The Challenge

To equip emerging leaders to co-create Hermes-OTTO International’s future and become effective purposeful DOers who drive change.

The Outcome

Participants were equipped to:

• Relate their passion to a purpose
• Become more effective problem-solvers
• Recognize better opportunities for greater business impact
• Bring fresh ideas to life
• Become ambassadors for change

Hermes-OTTO International (H-OI) is an industry leader in global sourcing. The organization sources products from all major production markets in categories such as apparel, shoes and home. The company operates in markets in Europe, North America, Africa and Asia. Over the 50 years in which the company has been operating the industry has undergone massive changes due to, among other factors, digitization and the increased need for speed and sustainability in global supply chains.

In light of the changing industry, H-OI approached The DO School to equip its leaders to build a successful and purposeful organisation for the future. In response the HOI Academy was born, a program specifically geared towards equipping emerging leaders with skills and mindsets to be able to work effectively with each other – especially across different functions and geographical locations – and to quickly turn ideas into action.

Over the course of a year, emerging leaders from around the global HOI network participate in a tailored program that combines intense interactive on-site and online engagements to ensure new ways of thinking and working are brought into the daily work environment. The insights are used to tackle important business challenges.

By the end of the program, participants have a robust sense of how to bring fresh ideas to life within HOI. Team members across various departments, sectors and locations are brought together to break out of silo thinking and create strong internal networks. As these leaders return to their respective spheres of influence, they are able to drive a cultural shift across the entire organization.