Although Germans & New Zealanders are quite similar in many ways there are some major differences in how they communicate and do business – it’s important to understand these subtle differences to get the best out of the relationship.

Workshop – 3.30-5.00pm

Take a deep dive into how Germans “tick” and how to get the most out of the business relationship. This 1 ½ hour workshop covers:
• Germans and the country they grow up in
• Influencers on the German psyche
• German business etiquette
• Getting your message across effectively

Your presenter is German-Kiwi 'hybrid' Monique Surges (CEO, GNZCC) with over 30 years of German/New Zealand business experience.

Panel Talk - 5.00-6.30pm

Join members of the GNZCC for drinks & nibbles, whilst hearing about the hands on experience from our specially selected panel of German & New Zealand business people.

Our Panel Discussion Speaker:

Lars Eschenburg, Grant Thornton New Zealand Ltd.
Senior Consultant
Lars arrived in NZ roughly 3 years ago. Like most Germans, he came as a tourist but was quickly captivated by the stunning nature and the kindness of its people and decided to stay. The most difficult thing he had to overcome so far was finding a job without having any “Kiwi Experience”.

Katelyn Jones, T&G Global
Head of PMO
A native of the US, Katelyn spent seven years working in Germany before moving to Auckland to head the Programme Management Office at T&G Global. Katelyn is fascinated by the cultural differences she has experienced in the various places she has lived, worked and studied in. She loves helping break down stereotypes (“Yes, I’m from Texas, no I did not vote for Donald Trump”) and showing up exactly on time to meetings. Katelyn holds a BA from Boston College and an MBA from ESCP Europe.

Paul Ravlich, Siemens NZ
CEO
After 8 years working for American companies in the Middle and Far East in the 80’s, NZ born Paul, has spent the past 30 years working for three German organisations, Bosch, BSH (Bosch Siemens Hausgerate) and Siemens. Returning to NZ 11 years ago as Siemens NZ CEO after 7 years in Australia with BSH, Paul’s cross cultural experiences are derived from both his employment and various country of residence encounters. A lot has changed within German organisations in 30 years but then again, much has stayed the same!

Jim Bibby, STIHL NZ
Managing Director
Jim has headed STIHL in New Zealand for the past two decades and for more than half of that time has served on the Executive of the GNZCC. Jim’s background is in business development and strategic planning. In his experience these are two areas of commerce that are prioritised and approached somewhat differently by Kiwis and Kiwi Companies when compared to their German counterparts, often resulting in remarkably different outcomes over time.

You will come away with memorable insights.

_{Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be received 7 clear working days prior to the event. Substitutions are permitted if you can no longer attend.
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