Why Culture Matters More Than Strategy with Oliver Wyrsch, CEO of Inficon

In this episode of Emotional Business, host Olga Skipper sits down with Oliver Wyrsch, CEO of Inficon—a global technology company navigating fast-changing markets, shifting geopolitical realities, and rapid industry transformation. This thought-provoking conversation opens a window into the authentic, everyday work of global leadership: from steering an organization through pandemic-induced volatility to orchestrating high-performing teams across continents, Oliver Wyrsch shares how his focus on culture and coaching have become steady anchors in a sea of uncertainty. Together, Olga Skipper and Oliver Wyrsch unravel what it really means to prioritize people over strategy, to empower leaders as coaches (not just task managers), and to build a company DNA that sustains growth—without losing sight of well-being, energy, and purpose. In this episode, we explore: Why Culture Outranks Strategy — Oliver Wyrsch reveals why building strong teams and a genuine coaching culture outweighs rigid strategic plans, especially in a decentralized, high-change tech environment. Coaching as a Leadership Model — Inside Inficon’s approach: from training internal coaches and cultivating talent density to bringing coaching mindsets into every offsite, meeting, and 1:1. The Myth of Vision Statements — Why Inficon chose not to have a corporate “mission” and instead prioritized a living, evolving organizational identity rooted in curiosity, care, innovation, and growth. Navigating Chaos, Success, and Accountability — How to maintain alignment, empower bottom-up ideas, and manage financial pressures while resisting the urge for excessive control. Embracing Feedback and Continual Learning — Oliver Wyrsch gets candid about his own leadership evolution, from perfectionism to embracing mistakes, and how instant, specific feedback cycles drive development at every level. Curiosity as the Secret Ingredient — From executive coaching to people leadership, the conversation turns towards the essential role of curiosity and empathy in sustaining motivation—for both leaders and coaches. This episode is a must-listen for anyone leading teams in fast-moving industries, global environments, or organizations balancing performance with people-first values. Founders, executives, middle managers, and HR leaders will all find practical wisdom and refreshing honesty on the real mechanics of modern leadership—beyond the glossy slogans. So settle in for a nuanced, energizing, and deeply human conversation about what it takes to lead, grow, and thrive in today’s business world. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with fellow leaders or anyone rethinking what leadership can—and should—look like! CHAPTERS 00:00 — Introduction to Emotional Business 00:28 — Meet Oliver Wyrsch: The Global CEO’s Journey 03:08 — Leading Through Uncertainty and Change 05:04 — Choosing Culture Over Strategy 08:54 — Inficon’s Coaching Model and Cultural DNA 15:35 — Connecting Vision, Culture, and Outcomes 20:26 — Embracing Financial Reality and Accountability 23:10 — Oliver Wyrsch’s Leadership Evolution 25:23 — Lifelong Learning and Making Coaches 26:22 — The Heart of Coaching: Curiosity and Impact 30:16 — Closing Reflections Connect with Olga LinkedIn: Olga Skipper Website: www.olgaskipper.com Connect with Oliver LinkedIn: Oliver Wyrsch