Podcast

39. Philipp Depiereux

Investor and US Expert

‍

15.5.2026

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Shownotes

39. Does Germany Need the US Mindset? With Philipp Depiereux, Investor and US Expert – The Power Shift Edition

How does the US drive innovation – and what is Germany missing?

In the special "The Power Shift" edition of our Suits & Sneakers podcast, host Harald R. Fortmann speaks with distinguished experts about the greatest economic powers of our time – and what we can learn from them.

This episode focuses on the USA, a nation known for speed, risk-taking, entrepreneurship, and an almost boundless belief in growth. At the same time, the nation represents extremes, polarization – and an economic system that operates differently from ours.

What makes the US so economically dominant? Why do innovations emerge there faster, bigger, and more radically? And what does this mean for German companies, which are often caught between perfection, regulation, and risk aversion?

Podcast host Harald R. Fortmann discusses this with Philipp Depiereux, investor, entrepreneur, digital advisor, and author of the books "Werdet Weltmutführer" (Become World Courage Leaders) and the newly released "Mut zur KI" (Courage for AI). Philipp has been living in the US for about four years now.

The discussion focuses on the American mindset, the approach to risk, speed, error culture, and scaling, as well as the role of technology and AI in everyday business. Philipp Depiereux describes why the US acts faster, bolder, and more effectively in many areas, but also where Germany has advantages from its social, cultural, and value-based perspective. The episode shows that it's not about copying the US, but about drawing the right conclusions for Germany from its approach to change, innovation, and leadership.

Episode contents at a glance:

The US economy is characterized by speed, action, and risk-taking.
Failure is more readily accepted as part of entrepreneurial development.
Growth often comes from speed rather than perfection.
Products are launched earlier and improved during operation.
Technology and AI are used more aggressively for growth and change.
Leadership is often more focused on vision, motivation, and execution.
Germany continues to have strengths in education, culture, and cohesion.
Innovation in Germany is often slowed down by regulation.
AI fundamentally changes tasks, career paths, and skill profiles.
Germany and Europe need more speed and a stronger future orientation.

Further links:

‍About Suits & Sneakers

Suits & Sneakers is a podcast for decision-makers. In the special "The Power Shift" series of Suits & Sneakers, podcast host Harald R. Fortman speaks with distinguished experts about the greatest economic powers of our time – and what we can learn from them.

About five14

Five14 is an executive search boutique that connects companies with individuals who drive change. From digital transformation to the age of AI, we identify leaders who combine technological expertise, strategic foresight, and cultural leadership.

Classic "post and pray" recruiting no longer works here. Five14 represents a new approach to executive search: targeted, discreet, networked, and always on an equal footing. Our team – multi-award-winning consultants with decades of experience in marketing, sales, and business management in the digital industry – supports startups, SMEs, and corporations in actively shaping the future of work.

We fill for impact, not just positions. As partners to our clients, we act openly, transparently, and in accordance with the principles of proper HR consulting (BDU). Sustainability and social commitment are firmly embedded in our DNA: Since our founding, we have operated carbon-neutral and invest 14% of our profits in social projects.

Five14 – Executive Search for Leaders Who Drive the Future.

About this Podcast Production

The podcast intro voice-over was recorded by Chérine De Bruin.
The Deininger podcast "Suits & Sneakers" is a TON.EINS production.

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