E86 | What Australia could learn from the Mittelstand (Summer Series)

Germany’s Mittelstand is the quiet engine of its economy, and Australian mid-market leaders can learn a lot from it. In this last of the summer series Andres Zylberberg, Richard Peake and I examine how these often family-owned firms dominate narrow global niches by focusing on being the best in the world at one thing.  They think in decades, not quarters, and build deep capability through apprenticeships and long-term people development. They also grow patiently, prioritising financial discipline over fast expansion and debt-driven scale. Many well-known German brands (like Miele, Stihl and Kärcher) fit this model without being huge corporations. The core lesson for Australia: win through focus, craft, and stewardship – not size.  Takeaways  Australia can learn from Germany’s Mittelstand by staying focused instead of chasing everything.  Thinking long term consistently beats chasing short-term wins and quick growth.  Going deep in one niche can still create global relevance and real impact.  Patient ambition and discipline matter more than flashy growth or constant expansion.  Investing in people and craft builds capability competitors can’t easily copy.  Strong financial discipline creates resilience without relying on rapid scale.  A stewardship mindset helps leaders build businesses designed to last.  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners  Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter  https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/  Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/ Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process. Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster. Bigger isn’t Better, Better is Better: Avoiding the pressure of endless growth to build a better business (and better life)  Follow me: on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth  Enjoying the show? Leave a review Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.