Plenary sessions
Wednesday, 11/11, 9:20 am - Insights from Leaders of Market-Leading Companies
Moderator: Charlie Rose, TV Interviewer and Journalist
Panelists:
- Rob Enslin, President, SAP North America
- Jim McCann, Founder and CEO, 1800flowers.com
- Herb Kohler, Chairman and CEO
Kohler Co. - Jeffrey Joerres, Chairman and CEO, Manpower
A group of leaders from a diverse range of industries say that the economy's rebound is forthcoming, and that companies that have invested in building talent, innovation and customer relations will benefit the most.
In a plenary discussion led by journalist Charlie Rose, the leaders said they have seen some of the worst features of the economic downturn pass, and now see opportunities across the globe – especially Brazil, Russia, India and China. The key, they said, will be whether companies can keep funding future growth opportunities and building deeper relationships with their customers.
The discussion at the Forum comes amid a greater sense of optimism among corporate leaders. A recent Ernst & Young survey of leaders with businesses ranging in size from US$50 million to US$5 billion showed that 65% are optimistic about future growth opportunities. Panelists today echoed that optimism, largely because they each have pursued long-term growth strategies.
“We look at a period like this as a real opportunity to gain market share,” said Herb Kohler, Chairman & CEO, Kohler Co. Kohler said he is spending more on business travel and funding new product ideas. His team, he said, “has to be willing to take the risk and implement ideas. And they will know that if they have a sound idea, at least on paper, the money will be there.”
Joining Kohler were Rob Enslin, President, SAP North America; Jim McCann, Founder & CEO, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc;, and Jeffrey Joerres, Chairman & CEO, Manpower.
McCann said companies will have to build and maintain customer relationships. He told a story about 1-800-FLOWERS.COM's best-selling product last year. It was suggested by a customer, and subsequent marketing and advertising for the product was also shaped by customer input. “You don't have the choice whether to let the customer behind the curtain, they're ripping it down anyway,” he said.
Both Joerres and Enslin agreed, saying that both firms have developed strategies to meet customer needs, often within short time-frames. “You need agility, up and down the supply chain,” said Joerres. “If during this downturn, you don't have that figured out, you're done.”
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