With an impressive career that spans over three decades and continents, Dr Mathias Schlichting is the perfect chairman for CLIQ Digital. Born in the picturesque town of Lübeck, he relocated to Hamburg to pursue a law degree. After completing his dissertation at Hamburg University, his thirst for knowledge led him to Durban, South Africa, where he acquired a Master of Laws (LL.M.). Currently, he is a partner at LPJ Bantelmann & Reimann GmbH, a Hamburg-based firm of lawyers and tax accountants. Since 1986, Hamburg has not just been his residence but also the home base for his extensive legal career. Specialising in corporate law, restructuring, and insolvency law, Mathias has made it his mission to resolve conflicts as a certified mediator.
His leadership abilities caught the eye of CLIQ, where he has served as the Chairman of the Supervisory Board since 2013. But his professional engagements do not end there; he also holds supervisory roles in several other companies, including one in the renewable energy sector.
Outside the boardroom, you’re likely to find him sailing the high seas or practising his swing on the golf course. The dedicated family man is married and has a 17-year-old daughter. In this interview, we talk about his experience as a chairman, how he defines success, and his advice for others aspiring to be on a supervisory board.
Hello Mathias! What experiences from your past roles do you find most relevant to your position as chairman?
To maintain effective and concise communication with the Management Board as well as the Supervisory Board colleagues.
How do you define success?
To me, success means achieving set goals in a team-oriented manner and collaboratively building with others. For example, I consider the development and current status of the platform Cliq as a mark of success.
What has been your most significant learning experience during your tenure as chairman?
During my chairmanship, I have learnt that even in more difficult phases, a positive attitude will help you reach your goal – and achieve success.
In your role as the chairman of the supervisory board of CLIQ, what do you consider to be the most interesting part?
The most interesting part to me is the collaboration with a motivated team and the development and launch of products like Cliq into the international market.
What are the main objectives of the supervisory board for the latter half of the year?
To use the previous success to increase it. CLIQ aims to tackle international challenges in a competitive market, further promoting our services and sustaining its economic success.
What was the biggest professional or personal challenge you have overcome so far?
Professional challenges I have overcome so far were to establish a new office of a supra-local law firm as well as founding a company and successfully taking it public (stock exchange). On a personal level, I had to conquer a serious illness.
What makes you truly happy?
I can really enjoy good interpersonal relationships, friends, and creative activities – these things make me truly happy. And, of course, also physical and mental health are very important for happiness.
When was the last time you changed your mind about something important?
Whenever you get new information, you have to change or adjust your attitude, which is based on outdated information. That’s what I try to do on a regular basis.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone aspiring to sit on a supervisory board, what would it be?
A couple of things are very important. For example, first, you should find out more about the company and clarify your role in the company, your tasks and duties. Try to network (e.g. Financial Experts Association), and keep up to date and educate yourself (training and education regarding industry, law, etc.). Moreover, you need to always act independently, objectively and ethically in the best interest of the company and its shareholders. Another piece of advice would be to take advantage of the experience and knowledge of colleagues on the Supervisory Board. Last but not least: Communicate effectively with other board members, the board of directors and shareholders.
And finally, what’s your personal favourite content on www.cliq.de at the moment?
I really enjoy our movies & series category!