In this episode of Sharks in the Pool, Pascale interviews Inga Dengel, a seasoned leader with a diverse background in finance, marketing, and general management.

Inga shares her journey from a challenging start in her career to becoming a general manager at PepsiCo, where she led a large team in Greece and Cyprus. The conversation delves into her personal life, including her passion for running, its importance, and the lessons she has learned from parenting. Inga also discusses her new venture, Young Blossom 25.

• Inga emphasizes the importance of building habits through enjoyable activities.
• She reflects on her career evolution from finance to general management.
• Inga shares her experience of feeling out of her comfort zone in new roles.
• She discusses the significance of feedback and personal growth over time.
• Inga highlights the challenges of engaging teams and the need for effective communication.
• She reflects on the impact of motherhood on her personal development.
• Inga discusses the misconceptions about Gen Z and their career aspirations.
• She emphasizes the importance of purpose and guidance for younger generations.
• Inga shares insights on the anxiety faced by Gen Z in decision-making.
• She highlights the need for companies to adapt to the changing workforce dynamics.

What does it take to rise fast, fail hard, and come back stronger than ever?

In this episode of Sharks in the Pool, I speak with Robert “Robby” Sadjak, Managing Partner of Dr. Maier & Partner and Valtus Germany, about his extraordinary journey through global brands, personal failure, and professional reinvention.

Robby’s career spans both triumph and transformation:

✅ Built powerhouse brands at Henkel and PepsiCo, including turning Germany into the #2 global market for Rockstar Energy

✅ Launched and failed his own startup — and came back with sharper focus and stronger values

✅ Now drives leadership impact through two of Germany’s most respected firms in executive search and interim management

🎧 5 powerful takeaways you’ll get from this episode:

🔑 1. The real reasons his startup failed — and what ex-corporate leaders need to unlearn to succeed

Forget the playbook. Robby explains why corporate success can be your biggest blind spot as a founder.

🏁 2. Why interim leadership is booming — and here to stay

With over 15,000 interim executives in Germany, Robby explains how C-level leaders are finding freedom, focus, and control in the interim model.

🧠 3. How to build teams that follow you for life

Leadership isn’t about charisma — it’s about creating safety, clarity, and momentum. Robby shares the method that made his teams loyal for years.

🌍 4. How parenting and global travel shaped his leadership mindset

From Sri Lanka to Japan, Robby reflects on how shared values and cultural curiosity created alignment at home — and in business.

🤖 5. Why AI is already reshaping executive leadership

From sourcing talent to strategic decision-making — Robby shares how he’s actively integrating AI to stay ahead of the curve.

💬 Whether you’re a C-level leader, founder, or in a moment of career change — this conversation will move you, challenge you, and sharpen your thinking.

Bonus episode | The rise of discount in KSA🇸🇦 | An AI episode