EEC 097 Leadership as Director General of CERN

Dr. Katrina Burrus interviews the prior Director General at CERN Mr. Heuer on, "Have you ever questioned the nature of existence? Have you wondered how it all started and what secrets the Universe holds? For most of us, these matters are beyond our comprehension and yet these are questions scientists at CERN are exploring.  CERN is the world’s leading research body for particle physics. Some questions asked by the Director General of CERN, Dr. Rolf-Dieter Heuer, is what does he attribute his successful leadership to?"

“Nobody knows everything, so you have to listen to the experts but the experts don’t all agree so you need to make a synthesis and take responsibility if it goes wrong,” says Dr. Heuer.

“What do you need like competencies to gather funds in an economic downturn?” host, Dr. Katrina Burrus asks as his role at CERN shifted from physicist to diplomat.

What is the predominant culture at CERN? What is the advice you give to CERN for the next 25 years? What leadership competencies does CERN need in the future?

“Take the advice of people you trust but make your own opinion and take responsibility if it goes wrong,” continues Dr. Heuer.