Five Core Leadership Traits
Dr. Kurr's leadership is anchored in five principles he has refined through decades of managing global teams. Transparency - clear communication that fosters trust, especially in uncertain environments. Respect - conveyed through the quality of every interaction. Empowerment - trusting teams to make decisions with accountability, avoiding micromanagement. Fairness - which he describes as "one of the most important things in life," the foundation on which all else rests. And Vision - providing a North Star and compelling direction that goes beyond strategy.
Scaling Teams Globally
At Boehringer Ingelheim, Dr. Kurr grew his organization tenfold - from a small team to a global operation spanning every market. As one colleague noted: "Michael established Boehringer's service and delivery organisation from scratch. He is admired for his bold vision, incredible focus on people development, and ability to make things happen." This growth was achieved not through top-down mandates, but through empowering local leaders while maintaining a coherent global operating model.
Three Management Rules
Beyond his leadership traits, Dr. Kurr operates by three management rules that he has distilled from his experience. First: avoid assumptions - reality always looks different. Second: practice patience and strategic thinking in corporate environments. Third: stay current and relevant by embracing change proactively. These rules reflect a leader who values intellectual humility, long-term thinking, and the discipline to evolve continuously.