“Cross-fertilization is key”

Michael Gerhard Eckert

Meeting Michael Gerhard Eckert

Michael Gerhard Eckart gerhardmichaeleckert.wordpress.com Educator and crafter of Executive Search

 “Cross-fertilization is key”
Michael Gerhard Eckert

Michael Eckert, Managing Partner of executive search firm Höchsmann &

Company, is a man used to asking the questions. However, when I met him
during a visit in Warsaw in October 2016, I was determined to   learn more
about him, to turn the tables so to speak. I was curious about his perspective on
the craft of search, about the foundations of his accomplishments. And what
factors have led to his being held in such high esteem by both clients and
candidates.

His charisma and natural

authority are undeniable. As
are his professional
achievements. After earning
his medical degree, Michael
became a sales representative
in the phar maceutical
i n d u s t r y. H e q u i c k l y
a d v a n c e d h i s c a r e e r,
expanding his expertise to
marketing and sales
within  the international
arena. His unconventional and authentic approach led to his appointment with
Lufthansa, where he transformed the long-established, traditionalist mindset. A
future-forward game-changer, Michael brought a fresh perspective to the table.

“I firmly believe in cross-fertilization. The strengths and practices of a particular

field can be invaluable to furthering the interests of another, seemingly
unrelated, industry. For instance, the marketing and sales approach of pharma
proved extremely beneficial to a – then – state-owned company such as

Michael Gerhard Eckart gerhardmichaeleckert.wordpress.com Educator and crafter of Executive Search

Lufthansa in moving toward a more market-oriented, commercial way of
working. It is a concept that I believe is essential to executive search.”

Michael’s successful business background also means he is considered a peer by

candidates and clients alike. His knowledge is not limited to theory. He has a
genuine understanding of the challenges businesses face, based on his own
professional experience. “They see me as their equal, know that I can relate to
the issues they deal with.”

Board member placement is a very specific field. It requires the executive search
firm to gain in-depth understanding of the client’s circumstances, market and
goals. And on the other hand, they also have to find candidates to fill the
positions.

“These are generally not people

actively looking for a new job.
It’s up to us to find them, to
discuss the career perspectives
and show them the value of the
proposition.”

“But so is the human element.

You have to be able to recognize
whether someone is a match. Of
course they have to meet specific
‘hard’ criteria. But a personal fit, the candidate’s individual character is equally
important.”

Michael seeks out tailor-made solutions. It’s not a matter of picking some
candidates up off the shelf, it’s a much more holistic and active approach. The
lessons he has learned working in different sectors and organizational structures,
different countries and cultures are key in this regard.  “But so is the human
element. You have to be able to recognize whether someone is a match. Of
course they have to meet specific ‘hard’ criteria. But a personal fit, the
candidate’s individual character is equally important.”

Michael Gerhard Eckart gerhardmichaeleckert.wordpress.com Educator and crafter of Executive Search