DNA of a Transformer CEO Values, Culture and Curiosity with Peter Hörwing

DESCRIPTION This week, I'm excited to introduce you to Peter Hörwing, CEO of Chart Learning Solutions. Peter is a serial CEO, who has transformed a number of organisations and now runs his own virtual company from his yacht. What really stood out for me is Peter´s strong link between the CEO's values and the company's values, the importance of surrounding yourself with great talent and then delegating. As well as the impact early life experiences in sport, in the military shaped him as a CEO. KEY TAKEAWAYS Make time your ally, you can´t do it all fast. Build in deliberate reflection time (not just meetings) so your subconscious can work and let big strategic answers emerge. Start every transformation by cleaning house and developing or hiring great people. Strip out bad contracts, address non‑performers, reset pricing, and stop activities that don’t fit the future story. Delegate but also follow up. Peter clearly communicates what needs to be achieved then gives teams freedom on the how. Then, follows up relentlessly to maintain momentum. Design culture on purpose and in line with your values. Peter actively shapes culture around respect, openness, and trust, while flexing for local norms in Finland, Malaysia, and India) so the transformation sticks, not snaps. BEST MOMENTS “Most important is working with people, setting the vision for people, getting the team together.” “When you transform yourself, or companies, focus on one or maybe two things, even though you actually need to do 10 things.” ABOUT THE GUEST Peter Hörwing is a World Sailing Champion and ex Royal Marine. He is the founder and CEO of Chart Learning Solutions, a performance improvement powerhouse that helps organizations reach new heights in Leadership, Sales, Customer Service, and drive lasting transformation.  With +600 award-winning courses, the best-in-class AI-optimised ChartGo LMS, combines technology and expert coaching to deliver results that stick. Both corporates and individuals receive a fully tailored, self-paced, pocket-friendly learning experience. Whether you're looking to strengthen your company, advance your career or boost organizational performance, Chart Learning Solutions delivers.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterhorwing/ PODCAST DESCRIPTION If you're a CEO, Chairman or investor this is a destination podcast for you. At some time, all companies get out of step with their consumers, fall behind the competition, or lose their top talent –  or all three. The financial fallout can be severe.  The Transformer CEO podcast meets global leaders who have taken on the brief to transform their company from ugly duckling to swan. It explores their corporate and personal journey, their leadership values, their challenges, and successes along with their mis-steps and learnings. It inspires those about to start, re-assures those already underway and offers a benchmark for those who feel they have concluded. If you want to know what it takes to succeed in tough environments, you'll not want to miss Transformer CEOs. HOST BIO Erik is described by CEO and Chairmen as "exceptional", "undoubtedly one of the top global HR leaders" and "a strong strategic thinker and amazing change leader". After 35 years working with some of the most successful companies on the planet including Diageo, GE, LEGO, HSBC, and Pandora, he focuses in the podcast on sharing the unique character of corporate leaders who take on some of the biggest challenges and win. This is also a critical topic in his consulting work where he partners with CEO’s, Chairmen and Investors as Founder & Managing Director of Erik Schmidt Consulting & Advisory (erikschmidt.co.uk) to help companies achieve out-performance. https://www.erikschmidt.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/schmidt-erik/ This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/