The rarified air of leadership in the cutthroat business world is reserved for a select few. These individuals aren’t merely high achievers; they are architects of success, possessing a unique blend of vision, resilience, and the ability to inspire. This month’s exemplar is Roland Wedding, whose meteoric rise from IT consultant to a pivotal figure exemplifies these qualities.
Roland Wedding stands as a paragon of leadership in the financial industry, holding the dual titles of Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer at Creditreform Gruppe. His journey from a budding IT Business Support Consultant in New York to a pivotal figure in one of Germany’s leading business information companies is a testament to his dedication, adaptability, and forward-thinking approach.
Under his aegis, Creditreform Gruppe has not only navigated the complexities of the modern business landscape but has also flourished by embracing agile methodologies and fostering a culture of integrity. This feature delves into Roland’s unique perspective on success, his ability to overcome challenges, and his vision for the future, offering valuable insights for aspiring leaders.
Embracing Obstacles as Stepping Stones: Redefining Success
Every professional journey is a rollercoaster with unexpected loops. But remember, those heart-pounding drops are often the setup for the most exhilarating climbs. Embrace the challenges—they’re the secret ingredients for crafting a soaring career. Roland has mastered this art like a free-flowing river that navigates obstacles with grace and determination. For him, embracing obstacles has been a defining aspect of his profession, teaching him invaluable lessons in resilience and adaptability.
Roland’s perspective on success is refreshing and transcends professional achievements. He views it as a holistic concept encompassing personal and professional fulfillment. “It’s not necessary to be the most intelligent person in the room. Motivate others to join in and participate by opening yourself up about your goals—make them understand where you’re coming from and where you want to go,” he asserts. True success, as he sees it, lies in reliability and building trust, which foster collaboration and mutual growth.
Reflecting on a significant project, he recalls a time when his team struggled to meet customer requirements. The solution lies in adopting agile methods, involving short development periods and regular feedback sessions. This approach demanded considerable effort and convincing all participants and his team, but ultimately led to success. He shares how trust was built; at that moment, everyone was working together and following the same goals. This first small “reorganization” showed Roland, “Success isn’t about how you plan to achieve a goal; it’s about adjusting your approach and staying determined about your goal.”
Setting personal and professional aims has been a main tenet of his life. These goals have guided his journey from his youth, marked by academic and sports ambitions, to his current role at Creditreform Gruppe. He underscores the importance of hard work, perseverance, and self-reflection, taking time annually to review experiences and learn from both the good and bad moments. For him, success is living without regrets, forming meaningful connections, and achieving set goals, all while working with a motivated and cohesive team.
Creditreform Gruppe: A Leader in Business Information
A cornerstone of German business intelligence, Creditreform Gruppe empowers companies with comprehensive insights to navigate complex markets. With a legacy of innovation and a commitment to excellence, Creditreform offers a robust suite of solutions, including credit assessments, debt recovery, and risk mitigation.
Under Roland’s visionary leadership, Creditreform has solidified its position as Germany’s premier business information provider. By harnessing the power of data and technology, the company delivers unparalleled value, enabling clients to make informed, strategic decisions. Roland’s strategic approach, rooted in a deep understanding of industry trends and a fearless embrace of change, has driven Creditreform Gruppe’s growth and agile transformation. This dedication to innovation and reliability has solidified the company’s position as a trusted business partner nationwide.
Fostering Integrity Across the Organization
At Creditreform Gruppe, fostering a culture of integrity isn’t just a goal—it’s a daily commitment led by Roland. By setting a strong example through his actions and decisions, he instills trust and credibility within his team. He believes in authenticity, ensuring that every interaction is transparent and honest.
Clear communication plays a pivotal role in maintaining this integrity. Roland stresses the importance of open dialogue, where ideas and concerns are freely exchanged. This approach not only strengthens teamwork but also ensures that ethical standards remain at the forefront of every business practice.
Pioneering Career Ventures
Roland’s ascent to leadership began in the crucible of New York’s IT world. As an IT Business Support Consultant, he was thrust into the spotlight. “That was the first time,” Roland recalls, “that I had to prove I could lead a team and achieve the goals being set.” Rising to the challenge, he quickly transformed obstacles into opportunities, showcasing a talent for crafting innovative solutions.
