Jochen Zeitz Quotes

Powerful Jochen Zeitz for Daily Growth

About Jochen Zeitz

Jochen Zeitz, born on July 28, 1960, in Wiesbaden, Germany, is a globally recognized businessman, environmentalist, and art philanthropist. His career trajectory, marked by significant achievements and transformative leadership, has made him a trailblazer in the world of business and beyond. Zeitz's early life was shaped by his father's service in the German Army, which led to numerous relocations across Europe and Africa. This nomadic upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and an adaptable mindset that would serve him well in his future endeavors. Zeitz's professional journey began with a role at Procter & Gamble, where he honed his business skills. In 1987, he joined Puma, initially as Marketing Director for the Asia-Pacific region, and later ascended to the position of CEO in 1993. Under his leadership, Puma underwent a remarkable transformation, becoming a key player in the sports apparel industry. In 2007, Zeitz left Puma to focus on environmental and cultural preservation. He established the Zeitz Foundation, dedicated to supporting projects that promote sustainability and art conservation. Notably, he was instrumental in the creation of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town, South Africa. Throughout his career, Jochen Zeitz has been celebrated for his innovative approach to business, his commitment to sustainability, and his dedication to preserving cultural heritage. His life story is a testament to the power of adaptability, leadership, and a deep-rooted passion for making a positive impact on the world.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Success is not about the destination, it's about who you become along the way."

Jochen Zeitz's quote emphasizes that success isn't solely defined by the achievement of a particular goal or destination; rather, it's about the personal growth and transformation one undergoes throughout the journey. The journey towards success is as important as the end result itself because it shapes our character, skills, and outlook on life. By focusing on self-improvement and learning from challenges encountered along the way, we become more resilient, resourceful, and well-rounded individuals – qualities that are invaluable in both personal and professional life.


"The more you empower people and give them a voice, the better the outcome will be."

This quote by Jochen Zeitz emphasizes the importance of empowerment and giving a voice to people in achieving successful outcomes. When individuals are granted the authority and means to express their ideas, perspectives, and solutions, it fosters creativity, enhances problem-solving abilities, and ultimately leads to better results. The essence of this quote lies in the idea that collaboration, inclusivity, and respect for diverse viewpoints contribute significantly to overall success.


"If you truly believe in something, it doesn’t matter how long it takes to get there."

This quote by Jochen Zeitz underscores the importance of perseverance and faith in one's beliefs. It suggests that if an individual wholeheartedly believes in a cause or goal, they should be prepared to endure any amount of time it takes to achieve it. The message is that the journey toward success may be long, but the unwavering commitment to one's convictions ultimately leads to reaching the desired destination. This mindset fosters resilience and encourages us to pursue our dreams steadfastly, even in the face of obstacles or delays.


"Innovation is about taking calculated risks and having the courage to push boundaries."

Jochen Zeitz's quote emphasizes that innovation involves deliberate decision-making and the boldness to venture beyond established limits. It suggests that true innovation requires a combination of strategic thinking, risk assessment, and a willingness to challenge existing norms or conventions in order to drive progress and foster growth.


"It's important to never forget that every company, every brand, has a social responsibility."

This quote emphasizes the idea that every business or brand should recognize their role in society beyond just making profits. It underscores the need for corporations to contribute positively to the well-being of people, communities, and the environment. Brands have immense influence and power, and utilizing this for social good is essential in today's ethical and responsible business climate.


Some of the greatest stars in the history of football have been under contract with Puma.

- Jochen Zeitz

Some, Been, The History Of, Contract

We should bring in an environmental attitude, and I think luxury should automatically be about sustainability and quality.

- Jochen Zeitz

Think, I Think, Automatically

Being able to dedicate 100 per cent of my time to impacting more businesses without being operational, it just gives me a bigger platform.

- Jochen Zeitz

Bigger, More, Cent, Dedicate

If you look at the state of our planet, the next generations won't be around if we consider sustainability as a gimmick.

- Jochen Zeitz

Next, Generations, Planet, Our Planet

In Africa, you can make three acres sustainable relatively easily, but 50,000 acres? It's not about picking up towels or sleeping in a tent.

- Jochen Zeitz

Tent, Africa, Sustainable, Towels

Look at timber prices in the late '90s, at around $50. If you count the true damage of cutting down forests, the resultant flooding, insurance claims, and so on, then the timber price should have been $100.

- Jochen Zeitz

Insurance, Been, Damage, Claims

We're trying to find a tourism model that allows communities to thrive while business prospers.

