Currently, as part of Plug and Play Tech Center, he has also launched an innovation consultancy that unites global expertise across industries such as energy, mobility, and banking. His work focuses on capturing opportunities, solving complex challenges, and fostering meaningful growth for businesses worldwide.
Each challenge along the way has served as a steppingstone, shaping his leadership philosophy and reinforcing his belief in the power of teamwork and resilience. Through this interview, he aims to share key lessons, inspirations, and insights from his journey, hoping to inspire others to pursue their ambitions with determination and purpose.
In this interview, he shares key lessons, inspirations, and insights gained from his remarkable career. He hopes to motivate others to pursue their aspirations with determination, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to creating positive impact in both business and society.
Tell us about yourself and your story, how did you end up where you are?
It began with a solid technical and academic foundation, completing a PhD at ETH Zurich, where I developed algorithms to optimize supply chain design for manufacturing companies in the mobility industry. This experience sparked my fascination with using research and advanced thinking to create real-world impact.
I then spent several transformative years at Mercedes-Benz as Head of Open Innovation, leading groundbreaking projects in the automotive sector. This role pushed the boundaries of technology, bringing together diverse teams to solve challenges and turn ambitious ideas into reality.
Today, at Plug and Play Tech Center, I have launched an innovation consultancy that feels like the perfect culmination of my career so far. I am privileged to work with a global team and clients across industries like energy, mobility, and banking, helping them adapt to change and capitalize on new opportunities.
What’s your biggest lesson learned in your journey?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that innovation involves risks, and failure is part of the journey. From Mercedes-Benz to Plug and Play, I’ve seen that success comes to those who keep moving forward, learn from setbacks, and stay focused on achieving something great.
What separates you from competition or other companies?
What sets us apart is Plug and Play’s unmatched global open innovation ecosystem. We’ve built a network connecting nearly 100,000 startups with hundreds of multinational companies, all seeking innovative solutions to transform their industries. This extensive reach provides us with insights into emerging trends and direct access to groundbreaking technologies and ideas.
What makes our approach unique is how we combine this vast network with tailored, hands-on consulting. Our team doesn’t just advise – we actively bring innovations to life. By blending a global ecosystem with practical execution, we deliver scalable solutions that create real impact. This rare combination ensures our partners stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of innovation.
How do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I see myself as an experienced leader, continuing to grow and make meaningful contributions in my field. I aim to lead impactful projects that push boundaries while staying committed to innovation and positive change. Every challenge and success so far have shaped my journey and deepened my understanding of leadership. I also envision mentoring others, sharing the insights I’ve gained, and empowering the next generation, just as I’ve been supported along the way.
What keeps you motivated every day?
What motivates me every day is the excitement of tackling new challenges and finding creative solutions. I’m fortunate to work with diverse individuals – from visionary founders to seasoned corporate leaders – and learn from their unique perspectives. The fast-paced world of technology is fascinating, offering something new to discover each day. Most rewarding, though, is seeing the results of our work when startups and corporates collaborate to create solutions that drive innovation and value.
What is your favorite quote of all time?
“Stay hungry, stay foolish“ from Steve Jobs
What are the main factors that lead you to where you are right now?
Curiosity drives me to explore, learn, and grow, often pushing me out of my comfort zone to take on challenging roles. My ambition to make a meaningful impact keeps me focused on creating value through my work and projects.
Who is your role model or inspiration in your life?
I believe that everyone has something valuable to teach. Nearly every day, I learn something new from the people I interact with – whether it’s a unique perspective, a new skill, or a fresh approach to problem-solving. I try to stay open and attentive to these lessons, as they shape my own approach and help me grow both personally and professionally. By learning from many people, I’m constantly adapting and evolving in ways that a single role model might not inspire.
What are the top 3 core values in life?
My top three values are commitment, innovation, and teamwork.
Commitment means standing by my goals and responsibilities, whether in work or relationships. I always give my best because trust and consistency are key to progress.
Innovation is central to my work at Plug and Play. I’m constantly exploring new ideas and solutions to create meaningful change, staying ahead of trends, and shaping the future.
Teamwork is essential to me. By bringing together investors, corporates, startups, and governments, we create opportunities for innovation and growth.
What are key moments/ turning points in your life?
Completing my PhD at ETH Zurich taught me persistence, discipline, and a methodical approach to problem-solving. At Mercedes-Benz, I gained insights into large-scale operations and the value of cross-team collaboration, learning to balance innovation with tradition. Launching an innovation consultancy at Plug and Play has allowed me to lead with purpose, work with diverse teams, and make a broader impact across industries like energy and automotive.
What personality traits make a good leader?
A good leader needs vision, integrity, empathy, and adaptability. Vision inspires the team, integrity builds trust, empathy fosters collaboration, and adaptability ensures quick adjustments in a fast-changing world.
What is the best and the worst part of your job?
The best part of my job is tackling diverse challenges and opportunities every day. I work across industries like energy and automotive and collaborate with talented people worldwide. Each project is unique, keeping the work fresh, exciting, and full of potential.
The biggest challenge is time – there’s never enough to pursue everything I’d like. I have to focus on where I can make the most impact and accept that I can’t do it all. Balancing travel, priorities, and time is tough but keeps me motivated to improve continuously.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career? How did you overcome and what did you learn from it?
The biggest challenge in my career has been driving changes in established environments, like introducing Open Innovation at Mercedes-Benz and launching a consultancy at Plug and Play. Success came through clear communication, strong relationships, and patience. I’ve learned that lasting change requires persistence, flexibility, and openness to feedback.
What do you look for when outsourcing or hiring?
When hiring, I focus on three qualities: team fit, strong work ethic, and ambition. Team fit is crucial because great results come from seamless collaboration and mutual respect. I seek candidates who are skilled, open to feedback, and eager to contribute to shared goals. A strong work ethic is non-negotiable. It reflects dedication to achieving results and overcoming challenges. Success requires effort, and I value individuals who are committed to making an impact. Lastly, ambition is vital in a competitive environment. I look for people who set high goals, take ownership, and strive for continuous improvement, as this drive fuels innovation and helps us push boundaries.
What strategies do you use to stay ahead of the curve of your industry?
By constantly engaging with innovative startups and forward-thinking corporates, I gain real-time insights into emerging trends, technologies, and market shifts. This access helps me to learn continuously and to bring cutting-edge solutions not only to our company but also to our partners in a rapidly evolving landscape.
In what ways do you foster innovation and creativity within your organization?
Encouraging innovation starts with building trust, where team members feel safe sharing ideas and challenging norms. I promote open communication, value diverse perspectives, and focus on testing ideas quickly, gathering feedback, and refining them to stay agile and efficient.
Name three books that change your life and what did you learn from them.
1. “The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton Christensen explores the concept of disruptive innovation and explains why successful companies often fail to innovate. I apply his insights when consulting companies on their innovation journey, helping them recognize and embrace emerging trends that can disrupt their industries and drive sustainable growth.
2.”Leading Change” by John P. Kotter introduces a systematic process for managing change, offering a framework for leaders to navigate organizational transformation.
3.”The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries presents a methodology, emphasizing rapid experimentation and customer feedback to create products that meet market needs while minimizing waste and risk. I apply this methodology in innovative projects with both startups and corporates, focusing on building products iteratively, gathering real-time feedback, and adapting quickly to ensure market fit.
www.de.linkedin.com/in/dr-philipp-gneiting
www.plugandplaytechcenter.com
BY Jonida GJUZI
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