Former Siemens CEO on Building an $80B Business While Avoiding Burnout | Klaus Kleinfeld | E123
Podcast: Leap Academy with Ilana GolanPublished On: Tue Sep 02 2025
Description: Klaus Kleinfeld’s journey from a difficult childhood in Germany to leading two Fortune 500 companies, Siemens and Alcoa, was anything but easy. He experienced the true cost of leadership: the loneliness of making impossible decisions and the grit to push forward when every alternative seems bleak. In this episode, Klaus joins Ilana to share how resilience and freedom shaped his leadership philosophy. They dive into his shift from time management to energy management, exploring lessons from sports, breathing techniques, and mindset practices that helped him lead various multi-billion dollar businesses without burnout. Dr. Klaus Kleinfeld is a German entrepreneur, investor, and former CEO of Siemens AG, Alcoa Inc., and ARconic. He is also the founder and CEO of the investment firm K2Elevation and was named director of Saudi Arabia's Neom initiative, later becoming an advisor to the Crown Prince. In this episode, Ilana and Klaus will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:01) Early Life and Family Tragedy (07:31) East vs. West Germany and Freedom (12:01) His Love for Problem-Solving (18:01) Creating a Strong Feedback Culture (23:31) Becoming the CEO of Siemens (30:01) The Loneliness of Leadership (35:31) Letting People Go with Respect (40:01) Facing Fear and Regret (45:31) Energy Over Time Management (50:01) Building a Passionate and High-Performance Team Dr. Klaus Kleinfeld is a German entrepreneur, investor, and former CEO of Siemens AG, Alcoa Inc., and ARconic. He is also the founder and CEO of the investment firm K2Elevation and was named director of Saudi Arabia's Neom initiative, later becoming an advisor to the Crown Prince. As the author of Leading to Thrive, Klaus offers a framework for blending personal well-being with strategic leadership. Connect with Klaus: Klaus’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/klauskleinfeld Resources Mentioned: Klaus’s Book, Leading to Thrive: Mastering Strategies for Sustainable Success in Business and Life: https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Thrive-Mastering-Strategies-Sustainable/dp/1544546718 The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward by Daniel Pink: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Regret-Looking-Backward-Forward/dp/0735210659 Open: An Autobiography by Andre Agassi: https://www.amazon.com/Open-Autobiography-Andre-Agassi/dp/0307388409 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training📈 Leap Academy helps professionals reinvent their careers, build portfolio careers, land board seats, and grow executive leadership skills through expert coaching, personal branding, and career development strategies. Founded by Ilana Golan, it's where bold professionals come to grow.🎯 Start with a free strategy call: https://www.leapacademy.com/yt-schedule🎓 Watch the free masterclass on building multiple income streams: https://webinar.leapacademy.com/24hr-pass1👇 Like what you see? Comment below and let us know what resonated!📌 Subscribe for weekly insights, career strategy, and behind-the-scenes mentorship from Ilana: https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy⭐ Hear how others made their leap: https://www.leapacademy.com/reviews🧠 Explore actionable tips on our blog: https://www.leapacademy.com/blog-1---------------🎧 PODCAST | Leap Academy with Ilana GolanInspiring, unfiltered conversations with leaders and professionals who broke the mold. Learn how to build your reputation, impact, and income on your terms.▶️ https://www.leapacademy.com/podcast---------------🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss an episode.📲 Connect with Ilana:Facebook ▶️ https://www.facebook.com/IlanaGolanLeapAcademyLinkedIn ▶️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/Instagram ▶️ https://www.instagram.com/ilanagolanleapWebsite ▶️ https://www.leapacademy.com/
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