The travel industry is transforming—new markets are emerging; traveler expectations are shifting, and technology is redefining how we plan and experience journeys.

In this episode, we sit down with Katrin Koenig, Chief Commercial Officer at Delta Vacations, a Delta Air Lines company, to explore how her team is leading the way toward a more connected, tech-driven future.

Katrin is responsible for delivering an omni-channel approach to revenue management, connecting Travel Advisors and consumer-direct channels to create seamless experiences.

With a career that began at Lufthansa German Airlines in consumer market research, Katrin brings a unique perspective on strategy, analytics, and global growth.

But this conversation goes beyond traditional travel trends. We’ll discuss how AI is shaping a near- utopian vision of travel, where personalization, predictive insights, and frictionless planning redefine what it means to explore the world.

We’ll dive into:

✅ How Delta Vacations is tapping into emerging markets and adapting to new travel trends

✅ Why omni-channel strategies are critical for today’s travelers

✅ Leadership insights from Katrin’s international career journey

✅ Her personal travel style as a Europe enthusiast, Germany native, and bucket list explorer

If you want to understand where the travel industry is headed—and how AI-driven innovation is creating a traveler’s utopia—this episode is packed with insights, you won’t want to miss.

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New episodes will drop monthly on the most popular podcast channels as well as a full video recording on YouTube.

Show Notes:

- Delta Vacations - Website: https://www.delta.com/us/en/delta-vacations/about-us

- Delta Vacations- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/delta-vacations

- Katrin Koenig – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrin-koenig/

In this episode of Westbound, we’re joined by Dietmar Exler, Chief Operating Officer of AMB Sports & Entertainment, for an inspiring conversation that bridges the worlds of automotive innovation and live entertainment.

Dietmar walks us through his impressive career trajectory—from his early days at DaimlerChrysler, to leading Mercedes-Benz North America as CEO, and ultimately making a bold transition into the sports and entertainment industry. Now working alongside Arthur Blank, he helps steer the vision behind one of the most forward-thinking venues in the world.

We go behind the scenes of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United FC, and host to some of the biggest concerts on the planet. Dietmar shares exclusive insights into stadium operations, sustainability efforts, and preparations for hosting the FIFA World Cup.

Whether you're passionate about business, leadership, sports, or live events, this episode offers a rare look at how one man’s journey connects global brands, unforgettable fan experiences, and the future of entertainment.

#Podcast #Westbound #Westboundpodcast #internationalrecruitment #executivesearch #professionalrecruitment #OERTZENGroup #ABMSportsEntertainment #DietmarExler

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Stay tuned for more podcast episodes here: https://westbound-podcast.castos.com/

Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@westboundpodcast

If you are enjoying the podcast, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review!

New episodes will drop monthly on the most popular podcast channels as well as a full video recording on YouTube.

Show Notes:

• AMB Sports & Entertainment - Website: https://blankfamilyofbusinesses.com/
• AMB Sports & Entertainment - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amb-sports-entertainment/
• Dietmar Exler – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dietmar-exler-4a8ab910/

OUT NOW - We couldn’t be more thrilled to bring you the 6

In this episode, Matthias Oertzen is joined by Michael Ansorge of OCULUS Surgical, Inc., a global leader in ophthalmic diagnostic and surgical equipment. With a strong commitment to advancing eye care technology, OCULUS is at the forefront of vitreoretinal surgery innovations, helping medical professionals around the world improve patient outcomes.

Michael gives us a behind-the-scenes look at OCULUS Surgical’s new state-of-the-art facility in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and shares how the company is thriving by keeping production in-house—a bold move that allows them to stay agile, responsive, and deeply connected to their customers.

We explore how OCULUS empowers its sales teams as the eyes, ears, and mouth of the organization—gathering insights directly from the field and channeling them to engineers to drive meaningful innovation. At OCULUS, listening to clients isn’t just a value—it’s a strategy.

And of course, Michael brings a candid perspective on the cultural nuances of doing business in the U.S. as a German company— “Germans always think they know the U.S.”—offering both humor and wisdom on navigating international markets.

This episode is packed with insights on leadership, innovation, and the power of staying close to your customers. Don’t miss it!

