German family businesses – the famous Mittelstand – are known for long-term thinking, engineering excellence, and strong customer relationships. But how do these strengths translate into the age of AI?

In this episode of Beyond Core, we dive deep into how AI is reshaping traditional industries and what it takes for established companies to stay competitive.

Our guest, Henrike, founder of venture builder Bridgemaker and co-author of “The Secrets of German Family Businesses”, shares practical insights on:

• Why AI is both a necessity (automation) and an opportunity (new business models)
• How companies can move from efficiency gains to “beyond core” innovation
• Real-world examples: AI-driven market radar, virtual consultants, and automated processes
• The importance of data quality, employee adoption, and speed
• Why long-term vision still matters — but execution must become faster

💡 Key takeaway:

Automation is just the starting point. The real competitive advantage lies in building new, AI-powered products and services.