He could have become a sports teacher. Or a politician. Or perhaps a footballer? Instead, our interviewee of the month decided to take the path via the bank into the fiduciary sector - and found his true calling there.
When Michael Herrmann talks about success, one word comes up particularly often: team. For him, one thing is clear - whether in sport, politics or work: the best results are achieved together. And perhaps it is precisely this attitude that sets him apart. Early on, in his early 20s, he set up his own business, built up a financial planning and asset management company with a partner - and sold his shares 15 years later. What remained was his interest in people, advice and impact. This is how he found his new home in the fiduciary sector - as a bridge builder between professionalism and humanity.
Today, as a partner and member of the management board, Michael Herrmann shapes the development of the Duttweiler Treuhand AG actively involved. Based in Liestal, Duttweiler Treuhand AG has been guiding its clients since 1975 not only through figures, but also through complex life situations: from start-ups to growth and succession. Michael Herrmann is someone who understands numbers and sees people. Especially in financial and estate planning, where emotions, uncertainty and complex legal issues come together, you need clarity, experience - and someone who is a good listener. He knows these situations and handles them with the necessary sensitivity. "Some people are simply overwhelmed - our job is to provide understandable, reliable answers."
The path to this point was characterized by many decisions - and by dreams that made way for new opportunities. Politics also appealed to him. His passion for voluntary work remains with him to this day. Michael Herrmann learned early on that you don't have to follow every original plan in order to find the right thing. Anyone who meets him quickly senses that this is someone who combines discipline with ease, ambition with a down-to-earth attitude. Someone who would rather climb to the summit together than enjoy the view alone.
Together with his business partners and employees, Michael Herrmann pursues a clear goal: close to the customer and with uncompromising quality standards. The Duttweiler Treuhand AG has a broad and deep range of expertise: from employment law and tax advice to succession planning, the team of almost 30 people covers a diverse range of topics. But it's not just the technical aspects that are decisive for him - it's the attitude. It's about trust, openness - and working together to create solutions that are sustainable in the long term.
"Not everyone suits us - and we don't suit everyone. But if it fits, we can develop something strong together."
Michael Herrmann
Corporate culture plays a central role in this. In the Duttweiler Treuhand AG value is placed on exchange, further development and a healthy error culture. The focus is not on the company itself, but on people - on both sides of the table.
In this interview, Michael Herrmann talks about turning points, about what remains when plans change - and why success is not a goal, but a shared movement.
Mr. Hermann, if you had taken a different path when you were younger, what would you have become?
"As a child and teenager, everything revolved around football - my big dream was to become a professional. I didn't make it to the top, but I was still able to achieve some of my goals. I was also very interested in becoming a sports teacher. In the end, however, I found my dream apprenticeship on the bench. In the meantime, I was also on the verge of expanding my political involvement several times. Today, I run a successful fiduciary company together with my business partners - and that fills me with great joy."
What is your favorite way to start your day?
"I like to start the day with a few sports exercises - it gives me energy and clarity. I also listen to my favorite podcast every day. Afterwards, my wife and I treat ourselves to our first espresso in peace and quiet - a little ritual that I really appreciate."
What does success mean to you personally?
"I would describe myself as ambitious in many areas - but you can only achieve real success as part of a team. That's what motivates me in particular. There's something really nice about setting goals together and then achieving them together - whether at work, in sport or in voluntary work."
What would you work for free for a week?
"I'm interested in so many things - and I've done a lot of voluntary work all my life. I find that very enriching. This has led to many wonderful encounters and valuable relationships."
What was the best professional advice you ever received?
"Get up once more than you fall down - that's probably the best advice I've ever received. Life is not a straight line upwards. Defeats ground you and help you learn from them. The biggest mistakes often happen in (too) good times - you should never forget that. Looking back, however, I can say that life has been good to me so far."
We would like to thank Mr. Hermann for his contribution to this article.
This interview was conducted orally.
Batterman Consulting Basel AG
Executive Search,
Byfangweg 1a, CH-4051 Basel
T +41 58 680 55 55
basel@batterman.ch
