SMP Leading in Transformation

#6 | Leadership or empty words? The importance of purpose in transformation

SMP Leading in Transformation

26. January 2026

With Jan Rodig and Michael Hedtstück

0 h 27 Min

"Purpose is clarity that reduces decision-making friction!"

Purpose—the “why” or meaning behind a company's activities—can be an important part of a company's “North Star.” Especially in times of change, this North Star provides immensely important guidance. And studies show that, under certain circumstances, purpose can actually make companies more successful.

“Purpose is clarity that reduces decision-making friction!” says transformation expert Jan Rodig. However, a purpose is not useful or even necessary for every company in every situation. Especially if it is just empty talk, hypocrisy, or greenwashing, it can even be harmful. 
Start-ups leverage a lot of things through purpose, such as recruiting, employee management, or even finding investors. In this episode of the SMP

Leading in Transformation podcast, our expert Jan tells us how purpose can also be used to underpin a transformation or even a restructuring in medium-sized businesses.

A conversation about the practical steps to a good purpose, about the essential elements that a purpose should have, and about automotive suppliers who want to transform themselves into defense companies. 

*Video only in German

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our classic podcast: SMP LeaderTalks.

28. January 2026

SMP LeaderTalks

#130 | Healthy eating & fasting instead of pills - Georgiy Michailov meets Prof. Dr. Andreas Michalsen

"We can achieve much more on our own than we think."

To the full episode To all SMP LeaderTalks