Thinking that shapes transformations.

Books, keynotes, and perspectives from the frontline of corporate transformation.

Energized Transformation

2025 · Campus Verlag

Energized Transformation

Co-authored with Hans-Martin Hellebrand

How do you build a transformation that people actually follow? This book combines FocusFirst's methodology with real-world cases from DAX40 and Global 500 companies to show what energized transformation looks like in practice.

Amazon Bestseller
The Focused AI Captain

2026 · Amazon Bestseller

The Focused AI Captain

By René Esteban

How leaders navigate AI implementation without losing the human element. A practical guide for executives who need to move from AI pilot to AI impact — without the hype.

Further publications

2022Frankfurt School Verlag:"Strategisches Management" (Co-author)
2021Campus:"Corporate Rockstars" (Co-author)
2020Campus:"Do Epic Stuff — Führen nach dem Ende des Change Managements"
2016FocusFirst:"The FocusFirst Strategy" (Co-author)
2015Windsor:"Sie haben das Ziel erreicht"

Selected keynotes for executive audiences.

E.ON Energy Innovation Days

Inspirational Leadership — How to successfully accelerate transformations

2,500 participants

BASF · Internal leadership event

Agile Leaders focus better

300 participants

Merck · Global Life Science leaders

Achieving goals in tough times

400 participants

LANXESS · Internal

Staying focused — in crisis times and beyond

150 participants

WACKER · Internal after-work event

Digital in times of crisis

130 participants

And many more.

We regularly speak at leadership events across industries — from intimate board offsites to large-scale conferences.

As featured in

Handelsblatt logoDer Spiegel logoFrankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung logoManager Magazin logo
Handelsblatt Changement:"No transformation is like the other"
Der Spiegel:"Deutschland einfach zu langsam"
FAZ:"On good leadership"
Manager Magazin:"Inside article on FocusFirst"
Transformation Leaders Podcast Cover

Transformation Leaders — The Podcast

Executives from Merck, E.ON, Microsoft, BASF, Telekom, and other organisations share how they structure and accelerate transformations. Top 30% of all podcasts worldwide on Spotify. Featured in Handelsblatt

Curious whether we're the right fit?

Book a 20-minute intro meeting with René. No pitch deck. Just a conversation about your situation.