#Podcast #Westbound #Westboundpodcast #internationalrecruitment #executivesearch #professionalrecruitment #OERTZENGroup #OCULUSSURGICAL #MichaelAnsorge #vitreoretinalsurgery #ophthalmic

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Stay tuned for more podcast episodes here: https://westbound-podcast.castos.com/

Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@westboundpodcast

If you are enjoying the podcast, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review!

New episodes will drop monthly on the most popular podcast channels as well as a full video recording on YouTube.

Show Notes:

• Oculus Surgical Inc. - Website: http://www.oculussurgical.com
• Oculus Surgical Inc. - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oculus-surgical-inc-/about/
• OCULUS Optikgeräte GmbH – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/OculusGermany
• Michael Ansorge – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelansorge/

We are thrilled to share the 14th episode of the Westbound Podcast!

In this episode, @Matthias Oertzen dives into the world of Transaction Services and M&A with CPA, Wirtschaftsprüfer, and Steuerberater @Frank Breitenfeldt. Together, they explore the complexities of financial due diligence, a critical step in any M&A Transaction. The discussion sheds light on how German and other European companies typically approach due diligence projects in the U.S. and how cultural and regulatory differences impact negotiation and project success. With over 20 years of expertise in the transatlantic business landscape, Frank Breitenfeldt, Rödl & Partner USA, is your trusted partner for navigating these challenges. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the trends shaping European—particularly German—companies' growing interest in acquiring North American businesses.

Don’t miss this in-depth conversation! Some of the Episode’s topics include:

Frank Breitenfeldt's personal journey and challenges

Financial Due Diligence

M&A

U.S. – German business trends

✅ “Call Frank before you sign a LOI”

#Podcast #Westbound #Westboundpodcast #internationalrecruitment #executivesearch #professionalrecruitment #OERTZENGroup #FrankBreitenfeldt #Rödl&PartnerUSA #DueDiligence #TransactionServices

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Stay tuned for more podcast episodes here: https://westbound-podcast.castos.com/

Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@westboundpodcast

If you are enjoying the podcast, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! New episodes will drop monthly on the most popular podcast channels as well as a full video recording on YouTube.

Show Notes: Rödl & Partner

- Website: https://www.roedl.us/ Rödl & Partner

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roedlandpartnerusa/ Rödl & Partner

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RoedlundPartner Frank Breitenfeldt

– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-breitenfeldt-27a3733

We are thrilled to share the 13th episode of the Westbound Podcast! !

In this special episode, @MatthiasOertzen dives into the world of U.S. market entry and empowering German- speaking businesses to succeed in the U.S. with industry expert @Matthias Koehler. This episode is packed with insights about how to navigate the complexities of the U.S. market and achieve your business goals.

Learn about the challenges and opportunities that await German-speaking companies and individuals. With over two decades of experience in the transatlantic business landscape, @KOEHLER Transatlantic is your trusted partner for transatlantic business results.

Join us for an in-depth discussion about your U.S. market goals, discovering the strategies and insights that will propel your business forward. Some of the Episode’s topics include:

Matthias Koehler's personal journey and challenges

Why should your company enter the U.S. market now?

Why adopting a start-up mentality?

“Made in Germany”

✅ Understanding the Cultural Differences

#Podcast #Westbound #Westboundpodcast #internationalrecruitment #executivesearch #professionalrecruitment #OERTZENGroup #MatthiasKoehler #KOEHLERTransatlantic #BusinessResults #USMarketEntry

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Stay tuned for more podcast episodes here: https://westbound-podcast.castos.com/

Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@westboundpodcast

If you are enjoying the podcast, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review!

New episodes will drop monthly on the most popular podcast channels as well as a full video recording on YouTube.

Show Notes:

KOEHLER Transatlantic, Website: https://koehler-transatlantic.com/ KOEHLER Transatlantic,

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/koehler-transatlantic-gmbh/ KOEHLER Transatlantic,

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/koehlertransatlantic KOEHLER Transatlantic,

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koehlertransatlantic/

We are thrilled to share the 12th episode of the Westbound Podcast!

In this special episode, @Matthias Oertzen dives into the world of Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) with industry experts @Michael Breen and @Robert Haag. This episode is packed with insights about Insperity, a leading PEO firm, and why companies should consider partnering with one.

Insperity was founded in 1986, has grown to over 90 offices throughout the U.S., and has more than 4,000 corporate employees. Michael and Robert serve as Business Performance Advisors at Insperity.

