Carsten-hesse-headshot

Carsten Hesse

Born in Kenya, and living in the UK, Germany, South Africa, Japan, and finally the US has taught me that understanding and appreciating different cultures is a key success factor in growing people and businesses.

Expertise

Career:

Founded Carsten Hesse Sales Consulting after 25 years combined experience as:

Senior Vice President, Commercial Leader at SKF Inc., USA

Vice President, Sales Strategy & Operations at HD Supply (Home Depot), USA 

Vice President, Sales & Marketing at General Electric (GE Energy & GE Capital), Germany, USA 

Senior Manager, Strategy Practice at Accenture, London UK  

Financial Analyst at Merrill Lynch, London UK 

Education:

Bachelor of Arts with Honors in International Business Administration from the European Business School (EBS) in London, UK with semesters in Germany and France.

High Schools (“A levels”) German Schools in Tokyo, Japan and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Cartsen-stop-wishing

Perspective

  • Provide businesses and senior level executives with advice, guidance and support to generate the best sales & marketing performance their teams can deliver.

  • Make sure the team has a purpose and the space to grow & learn, remove obstacles and political barriers, identify the true financial and cultural incentives

  • Instead of control and tight leadership, focus on removing all obstacles and create an environment of performance, purpose driven culture and fun with a reward for performance.

  • Lead from behind with support and empathy.

  • Continuously raise the bar of output and customer experience, coach the team to not just be able to sell but to sell great.

Carsten…

  • International upbringing and exposure to diverse cultures….born in Kenya and lived in UK, Germany, South Africa, Japan and USA

  • Culturally mixed childhood with English mother and German father, bi-lingual in English and German

  • Married with 3 children

  • Strong network of friends across multiple continents in business and arts

  • Love African landscapes, wildlife and people

  • Keen marathon runner (London, NYC, Berlin)

  • Always interested in a challenge: Climbed numerous mountains (base camps) in Nepal, Tansania, France, Japan, etc.

  • Spend all my free time travelling the US and world with family

  • Love our 3 year old Labrador

“I believe my difference is how I empower people; they are ultimately the ones leading the show. 

Clients tell me I communicate democratically and implement autocratically.”

  • “Carsten offers a unique and valuable perspective and expertise from both a consulting and industry point of view.”

    Partner at leading Management Consulting Company

  • “Carsten's global and cultural background always provides for great learning and insight.”

    CEO of Tech company

  • “Carsten’s sales experience and know-how allows him to quickly identify the key challenges and bottlenecks within the sales organization and then develop a straight forward plan to help solve the issues.”

    CEO of 2BN PE-Owned Distribution company

If you’re involved in industrial manufacturing and struggle at times with sales & marketing challenges, consider me for your next assignment.