His transition back to Europe marked a pivotal moment when he joined a team tasked with implementing SAP. Within three months, Roland was at the helm of his own project, “EDI,” managing a diverse team of 8 across multiple countries (UK, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, and France). This experience not only honed his technical skills but also ignited his passion for leadership and strategic thinking.
Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders
This experienced professional is dedicated to molding the next generation of leaders with a straightforward ethos: “Be reliable and proceed as you expect from your team – live by always trying to be that example – work hard and never give up!” His commitment to authenticity and clear communication resonates deeply with aspiring professionals. By demonstrating resilience and a proactive approach to challenges, Roland inspires others to embrace responsibility and strive for excellence. His impact extends beyond Creditreform Gruppe, influencing emerging leaders to navigate complexities with integrity and determination.
The Best Recognition as a Leader
Traditional measures of success may include promotions and prestigious projects, but for Roland, true recognition lies in the hearts and minds of his team. Positioned among the “Top 10 Most Influential Business Leaders to Watch in 2024,” he believes that a leader’s worth is measured by others’ willingness to follow, enjoyment of the journey, and candid feedback.
“As a leader, recognition for me means that the people I work with, my staff, and the teams I have, are willing to follow me, that they actually like working with and for me, and that they give honest feedback to what I do,” the veteran asserts. This philosophy underscores his commitment to building authentic relationships and fostering a collaborative environment where everyone thrives.
Leading Operations and Vision for Creditreform Gruppe
As the Chief Operating Officer of Creditreform Gruppe, Roland Wedding oversees critical facets of the organization’s operations. His responsibilities span data purchasing and purchasing in general, IT solutions, product and service governance and processes, partner management, and production. Each day presents a dynamic blend of strategic decision-making and hands-on leadership, where Roland navigates the complexities of a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
His daily routine is meticulously structured to balance oversight of ongoing projects with proactive planning for future initiatives. From early morning strategy sessions to afternoon meetings with department heads and client engagements, Roland’s schedule reflects his commitment to driving operational excellence and fostering innovation within Creditreform Gruppe. Defined by his relentless dedication and forward-thinking approach, he exemplifies leadership that not only meets but anticipates the demands of a competitive market.
Roland Wedding envisions a future where Creditreform Gruppe continues to lead the charge in delivering unparalleled business information services across Germany and, of course, internationally. His vision is centered around leveraging cutting-edge technology and data-driven insights to meet clients’ evolving needs in a dynamic marketplace.
Master of Both Worlds
Juggling work and life can feel like a high-wire act. Endless deadlines, demanding clients, and the constant pressure to perform often leave professionals feeling stretched thin. Many find themselves sacrificing personal time for career advancement, leading to burnout and a diminished quality of life. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Although Roland sometimes finds it challenging to balance his personal and professional lives, he has cracked the code. He’s mastered the art of meticulously planning his schedule and ensuring he dedicates quality time to family and loved ones. For him, these moments are the true measure of success. What drives Roland and his teams? It’s a simple philosophy: “Every missed achievement makes you learn something new and makes you better for the next challenges in life.” This belief transforms setbacks into stepping stones, fostering a culture of resilience and continuous growth. By celebrating victories and learning from failures, he keeps the momentum high.
Driven by Passion, Rooted in Purpose
Roland’s entrepreneurial spirit burns bright. Even today, he relishes new challenges and the thrill of the chase. But amidst the hustle, he cherishes quality time with family – a balance essential for sustainable success.
Roland’s advice is crystal clear for those aspiring to lead in business: “Enjoy the moments worth living – look at yourself in the mirror and make sure you’re satisfied with the person you look at and the life that you live!” He highlights that it is not solely about career advancement but is equally important to build a fulfilling life. He encourages aspiring business leaders to work diligently, set challenging goals, and pursue them with determination. However, he stresses that genuine leadership is about character, advising them to strive to ‘just be a good person’ and let their actions speak for themselves.
