The MBA class at Hochschule Pforzheim recently welcomed alumna Sarah Neumann, now a Consultant Organizational Development at Daimler Truck AG, as a Guest in Classroom speaker. Her session provided valuable insights into Lean Management, Employee Engagement, and Organizational Transformation, bridging theory with real-world application.

Neumann highlighted the need to balance data-driven decision-making with human factors. While structured processes drive efficiency, addressing employee emotions, motivations, and engagement ensures long-term success. She introduced the Retrospective Starfish Model, a tool used at Daimler Truck to continuously assess and refine processes by identifying what should be continued, stopped, started, reduced, or increased.

She emphasized employee involvement in transformation efforts, explaining that transparent communication and active participation lead to stronger commitment and smoother transitions. Beyond efficiency, understanding factors like psychological safety, recognition, and personal growth fosters a high-performance culture. Daimler Truck integrates psychological insights with Lean Management to optimize both processes and work culture.

Neumann’s interactive session offered students practical takeaways on managing transformation in global corporations. The Hochschule Pforzheim community thanks her for sharing her expertise and strengthening the industry-academia connection.