Timo Lehne, CEO of SThree: How I Run A Billion Pound Staffing Business Across 11 Countries

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Episode Guest

Timo Lehne was appointed CEO in April 2022 after joining the board as interim CEO and Executive Director on 1 January 2022. As Senior Managing Director he held full responsibility for the day-to-day running of SThree’s largest region, DACH, which comprises of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Timo studied International Economics in the Netherlands before joining our Progressive Recruitment business in Germany as a sales consultant in 2006.

He was appointed Senior Business Manager in Düsseldorf for SThree in 2009, quickly turning it into our fastest growing business and growing the city’s share of net fees within the DACH region from 4% in 2009 to 27% in 2012. He was promoted to Senior Sales Director in 2013, taking joint responsibility for the running of the overall DACH business and in 2017 became Managing Director for the region, where he was responsible for the overall DACH business of SThree accounting for over 33% of the Group’s revenue and more than 1000 employees across 10 locations.

Episode Partner

easyJet streamlines affordable travel for all, with every role crucial in connecting millions via Europe's top airline network. With an innovative culture, easyJet empowers you to shape travel's future.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Jack welcomes Timo Lehne, CEO of SThree, to My Duvet Flip

00:24 - Timo introduces himself and shares an overview of SThree – a global staffing firm with 3,000 employees across 11 countries

01:41 - Timo's first jobs: grocery store, call center rejection, and delivering medicine between cities

03:02 - Why hard work and mindset are the keys to success

05:00 - How Timo turned career setbacks into his biggest superpower

10:24 - How personal struggles shaped Timo’s work ethic and resilience

12:48 - Why financial education is crucial for young professionals

15:23 - Timo shares how his personal purpose evolved over 10 years

19:14 - How Timo never planned to be CEO but embraced opportunities

22:16 - The secret to positioning yourself for promotions in your company

26:04 - Why grit and patience are key to long-term career success

28:59 - How Timo plans his entire year to stay focused and balanced

31:40 - How AI and £35M tech investment are reshaping the staffing industry

35:49 - Why office culture and in-person interactions still matter

40:43 - How every employee contributes to company culture from Day 1

43:25 - What recruitment will look like in 10 years

46:02 - What makes SThree a top company to work for in recruitment

48:55 - Timo’s Duvet Flip: His passion for leadership and helping others thrive

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