Editorial by Managing Director Alexander De Beir
On your marks, get set, go!
Perseverance, passion and the pursuit of excellence: 10,500 athletes from 204 different countries will gather in Paris at the end of July, driven by these three values.
We recognize the main symbols of Olympism: the flag, with its five interlocking rings of different colors against a white background. Pierre de Coubertin, the Paris-born founder and organizer of the modern Olympic Games, succeeded in using this symbol to unite the five continents, with colors found in all national flags. Coubertin, an educator, was also a strong advocate for the introduction of sports in schools. He firmly believed in the positive impact of sports on individuals and humanity, symbolized by the Olympic flame and its relay, which stands for peace, unity and sportsmanship.
What is remarkable is that, despite the political tensions that have characterized some editions of the Games and the economic interests surrounding the sports world, the overall positive sentiment of such a universal event has remained intact to this day.
The athlete in the I.M.
I often think of the interim managers we deploy for a mission as participating in the Olympic Games. With perseverance, passion and excellence, they give their best for a (relatively) short period. They do this for a greater good that transcends their own interests—not for a country, but for a company, an organization, people who benefit from their dedication. The reward and recognition for their performance are reflected in new missions, sometimes even more challenging, a step higher on the podium.
Companies, on their part, understand that those who are open to business practices and corporate cultures from around the world, without losing their own identity, also enrich themselves. In Paris, countries typically do not field athletes for all 34 sports or 57 disciplines. Instead, they choose “projects,” focusing in advance on sports in which they excel.
Self-aware and open
At the same time, they draw inspiration from techniques shared by athletes worldwide. The most famous example, the Fosbury Flop, revolutionized high jumping to such an extent that the term became known far beyond the sports world. It symbolizes a way to go higher, both literally and figuratively, through a unique yet proven technique. Undoubtedly, there are numerous Fosburys among interim managers who make a difference with their personal touch.
In 1540, during a visit to Paris, one of the most important figures in European history, Emperor Charles V, born in Ghent, remarked: “Paris is not a city, it is a world.” Let us look at Paris and its athletes with curiosity and admiration during the three Olympic weeks, so they can inspire us to make this world better together, starting with ourselves. Yes, the bar can be set higher, as long as each new challenge helps us grow as individuals.
