Have same vision & values to avoid clashes in family-businesses: Victorinox CEO, Carl Elsener

Carl Elsener, CEO, Victorinox, talks about the one question every family-led business has on their mind - How can clashes in family-led businesses be avoided?

“The main reason for such clashes is that we live in a world where people look out a little bit too much for themselves. I think to prevent it, you need to have a strong wish to work towards the goal. I worked for 34 years with my father, in the same building, in the same office (in Ibach, Switzerland). I have seven sisters and three brothers. We are 11 children in all and from these, nine of us are in Victorinox. We have different opinions all the time.

"That is normal. Strong discussions are needed to grow. If you have an idea and don’t ask questions, the idea will not become strong and better. But in the end, you need to have the same vision and same values to move forward.”