Redefining Mobility with Daniel Müller

In this article, we embark on a journey to explore how technology is reshaping mobility and fostering sustainability. I had the privilege to talk to the headhunter and transformation advisor Daniel Müller from the company Mercuri Urval, who is also a member of the advisory board of the Institute for Mobility at the University of St. Gallen. Daniel's personal journey from car ownership to seamless mobility on demand is a captivating story that highlights the transformative power of technology.

The desire of owning a car

Growing up in the German countryside, public transportation options were scarce for Daniel. With only a few bus connections per day, missing a bus or having to stay longer at school meant long walks back home.

“For me, it was always clear that I would buy a car when I get older to gain the flexibility I lacked during my childhood” – Daniel Peter Paul Müller

Today, Daniel lives in Zurich and has more transportation options than he could ever imagine in his youth. Buses, trains, and trams run on regular schedules, and he can even opt for e-scooters, rent a bike, or summon a car on demand. The abundant choices made him realize that he no longer needed a car, leading him to sell it this year. The convenience of seamless mobility on demand, managed through user-friendly mobile apps, has left him content with his decision.

Technology & seamless mobility on demand

Daniel’s journey serves as a great example of how technology can support a mobility transformation, enabling greener and more sustainable choices. For a holistic mobility transformation, a change in how we use mobility is necessary. Beyond switching from fossil fuel to electric vehicles, the way we utilize mobility plays a crucial role in transforming our current transportation habits. A cultural shift from car ownership to embracing car rides as services is essential. This entails not just the shift from driving the car oneself to occupying the passenger seat but also a broader change in perception. For example, Uber is one of the players that show how this cultural change is done. With autonomous driving cars and taxis like we see it in the USA, such services become even more optimized. Currently, privately owned cars are used for an average of 55 minutes per day. Having this number in mind, one can think of many advantages of mobility on demand, including cost savings and a reduction in the space occupied by individual cars. With today’s technology and on demand services, we have the right tools to bring about this transformation.

Reflecting on his youth and the desire for expanded transportation options, it is clear to Daniel that the holistic mobility transformation and cultural switch must begin by conquering urban regions. The transportation options in cities are already highly developed and diverse. In contrast, rural areas often lack frequent bus connections and have limited access to on-demand mobility services like electric scooters or Uber. At least in Switzerland there is the option of on demand car rental in nearly every town. In case you miss your last bus, you still can use a car. Nevertheless, quick access to on demand e-scooters you find on the pathway is still not possible in rural Switzerland as there are none.

These technology-driven changes also have an impact on businesses. To stay ahead of the curve and embrace the evolving developments, having the right leaders is important. With his many years of extensive experience as headhunter, Daniel knows the essential qualities managers need to ride the wave of change successfully. While the specific requirements may vary by industry, traits like agility, a willingness to adapt, and openness for change are indispensable for leaders in transformative environments. Credibility and authenticity are more crucial than ever as leaders motivate and lead their employees through the transformation process, ensuring the success of their enterprises.

Self-driving cars: The next big thing?

In the next article, we will delve into the specific transformation projects unfolding in the automotive industry. The distinguished researcher, Professor Andreas Herrmann from the Institute for Mobility at the University of St. Gallen, shares his insights on autonomous riding. He gives us a sneak peek into the world of self-driving cars and their advantages over today’s vehicles. Technology4Sustainability is your gateway to gain insights into different areas where technology and sustainability converge to pave the way for a greener future. You don’t want to miss this exciting glimpse into the future!