References

“When we decided in 2006 to accompany the changes within our organization* with an interval training program, we didn’t realize that we were embarking on an adventure. An adventure that would bring us, as analytical, fact-based, and speed-driven Microsofties, into contact with a completely new world.

We began our collaboration with Frank Kretzschmar under the motto “Anticipatory Thinking and Sustainable Action in Projects,” and at first, we were quite taken aback—there was no rigid agenda, no fixed schedule, no predefined goals—rather, there was a trainer who allowed developments to unfold and left room for an open outcome each day.

Over the 12 months we worked together with Frank Kretzschmar, we learned how to truly engage with one another, to listen to each other, and to accept many valuable insights from Frank’s experience as a trainer in Africa.

Today, our organization has rituals that help us exchange information extremely quickly, analyze complex situations, and jointly develop approaches—we learned this from the wisdom of the Massai, conveyed by Frank Kretzschmar.

But just ask him yourself what Rungus have to do with storytelling, and how the world becomes small in a café… And how Melinda and Bill Gates and the Kenyan James Mwangi fit into the picture.”

Christa Wilhelm
Director, Central Marketing Communications Group

“Swisscontact is the Swiss private sector foundation for development cooperation. Since its founding in 1959, Swisscontact has been active in about 40 countries or regions across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe…

For the last two years, Mr. Frank Kretzschmar has served as our consultant for change management and organizational development for two partners in our microfinance project: Equity Bank (EBS) in Kenya and Akiba Commercial Bank (ACB) in Tanzania.

…Through a series of short change management workshops and interventions over approximately 18 months, Frank succeeded in placing EBS firmly back on a sustainable growth path, positioning it to become one of the most successful microfinance banks in Africa. A similar process has been mapped out for ACB…

Frank is a true master of the art of change management and organizational development. He skillfully applies a wide range of tools in a virtuous and flexible manner to achieve the desired outcomes. He communicates effectively and impresses people through his personality, skills, and deep knowledge of change management…

We can wholeheartedly recommend Frank to all future clients as a consultant who delivers results even in very difficult circumstances—and who may well become a friend, as he has for many individuals at EBS, ACB, and, of course, at Swisscontact.”

Dr. Ralph Engelmann 
Project Manager

“For the period Frank has been with Equity, we have seen and felt his contribution in the entire organization. Frank is very professional in what he does. While we hold him very highly especially in change management, his biggest asset is in planning and organization. Frank is very experienced, exposed and energetic. He takes work seriously and displays a great deal of enthusiasm.

While working with us, it was with ease that Frank assimilated into the teams and often times, staff forgot his role of a consultant as he became one of our own. The speed at which he adapted the culture of Equity and that of Kenya in general is exemplary. He spent long nights passionately preparing staff for the following day’s presentations either to other staff, their managers or the board together with key stakeholders in Equity.

During the first year working with Frank, we managed to maintain our compounded annual growth rate of 70% on Total Assets, Loans, Deposits and Profitability. Staff increased from 354 to 582 and Equity converted from a Building Society into a Commercial Bank. The number of customers increased from 252,000 to 413,000.

We are honored to have worked with Frank and in general Stepwise Management Consultants who now share the pride of a successful conversion.“

James Mwangi,
Chief Executive

“Learning from Africa – Africa meets Kleinwalsertal” was the motto of our leadership conference held from April 7–8, 2006. Our goal was to gain new inspiration to better manage the future. We wanted to awaken the willingness to take unconventional paths to enable successful, values-based growth at Raiffeisenbank Kleinwalsertal AG.

The conception and implementation of the workshop were perfectly tailored to the needs and strategies of our company… You opened up new and different perspectives on the topic of “change management,” which achieved lasting impact through solid, credible, and lived values such as community, respect, and tolerance.”

Dr. Günther Depunt 
Board Member

“For our customers, we strengthen our market power so that we become one of the leading health insurance providers in terms of size, economic efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

About six months ago, the mission and vision created by you and with your support was introduced across Fortisnova. It now seems appropriate to provide feedback… You are someone equipped with comprehensive knowledge and expertise who first helps others recognize their own knowledge and then, through excellent moderation, facilitates the development of binding action plans. Your involvement only ends when you are certain that implementation has begun and that the change processes are on the right track.

…A recently completed multi-month review by the Federal Insurance Office, our supervisory authority, confirmed our process-oriented approach and good results.”

Udo Heiden 
Chairman of the Board

“Due to the tremendous growth in recent years, the company leadership recognized the need for a strategic goal-setting process. This process was supported by Mr. Frank Kretzschmar, Managing Director of the consulting firm Stepwise Management…

Mr. Kretzschmar demonstrated competence, sensitivity, integrity, and professionalism already during individual personal interviews…

As an external consultant, Frank Kretzschmar brought the necessary expertise regarding both coarse and fine design aspects essential for each step of the goal-setting process. Mr. Kretzschmar positioned himself as an exceptionally competent, balanced, and results-oriented process facilitator who enjoyed the full trust of all participants. Thanks to Mr. Kretzschmar’s strong methodological know-how and many years of experience across various industries, the goal-setting process at MCI was successfully advanced and brought to the desired success.”

Dr. Andreas Altmann 
Managing Director

“In a highly concentrated five-day workshop with the key decision-makers of the congregation, it was possible to develop a vision for the church, adopt breathtakingly bold implementation plans for financial recovery, and create viable concepts for a future church structure…

Mr. Kretzschmar from Stepwise Management proved himself in the idea-generation and consensus-building process… as a process facilitator who prepared and structured the work process while appreciating the participants and constantly appealing to their competencies, thus giving space to freedom, spontaneity, and creativity in a climate of kindness. An important factor contributing to the success of the process was Mr. Kretzschmar’s strong identification with the concerns of the church (and parish), as well as his consideration of the limited (financial) resources available.

These two aspects prompted the congregation to commission a follow-up assignment focused on qualifying decision-makers for the implementation phase, which required considerable moderation and problem-solving skills.”

Michael Heering 
Superintendent