- Jochen Zeitz

Business, Trying, Find, Prospers

Governments have a unique opportunity to incentivise corporations so that they can accelerate their evolution to a more sustainable economy through more sustainable practices and products.

- Jochen Zeitz

Through, More, Sustainable, Practices

The old way of doing 'good business' was based on the principle, 'the ends justifies the means.' In the future, good business will invoke 'the means justifying the ends.' The E P&L can already serve as an important tool to help this shift in commerce from generating profits with collateral damages to profits with collateral benefits.

- Jochen Zeitz

Doing, Benefits, Principle, Invoke

Looking at Mount Kenya in the morning is a holistic experience. I go back at least once a year.

- Jochen Zeitz

Go, Year, Least, Mount

I think South Africa has shown it can host such a big event as the World Cup, so why not hold the Olympics at some point in Africa? Maybe not just in one country but in a host of countries.

- Jochen Zeitz

Big, Country, Some, Why Not

When I started at Puma, you had a restaurant that was a Puma restaurant, an Adidas restaurant, a bakery. The town was literally divided. If you were working for the wrong company, you wouldn't be served any food; you couldn't buy anything. So it was kind of an odd experience.

- Jochen Zeitz

Divided, Buy, Had, Bakery

I call upon governments to start supporting companies to use more sustainable materials in their products instead of continuing with antiquated incentives, such as import duties on synthetic materials that are in principle much higher compared with those placed on leather goods regardless of the environmental footprint.

- Jochen Zeitz

Principle, Placed, Import, Supporting

It may sound crazy, but maybe there's an economic way of producing a leather-like product in the laboratory.

- Jochen Zeitz

Product, May, Producing, Economic

For a long time, companies ignored the fact that 80 percent of sporting goods are sold to the casual consumer.

- Jochen Zeitz

Fact, Ignored, Sold, Consumer

I'm trying to go beyond the traditional cliches of an African safari.

- Jochen Zeitz

Trying, Traditional, African, Cliches

Obviously, South Africa is our most important market, but we are also gradually increasing our presence throughout East and West as well as North Africa. It is a continent with a lot of potential which we plan to tap into.

- Jochen Zeitz

Continent, South, North, North Africa

I believe in metaphysics. I don't believe in God because I think that is a human simplification of the things we can't explain. But I believe in a greater universe.

- Jochen Zeitz

Think, Explain, I Think, Metaphysics

I believe in 'business has a force for good.' You know, business has an impact on society. Of course, it creates jobs. It creates prosperity, but on the other hand, we also leave a negative footprint behind.

- Jochen Zeitz

Business, Behind, Other, Footprint

It's shocking to think about how little the travel industry cares about sustainability - and it's the basis of their business!

- Jochen Zeitz

Business, Think, Cares, Shocking

We always try to reinterpret sport in an innovative, fashionable way, and when we do fashion, we're always trying to bring our sports heritage into the fashion world.

- Jochen Zeitz

Sports, Always, Bring, Fashionable

The problem is you can't wear your old shoes too often because people say, 'You're still wearing that shoe?'

- Jochen Zeitz

Old, Wear, Still, Shoe

I can well imagine making acquisitions so long as these are complementary to Puma and move it forward.

- Jochen Zeitz

Making, Move, Imagine, Complementary

If we bring together the right people, communities can flourish and wildlife can survive alongside them.

- Jochen Zeitz

Survive, Flourish, Alongside, Communities

When it came to the discussion about would Harley do an electric bike, I said, 'Absolutely - this is a no-brainer.' Let's define the sound of the future.

- Jochen Zeitz

Sound, Electric, Harley, No-Brainer

In the long term, Greece is an important market for us.

- Jochen Zeitz

Important, Market, Term, Greece

I picked up the phone and called Herbert Hainer, the CEO of Adidas, and said, 'Well, it's Peace Day coming up. I think it's about time after 60 years to end this feud. How about doing something together?'

- Jochen Zeitz

Doing, I Think, About, Herbert

Let's recreate the equivalent of the Met Ball in Europe and, rather than for the museum, give the money to environmental causes.

- Jochen Zeitz

Give, Rather, Equivalent, Recreate

Be curious enough to keep an open mind to what's happening around you in society. You can look at yourself and the world at the same time.

- Jochen Zeitz

Mind, Curious, Same Time, Open

I could have bought a pristine part of Tanzania. But I saw a beautiful mountain, game that could come back, and country that could be rich again.

- Jochen Zeitz

Game, Country, Could, Pristine

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