MBG Managing Director speaks on leadership, a culture of learning from mistakes and business decisions
How is business success achieved? What role do setbacks play? And what defines good leadership? Andreas W. Herb, founder and managing director of the MBG GROUP, provided answers to these questions to students at Paderborn University on 8 July 2026. As part of Prof. Dr Kirsten Thommes’s ‘Organisational Behaviour’ module, he spoke openly about his career path, his leadership philosophy and the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Back in 1993, Herb – then a trainee banker – founded the Paderborn-based company, which has since developed into the internationally successful MBG GROUP. What once began with the marketing of trendy drinks in the hospitality sector is now one of Germany’s leading companies in beverage marketing and brand development. In addition to distributing established brands, the MBG GROUP also develops its own products – including well-known brands such as Salitos, Effect Energy and Scavi & Ray.
Mistakes are part and parcel of entrepreneurship
The highlight of the visit was an open Q&A session, during which Herb shared personal insights into his day-to-day life as an entrepreneur. He spoke not only about successes, but also about difficult decisions and setbacks. “Success doesn’t just come from luck, but from hard work,” emphasised Herb.
He spoke at length about dealing with mistakes. In his view, the key is not to avoid mistakes entirely, but to take responsibility for them: “I’ve messed things up myself and lost millions. But for me, it’s important to own up to it!” He believes that anyone who covers up mistakes or blames others prevents people and companies from learning from them.
Between clarity and trust: Herb’s understanding of leadership
The topic of leadership also engaged the students. Herb describes his own leadership style as direct and clear: “I address issues very clearly. I do speak with a strong Ruhr Valley Westphalian accent and not in the soft, eloquent manner that some might prefer.”
For him, openness and trust are central components of good leadership. Managers must make decisions, be open to criticism and give employees the freedom to come up with their own ideas. At the same time, Herb encouraged the students to take responsibility, ask questions and not shy away from difficult decisions.
Work-life blending and work culture
Herb’s view of “work-life blending rather than work-life balance” sparked debate. Some students questioned this approach, particularly with regard to social sustainability and healthy working conditions.
Herb argued that choosing the right job is crucial: “You only need work-life balance in jobs you don’t like. During my training, I used to count down the hours until the end of the working day. It’s simply important to find a job you love, one that feels like a hobby.” At the same time, he emphasised that this did not mean having to be available round the clock: “I don’t expect anyone to sit at their laptop 24 hours a day.”
The discussion highlighted different perspectives on entrepreneurship, leadership and work culture, and gave the students the opportunity to contribute their own questions and experiences. In the process, they gained insights into the practical side of an entrepreneur who has been developing companies and brands for more than three decades and was able to share his experiences of growth, decision-making and the challenges of entrepreneurial responsibility.
The event took place in collaboration with garage33, which also facilitated a discussion between Andreas W. Herb and the start-ups in the Maker Space afterwards.
