44. Gabriel von Mitschke-Collande

Shownotes

44. Gabriel von Mitschke-Collande, Group Chief Digital Officer at Giesecke+Devrient – Digital Edition

The invisible infrastructure: Rethinking money, identity, and trust

Trust is the currency least discussed in the digital economy – yet no system can function without it. Who do we trust when money becomes programmable and identity goes digital? And what role is played by the companies that build this infrastructure while staying out of the spotlight?

Gabriel von Mitschke-Collande, Group Chief Digital Officer and member of the management board at Giesecke+Devrient, discusses this with podcast host Harald R. Fortmann in this Digital Edition of the Suits & Sneakers podcast. The conversation focuses on the transformation of a 174-year-old company from a banknote printer into a global security-tech player, leadership by "North Star," and the dual role of being both a manager and a shareholder in a family business.

Gabriel Mitschke-Collande makes it clear: the true strength lies not in choosing between the physical and the digital, but in mastering both worlds. Resilience is built through long-term thinking, a clear direction, and a leadership culture that encourages honest feedback. For decision-makers, this means that those who view trust as a core resource, manage speed wisely, and bring their people along on the journey will build companies that endure even in turbulent times.

Episode Contents at a Glance:

• Trust takes years to build and can be lost in an instant
• True strength lies in mastering both the physical and digital worlds
• Cash remains relevant, even as transaction volumes decline
• Managing director and shareholder – the responsibilities of a dual role
• Making decisions under uncertainty through shorter, agile cycles
• A clear direction – the "North Star" – brings employees along on the journey
• Resilience is not just a buzzword, but long-term teamwork
• Honest feedback ("kind, not nice") helps organizations grow
• Digital identity is becoming an enabler for payments, IoT, and agentic AI
• A strong purpose is a real differentiator in the war for talent

Further links:

• Gabriel von Mitschke-Collande on LinkedIn
• Giesecke+Devrient on LinkedIn
• Harald R. Fortmann on LinkedIn
• Harald R. Fortmann on Instagram
• five14 Website
• Suits & Sneakers Podcast on LinkedIn
• Suits & Sneakers Podcast on Instagram

‍About Suits & Sneakers

Suits & Sneakers is a podcast for decision-makers. In the Digital Edition, Harald R. Fortmann, Managing Director of the executive search consultancy Five14 and Vice President of the BDU, speaks with industry leaders about topics such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, emerging technologies and trends, and leadership in the digital age.

About five14

Five14 is an executive search boutique that connects companies with the people who shape change. From digital transformation to the AI era, we identify leaders who combine technological expertise, strategic vision, and cultural leadership.

Traditional "post and pray" recruiting no longer works. Five14 represents a new approach to search: targeted, discreet, well-connected, and always on equal footing. Our team – award-winning consultants with decades of experience in marketing, sales, and corporate management within the digital industry – supports start-ups, SMEs, and corporations in actively shaping the working world of tomorrow.

We fill roles with impact, not just titles. As our clients' partners, we act openly, transparently, and in accordance with the principles of proper personnel consulting (BDU). Sustainability and social commitment are firmly anchored in our DNA: we have operated carbon-neutrally since our founding 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.