncertainty and leads to more reliable outcomes." He further illustrated that simplicity in decision-making can effectively cut through complexity, often yielding success by addressing the root causes of issues in a straightforward manner. Moreover, he underscored that an engaged workforce — where employees feel genuinely appreciated and valued—is fundamental to organisational success.

Echoing a memorable quote from Barack Obama, Hornung left the audience with his mantra number ten: "Above all, get things done."