Join us for an in-depth discussion that uncovers the many facets and benefits of PEOs, helping you understand how they can help you grow your business in the U.S.

Some of the Episode’s topics include:

Insperity's Journey: Learn about the founding and growth of Insperity.

Understanding PEOs: What is a PEO and why do you need one?

Steps for Startups: Essential steps to take as a Startup or when launching a subsidiary in the U.S.

Benefits of Using a PEO: Discover the advantages of a PEO, including healthcare systems, buying power and pricing, software solutions, individual plans, payroll, 401K plans, risk management, long-term and short-term disability packages, handbooks, W2s, and much more.

✅ Employment Practices: Exploring recruitment, termination, and at-will employment.

#Podcast #Westbound #Westboundpodcast #internationalrecruitment #executivesearch #professionalrecruitment #OERTZENGroup #RobertHaag #MikeBreen #Insperity

Sign up for our new Westbound Podcast Newsletter here: https://share.hsforms.com/17KfE38axSU6lgZmZiVzY4w8nkmq

Stay tuned for more podcast episodes here: https://westbound-podcast.castos.com/

Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@westboundpodcast

If you are enjoying the podcast, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review!

New episodes will drop monthly on the most popular podcast channels as well as a full video recording on YouTube.

Show Notes:

Insperity, Website: https://www.insperity.com/

Insperity, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insperity/

Insperity, YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@insperity

Insperity, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Insperity/

Insperity, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insperity/

Insperity, Twitter: https://x.com/insperity

We are thrilled to share the 11th episode of the Westbound Podcast!

Join us as our host @Matthias Oertzen presents our German guest, Tobias Sternbeck, the CEO of @BeaverPaper Group.

Tobias, a Berlin native, has a rich background having lived and worked in Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Singapore, and the United States. He has devoted his career to the printing industry, specializing in fabric and UV printing solutions.

Beaver Paper, part of Koehler Group, is a global leader in sublimation paper, tissue, and graphic fabrics for digital printing, with 40 years of experience.

Come along as we delve into Beaver's history and products, along with Tobias's remarkable journey in the textile industry across multiple countries.

Some of the Episode’s topics include:

• Beaver Paper | Company history, and product niches: Discover the link between the fashion industry and the Beaver Group!
• Beaver PAPER, despite its name, specializes in sublimation paper, which is crucial for large-scale fabric printing using dye-sublimation technology.
• Navigating cultural differences: Gain insights into the work culture and environment of the United States, and the differences to Germany and other continents.
• Textile Industry Trends: From the Impact of the Corona Pandemic and Shifts in Consumer Behavior to Digitalization Trends.
• Relocating to a new country: Adapting to new cultures and gaining a deeper understanding of the places.

Sign up for our new Westbound Podcast Newsletter here: https://share.hsforms.com/17KfE38axSU6lgZmZiVzY4w8nkmq Stay tuned for more podcast episodes here: https://westbound-podcast.castos.com/ Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@westboundpodcast

If you are enjoying the podcast, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! New episodes will drop monthly on the most popular podcast channels as well as a full video recording on YouTube. Show Notes:

• Beaver Paper, Website: https://www.beaverpaper.com/
• Beaver Paper, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beaver-paper-and-graphic-media-inc-/
• Beaver Paper, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beaverpapergroup/
• Beaver Paper, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeaverPaperDyeSub
• Beaver Paper, Twitter: https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FBeaver_Paper
• Beaver Paper, YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCW6kDXgtYRjGSEDOEn8a4w

00:00 – Intro 02:00 – Guest introduction – Tobias Sternbeck

08:00 – Company introduction - Beaver Paper

12:42 – Company history and Products - Beaver Paper

17:35 – Fabric technologies - Beaver Paper

19:57 – Navigating cultural differences (the U.S., Europe, and Asia)

24:30 – Flat hierarchical structures: U.S. vs. Europe

26:09 - Textile Industry Trends (Digitalization & Sustainability)

32:32 – Subsidiary vs. Parent Company: Challenges & Differences

35:12 – Relocating to the U.S. 41:42 – Product Niches | Beaver Paper

46:20 – German/Korean Food channel – K1tchenstory

47:35 - Digital Presence – Beaver Paper