CEOs for Berlin at the Konzerthaus Berlin

Leadership Through Collaboration

Text: Annette Kusche | Political Communications and Committees Advisor

For the first time, CEOs for Berlin hosted an event to which members were invited to bring guests. The special evening was hosted by the Konzerthaus Berlin on Gendarmenmarkt, and this event was specifically designed to support the venue’s cultural work and its significance for the capital.

At the invitation of Artistic Director Tobias Rempe, Executive Director Janina Paul, and Principal Conductor Joana Mallwitz, the guests gained insights into the work of the Konzerthaus Berlin and its orchestra.

The evening began with an introduction by Joana Mallwitz to Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5, covering the work’s genesis, structure, and distinctive features, as well as her artistic approach. Guests then enjoyed the short concert “8ZEHN30,” during which the Konzerthausorchester Berlin, under her direction, performed Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5. The impressive musical interpretation of the symphony and the palpably exceptional ensemble playing of the musicians thrilled the audience in the sold-out hall.

These impressions also served as a successful start to the evening’s further discussions. At the exclusive reception that followed in the Carl Maria von Weber Hall, the participants engaged in conversation with Artistic Director Tobias Rempe and Principal Conductor Joana Mallwitz. In a warm and personal atmosphere, they had the opportunity to learn more about the institution’s artistic direction and the strategic development of the Konzerthaus Berlin, as well as to discuss current perspectives.

The discussions centered on the question of what insights modern CEOs can draw from the work of an orchestra when it comes to leadership. Mallwitz offered fascinating insights into her understanding of leadership. She explained that successful collaboration does not arise from hierarchy or power, but rather from trust, clarity, and a shared goal. Conducting, she explained, does not mean giving orders, but rather winning people over to an idea. Peak performance arises where responsibility is taken on and reliability prevails. What matters most, she said, is the clarity of the vision and an openness to what emerges in the moment.

This perspective revealed clear parallels to modern corporate management. In organizations, too, traditional performance and leadership models are increasingly reaching their limits. Today, there is a need for leaders who provide direction, build trust, and align diverse talents toward a common goal. Success depends less on control than on collaboration, mutual understanding, and the ability to inspire people with a shared vision.

The evening made it clear that successful leadership in culture and business is based on similar principles: building trust, sharing responsibility, providing direction, and bringing people together around a common goal.

At the get-together that followed, the guests took the opportunity to engage in in-depth conversations and make new connections. The unique setting of the concert hall provided the perfect venue for this and made the event a successful example of dialogue between the cultural and business sectors.