This episode explores how robotics and AI are transforming security, with real startup lessons from Marcus Köhnlein. Learn about innovation driven by customer needs, the challenges of scaling in Europe, and practical examples of business impact. Get inspired by honest stories, actionable advice, and unique insights into technology and entrepreneurship.

About the guest

Marcus Köhnlein is currently a Partner at Tactical Management, where they focus on actively managed investments and operational excellence across various innovative sectors. They serve as a Member of the Board of Advisors for the Abrahamic Business Circle and hold the position of Chief Executive Officer at Quarero Marketing and Quarero Robotics, enhancing brand presence and developing advanced security technologies. Additionally, Marcus contributes to academic advancement as a Partner and Member of the Global Expert Board at Paris Metropolitan University and represents Global Humanistic University as an Ambassador. Their past experience includes significant roles such as Head of Digital Business at the UNITED GRINDING Group and Head of Digitalization at Omya. Marcus holds multiple degrees, including a Master of Business Administration from the University of St.Gallen and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Digital Transformation and Innovation Leadership at Paris Metropolitan University.

Relevant links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-koehnlein/

https://quarerorobotics.com/

https://tacticalmanagement.ch/

https://tannenblut.co/en

Key Take-Aways

• Stay close to customers: Talking directly with customers reveals real problems and sparks valuable innovation.
• Scaling is a big challenge: European startups struggle to scale due to funding gaps, even with strong demand.
• Learn from real-world testing: Practical use reveals issues missed in labs, leading to better products and solutions.

Chapters

0:00 - Intro

0:35 - Business Transformation Overview

0:54 - Career Highlights and Current Mission

2:24 - Robotic Security Solutions Explained

4:08 - Innovation Through Customer Collaboration

4:51 - Impact of AI on Robotics

6:42 - Company Overview: Quarero AG

9:00 - Reconnecting Organizations with Customer Needs

10:17 - Challenges in Startup Transition

13:16 - Advice for Struggling Companies

14:56 - Real-World Impact of Robotics

17:08 - Learning from Failures in Innovation

18:43 - Role Models and Daily Innovation

19:35 - Key to Success: Persistence

19:49 - Life Insights and Conclusion

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About the host:

Gregorio Uglioni is a seasoned transformation leader with over 15 years of experience shaping business and digital change, consistently delivering service excellence and measurable impact. As an Associate Partner at Forward, he is recognized for his strategic vision, operational expertise, and ability to drive sustainable growth. A respected keynote speaker and host of the well-known global podcast Business Transformation Pitch with the CX Goalkeeper, Gregorio energizes and inspires organizations worldwide with his customer-centric approach to innovation.

Follow Gregorio Uglioni on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-uglioni/