In Episode 48 of The Incredible Machines podcast, hosts Jon Oliff and Luke Holden are joined by Marc Stöckli, a Swiss entrepreneur, investor, board member, former Global Chairman of Entrepreneurs’ Organization, and author of Make Boards Work.
This episode is a masterclass in leadership, governance, trust, and disciplined thinking. Marc shares lessons from a life that has taken him from growing up in Switzerland, serving as one of the youngest officers in the Swiss Army, and working across Hong Kong, Tokyo, New York, and Switzerland before becoming an entrepreneur and board leader.
Through stories from business, EO, boardrooms, and family life, he explores what it takes to create environments where people can think better, communicate openly, and make stronger decisions. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom for entrepreneurs, executives, and anyone looking to lead with greater intention.
Whether you're building a business, serving on a board, leading a team, or simply seeking better ways to collaborate and grow, this episode offers timeless lessons on stewardship, curiosity, discipline, and trust.
Key Highlights from Marc Stöckli in Episode 48
1. Why Great Boards Create Competitive Advantage
As the author of Make Boards Work, Marc argues that boards should be far more than legal requirements or governance structures. The best boards support as well as challenge leadership teams.
They provide perspective, ask thoughtful questions, and bring valuable experience while maintaining enough distance to see opportunities and risks that operational teams may miss. Marc calls this the "luxury of distance."
2. Why Entrepreneurs Prefer Experience Sharing Over Advice
Entrepreneurs often start businesses because they want the freedom to make their own decisions, which can make direct advice feel restrictive. This is why Marc advocates for experience sharing. By sharing personal experiences rather than giving solutions, people remain curious and open while retaining their own decisions.
This approach encourages learning without judgment and allows entrepreneurs to discover solutions that feel authentic to their own situations. So next time, instead of giving advice, think about this quote below.
3. Building Trust Before You Need It
A recurring theme throughout the episode is trust. Marc describes trust as a bank account and explains it’s something you must intentionally develop.
“You need to deposit trust during the good times, so you have something to draw on when things become difficult.”
He also highlights the importance of both competency-based trust and character-based trust, arguing that the strongest teams invest in both.
4. The Power of Psychological Safety
Marc believes that one of the most important responsibilities of leaders, chairs, and board members is creating psychological safety. Psychological safety allows people to challenge ideas, ask questions, disagree respectfully, and contribute openly without fear of embarrassment or punishment.
According to Marc, some of the greatest failures in business occur when people notice problems but don't feel safe enough to speak up. He encourages leaders to actively create spaces where quieter voices are heard and where diverse perspectives can contribute to better decisions.
Featured Quote
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
~ Winston Churchill, one of Marc Stöckli’s favourite quotes
🛠️ Advertising Campaign Mentioned
Patek Philippe Generations Campaign: Marc chose the iconic Patek Philippe campaign for the way it captures legacy, stewardship and long-term responsibility. The famous line, “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation,” resonated deeply with Marc’s view of leadership, particularly during his time as Global Chairman of Entrepreneurs’ Organization. Rather than focusing on personal legacy, Marc reflects on the idea of stewardship: leaving an organisation in better hands than when you found it. The campaign also stands out for the way it reframes a luxury purchase as something passed down, protected and looked after for future generations.
You can find more information about the campaign here: https://www.patek.com/en/manufacture/inside-patek-philippe/the-generations-campaign
Conclusion
Marc Stöckli's story demonstrates that great leadership isn’t built through authority alone. It’s built through trust, curiosity, discipline, and a willingness to keep learning. His insights challenge leaders to move beyond hierarchy, create psychologically safe environments, build trust intentionally, and approach every conversation with a beginner's mindset.
If you're an entrepreneur building a company, a board member helping guide strategy, or simply someone looking to become a better leader, this episode offers practical lessons that can immediately improve the way you think, communicate, and collaborate.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is Marc Stöckli?
Marc Stöckli is a Swiss entrepreneur, investor, board member, former Global Chairman of Entrepreneurs' Organization, and author of Make Boards Work. He has worked across law, investment banking, consulting, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, and corporate governance.
What is Make Boards Work?
Make Boards Work is Marc Stöckli's book focused on helping private company boards become effective strategic assets rather than simply governance requirements. The book explores trust, boardroom dynamics, leadership, psychological safety, and practical frameworks for better board performance.
What is Psychological Safety?
Psychological safety is the belief that people can speak openly, ask questions, challenge ideas, and admit mistakes without fear of embarrassment or punishment. Marc argues that psychological safety is one of the most important ingredients for effective teams and boards.
What is the Incredible Machines Podcast?
The Incredible Machines Podcast is a thought leadership series produced by Tim Africa, featuring conversations with visionary entrepreneurs, leaders, and change-makers from across the continent.
Where can I listen to the full episode with Marc Stöckli?
You can listen on all major platforms including:
🎧 Spotify
🍎 Apple Podcast
🌐 Tim Africa Podcast Hub
👣 Relevant Links
Marc Stöckli’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-o-stockli/
Make Boards Work Website: https://www.makeboardswork.com/
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