Employee Satisfaction as a Success Factor? - with André Käber

In a nutshell: André Käber is an experienced logistics and supply chain expert. As a mentor and speaker, he helps companies make their supply chain fit for the future. In the podcast, he talks about modern leadership in logistics, the role of company culture in change processes, and why satisfied employees are the key to success.

Leadership Means Trust and Listening

What makes good leadership today? For André Käber, the answer is clear: Control is a thing of the past – today it's all about trust. "I need to be able to trust people, otherwise I can't lead them," he says in the conversation. And that trust only works when leaders show genuine interest in the people they work with. "If I don't listen, I don't understand what drives someone." For Käber, listening is not a side note, but the foundation of any effective leadership.

He also emphasizes that leadership doesn't automatically mean having all the answers. On the contrary: in transformation processes, it is often about asking questions, leaving room for uncertainty, and developing solutions together. "Leadership is no longer about making the plan – it's about distributing responsibility."

Culture as a Prerequisite for Change

When companies want to change, it is not enough to rethink processes – they also need to change the culture in which those processes take place. For Käber, company culture is not a soft topic, but a genuine economic factor: "If I don't change the culture, nothing will change – no matter how good the idea is."

Time and again, he observes that change is often thought of in technological terms – such as introducing new systems or tools. But if the people in the company don't feel included, the transformation remains superficial. "It takes an environment where employees feel safe to speak up, including voicing criticism."

One example: anyone who introduces digital tools without addressing the workforce's concerns will encounter resistance – not because the technology is poor, but because the communication is missing. For Käber, the conclusion is clear: "Cultural change starts with myself. I have to model what I expect."

Satisfaction as a Strategic Success Factor

For André Käber, satisfaction is not a bonus but a prerequisite for sustainable success. "Satisfaction is the greatest lever I have," he says – and by this he means not just a good atmosphere in the office, but genuine emotional connection to the company. Those who are satisfied stay, contribute, and share in the responsibility.

This satisfaction does not come from short-term incentives, but from a clear attitude, transparent communication, and genuine interest in people. "If I value someone, I'm also interested in their opinion. And then I also ask: What do you need to develop further?"

For him, the conclusion is clear: Companies must invest – not only in technology, but above all in their people. Because especially in an industry like logistics, which is undergoing major change, success is determined not only by the process, but above all by the team that drives it.

Change Is Not a Project, but a Permanent State

The conversation makes one thing clear: André Käber does not see change as a completed project, but as a continuous process. "I no longer believe in change projects," he says. Instead, one must learn to live with change – and set up the organization so that it can respond flexibly.

This is only possible with the right mindset – and with leaders who are willing to reflect on themselves. "We cannot expect people to change if we ourselves do not."

Curious? Then follow this link to the full episode with André:

YouTube: https://bit.ly/4gZ4EKx
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/48aMCRy
Apple: https://apple.co/40nXp99

Want more from 'even it up'?

In this episode, 2nd home founder Michael Munder talks about the opportunities and challenges of the secondhand market in the furniture industry. 

Looking for the right Solution for your logistics? Here you'll find the comparison platform that makes your search easier.