Michael Käfer on what makes a good host - at ECEC2022

This episode of the show is an extended version of an interview recorded for the European Compliance and Ethics Community 2022 Conference, a virtual event broadcast from Munich, Germany.

The idea was to bring some local flavour to Europe’s largest Compliance and Ethics event. Since the conference was held in October in Munich, we decided we’d speak to someone who is a prominent figure involved with Oktoberfest.

Michael Käfer is the host of one of the most well-known and popular tents at the fest. If you’ve seen photographs of celebrities at the Oktoberfest, chances are they’ll have been at Käfer. He’s also the owner of one of Munich’s most exclusive restaurants — where we recorded the episode — a chain of delicatessens and an events catering business. He’s a Munich celebrity with some fascinating tales to tell.

During his lifetime, Michael has played host to countless celebrities, set up a nightclub and run a highly successful business. Of particular interest to us, from a Human Risk perspective, Michael is running a business in a highly regulated industry, where he has to manage strict safety regulations and high standards. At the same time, he needs his staff to show flair and creativity in the kitchen and be incredibly engaging and human in providing exceptional service in his business.

In our discussion, we look at Michael’s business and what drives him as a business leader. I ask him how he manages Compliance and innovation while respecting tradition and why vegetarianism is akin to digitisation in his business. Michael also provides fascinating insights about how he runs one of Munich’s iconic brands. For more on the Käfer vegetarian restaurant, visit: https://www.feinkost-kaefer.de/greenbeetle

Michael’s surname, the name of his business, Käfer, also means beetle and ladybird (ladybug for American listeners), which is why the company uses a ladybird as an instantly recognisable icon. For more not this see here: https://www.feinkost-kaefer.de/geschirr-accessoires/kaefer-klassik/

In our conversation, Michael explains how it came about and how chance led to his family being granted a coveted permit to run an Oktoberfest tent. You can see more about this here: https://www.feinkost-kaefer.de/oktoberfest.

We also explore his passion for Bayern Munich football club, what he loves about the city and his recommendations for anyone visiting. You will hear wonderful stories, fascinating business insights and valuable compliance lessons with a uniquely Bavarian flavour.

My huge thanks to EQS Group, the organisers of ECEC2022, for making the interview happen and inviting me to do it as part of the conference. You can find out more about their innovative products for Compliance, Investor Relations and Whistleblowing here: https://www.eqs.com/en-gb/.

To learn more about the European Ethics & Compliance Community and pre-register for the 2023 event, visit: https://www.ecec-community.com/.

The video of my interview with Michael will be available here: https://www.ecec-community.com/session/human-risk.

For more about Käfer, visit https://www.feinkost-kaefer.de/.

To see Michael’s book Der Geliehene Freund (the borrowed friend): https://www.edelbooks.com/book/der-geliehene-freund-hardcover-978384198179/