This is a podcast about entrepreneurs. Given that, our guest today might be a little unexpected. Mirka Wilderer is the archetypal corporate innovator, having spent her career with some of the biggest names in the space. Until last year, she was CEO of De Nora and led the IPO of the Italian company. Under her tenure, De Nora evolved into a force in the water market globally, especially in the US and increasingly in Southeast Asia. She's a model professional and, as you will hear, deeply insightful on the science, management, team, motivation, and strategy. All company builders can learn from her example. 

Please note that at the time of recording, Mirka was still the CEO of De Nora, though she announced her resignation shortly afterwards, and is now the CEO of Bain Capital-backed AqueoUS Vets. Please enjoy my conversation with Mirka Wilderer. 

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For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fundamental-molecule/id1714287205

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On today’s episode of The Fundamental Molecule podcast, Mirka Wilderer, former CEO of De Nora Water Technologies, discusses her career evolution through the water industry. Wilderer offers her insights on topics such as innovation, hiring practices, emerging contaminants like PFAS, and the intersection of science and entrepreneurship. You’ll also hear about Wilderer’s passion for supporting the next generation of leaders, especially women, and fostering diversity in the business world.

Episode Highlights

1. Mirka Wilderer's Career and Influence in Water Technology: Mirka discusses her journey from childhood exposure to water treatment through her parents, to her leadership roles at Siemens and De Nora. Her career trajectory illustrates the evolution of water technology and her influence as a female CEO in this male-dominated field.

2. Innovative Leadership and Diverse Teams: Mirka emphasizes the importance of innovation in leadership, drawing on ideas from adjacent fields, and the value of cognitive diversity in teams. Her approach to team building focuses on varied backgrounds and experiences, aiming to foster innovation and adaptability within the organization.

3. Strategic Decision-Making and Company Growth: We delve into Mirka's strategic insights, particularly in decision-making and prioritizing opportunities that align with the company's core strengths. She highlights the significance of saying 'no' to opportunities that don't align with the company’s strategic goals.

4. Global Market Perspectives and Challenges: Mirka offers insights into different global markets, including Southeast Asia and Europe. She discusses the agility of the Asian market and contrasts it with the regulatory challenges in Europe, particularly in water technology and innovation.

5. Advice for Emerging Leaders: Always be authentic and self-driven, build strong relationships, stay true to your strengths, and continuously strive for personal and professional growth.

Links:

Burton Island Ventures

Mirka Wilderer's LinkedIn Page