#4 *SPECIAL EDITION* - A Legacy of Unwavering Dedication: What Drives His Commitment

Since the launch of my LinkedIn newsletter, my primary goal has been to spotlight entrepreneurs from around the globe, sharing their business insights, successes, challenges, and valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. In this special edition, however, I'm breaking the mold to focus on an individual whose legacy embodies unwavering dedication. I'm excited to explore what fuels his commitment and to gather his golden advice for the next generation. I had the privilege of speaking with Martin Knoss, Regional President, Power Solutions ASEAN at Bosch Thailand, to gain deeper insights into his inspiring journey.

Martin Knoss, Regional President, Power Solutions ASEAN at Bosch Thailand, has dedicated 36 years to the company. His journey began with internships in production, followed by a thesis in Bosch R&D, leading him to join Bosch as his first—and only—employer. Over the years, he has transitioned through roles in R&D, sales, and general management. Martin's inspiration to stay with Bosch stems from the company’s international presence, excellent teamwork and collaboration, and its commitment to developing products that address environmental challenges. Additionally, he values the Bosch constitution, which directs profits towards peace and welfare initiatives.

Finding pride and motivation at work, even during tough times

Negotiating with joint ventures in China and South Korea taught Martin Knoss the value of personal relationships and persistence in business. He is incredibly proud of Team Thailand for building a factory that created 500 jobs, soon to be 700. The team's commitment and camaraderie are outstanding.

When facing challenges, Martin will step back to focus on what endures. There was a time in his career when things weren’t working, and he felt uncomfortable and undervalued. That was the one time he gave up, left the job, and fortunately found a better one within the company. Struggles and setbacks are part of the journey, but it's essential to stand up and keep trying.

Staying current with industry trends is key to success

Over 30+ years in the field, this period seems less about groundbreaking innovations and more about maintaining business stability. However, Martin Knoss is excited about Bosch's potential contributions to global carbon reduction through comprehensive systems, including electric vehicle software, high-quality hydrogen electrolyzers, and heat pumps for renewable energy heating and cooling. While Martin stays informed through internal and external sources, he mainly gain insights from customer discussions and the expert exchanges that follow their questions.

Aligning personal values with Bosch's company values

Martin Knoss is highly team-oriented, which aligns well with Bosch's collaborative culture. Even as a Regional President, Martin focuses on aligning decisions rather than giving orders, embodying a modest, servant leadership style that suits him. When dealing with underperformance, Martin first seek to reassign tasks where colleagues might excel, such as moving someone from external customer interactions to a back-office sales role, before considering layoffs. Ultimately, while performance is crucial, his priority is to find the best fit for each team member.

Solving conflicts or differing opinions among the team

Martin Knoss prioritises openness and 360-degree feedback, gathering opinions from subordinates, superiors, and peers to discuss pros and cons and align on the best path forward. In his current role, Martin first moderate discussions to ensure all ideas are heard, then provide information on corporate strategy, and finally offer advice based on his experience. While applying past solutions to new problems can be risky, Martin carefully consider when to share his insights, knowing that sometimes routine can be beneficial.

Golden advice to our younger generation

"Ask yourself if you enjoy your job; if not, it might be time to consider other options. We all thrive when we pursue what we love and believe in." ~ Martin Knoss, Regional President, Power Solutions ASEAN at Bosch Thailand

In summary, someone like Martin Knoss who has been with a company for over 30 years demonstrates remarkable motivation and focus. Martin long tenure reflects deep commitment and adaptability, consistently aligning with the company's evolving goals and strategies. Martin dedication is evident in his continuous drive to contribute meaningfully, navigate challenges, and embrace change, ensuring sustained impact and relevance within the organisation.

"Success in business comes from the relentless focus on what inspires you and the motivation to see it through."