Andreas Schweitzer, the Managing Director and Founder of Artis Trade Invest is a leading light in the trade finance world, with a career spanning over thirty years. His expertise in funds, trade finance, and corporate advisory is unmatched, especially in improving trade strategies for European companies across burgeoning and frontier markets.
Andreas has tirelessly worked to support global SMEs, using his vast knowledge to facilitate complex international trade and offer strategic advice. He is not only an active member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), but he also carries the esteemed title of Elected Honorary Senator of the German Federal Senate for Economy and Technology, showing his significant impact.
Andreas is a Wall Street Journal best-selling author and a member of the Forbes Finance Council. His recent publication, ‘Trade Works: The Trade Finance Investor,’ draws from his vast expertise in trade finance, underscoring his dedication to advancing knowledge in the field.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
Starting my day effectively involves addressing the accumulation of emails and messages from the night before. I dedicate an hour each morning to this task, sorting through the communications to determine which issues need immediate attention and delegating tasks as needed.
To avoid London’s peak traffic, I aim to be in the office by nine. However, the constant battle with distractions, especially social media, challenges my productivity. To manage this, I’ve adopted a schedule for checking social media, WhatsApp, and similar platforms at set times, understanding that not all messages require an instant response.
Additionally, I’ve implemented a firm rule against any phone notifications in the office—no sounds or vibrations—to minimize disruptions. A crucial rule we follow is turning off mobile phones during meetings, ensuring we’re fully focused and not distracted by outside interruptions.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Transforming business ideas into success often starts by spotting opportunities in unexpected setbacks.
Reflecting on a pivotal moment in 2018, we were unexpectedly stripped of our main business, left with just a fraction of our trade activities. It was at this point I saw a hidden chance for growth within the difficulty.
We chose to put our time and resources into nurturing and expanding what remained. Now, we are enabling numerous businesses to thrive by supporting international trade. True to the old saying, success is indeed 10 percent inspiration and 90 percent perspiration.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Most certainly Artificial intelligence (AI). AI is marking a significant shift in industry. It’s important for me to keep up with these trends, even at my age. There’s a common view that someone at 60 with AI knowledge has an advantage over someone at 20 without it.
In our company, I’ve seen that some young people are really into AI, while others think their university degree is enough. But the reality is that AI is essential for everyone. That’s why we make sure to train our staff in AI and also seek training ourselves. It’s not just a trend; it’s a revolution.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I’ve implemented a firm rule against any phone notifications in the office—no sounds or vibrations—to minimize disruptions. A crucial rule we follow is turning off mobile phones during meetings, ensuring we’re fully focused and not distracted by outside interruptions.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Hindsight is such an unfair thing, making us wish we had it earlier. My advice to my younger self is to follow your true passion. In business, just being interested in many things isn’t enough. You need a strong passion to motivate you every morning. Those who lack this passion often quit. So, my suggestion is not to spend time on things that only somewhat interest you. There are many other meaningful pursuits worth dedicating your time to.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you.
I don’t hold extreme political or philosophical beliefs, yet I value the essence of adventure. Embracing adventure sets you on the course where fortune and serendipity can intersect with your path — opportunities that remain elusive if you don’t step out into the open. Indeed, adventure can lead to seemingly absurd acts, such as racing down ice channels. While unnecessary, these experiences inject excitement and vitality into life.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
The one practice I consistently engage in and advocate for everyone is meditation and breathing exercises. Initiated at the age of 30, this discipline has been a constant in my life. In the relentless pace of today’s world, this straightforward yet profound practice offers a way to daily rediscover and connect with your inner self.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When feeling overwhelmed or unfocused, I take five minutes to calm myself down. Being unfocused is often a result of being nervous or stressed. So, it’s essential to cut through the noise and regain concentration.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
My approach has consistently been to work collaboratively with partners, a tactic that has largely resulted in success, save for a few exceptions. The importance of having a team around me has always been paramount, especially now in the trade finance sector, where I’m convinced we have built an exceptionally strong team. The idea of operating solo doesn’t appeal to me; I’m a staunch advocate for the power of collaboration.
Earlier in my career, I amassed invaluable experience by working for two companies across a span of over ten years before deciding to venture out independently. I’ve discovered that exerting effort well above the average in any position naturally leads to career progression.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I’ve had the challenging experience of shutting down two companies. It was an emotionally taxing process. A significant lesson I learned during this period stemmed from engaging with a bankruptcy court for an entire year. Their support was instrumental and facilitated a considerable learning experience for me, teaching me the invaluable lesson of resilience in the face of adversity. This phase marked the steepest learning curve I’ve encountered since my days in school or university.
There’s a notion that with time, one can find humor in difficult situations, though at the moment, it certainly didn’t seem amusing. This difficult journey not only made me stronger but also taught me the importance of adaptability and the power of seeking support during low points. It showed me that even when things are hard, you can still grow from the experience, emphasizing that growth is indeed possible through adversity.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Since I didn’t wake up with a fresh business idea today, the best I can share is our most recent venture, which revolves around trade finance. My enthusiasm for this sector stems from its independence from fluctuations like in the stock market. Regardless of the world’s economic condition, trade persists. It represents a significant opportunity that can be pursued from the comfort of one’s home, provided one has a robust network and sound judgment. My inclination is decidedly in favor of trade.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
We don’t depend solely on a single software application; instead, our operations utilize an extensive suite covering all aspects of our business operations. Our approach is to employ cutting-edge tools, incorporating AI-based solutions among them, though their effectiveness can vary.
What is the best $100 you recently spent?
I spent it on buying kilos of books for my grandchildren from a second-hand shop, which brought them immense joy and satisfaction.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast from which you’ve received much value?
I seldom delve into business books, given the plethora of insightful articles available from sources such as McKinsey Quarterly and the Financial Times. Podcasts also aren’t a significant part of my media consumption.
Nevertheless, the endeavor of authoring a book was a remarkable journey for me. It necessitated a deep self-reflection and critical assessment of my writing, which saw countless revisions. This rigorous process greatly expanded my understanding and outlook on business.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I possess a deep-seated passion for spy movies, especially those in German, as it’s my mother tongue. Often, I find myself watching these films on YouTube, where they serve as a source of exhilarating entertainment for me.
Key learnings:
- Prioritize and delegate tasks to enhance productivity.
- Value collaboration and teamwork for greater success.
- Embrace resilience and adaptability for overcoming professional setbacks or business failures.
- Keep up with industry trends such as AI.
- Incorporate meditation and breathing exercises into your daily routine to maintain focus and manage stress effectively.