
We recently had the opportunity to interview Sergio Hicke, Former Cluster President for India, Middle East and Africa. at Alfa Laval. As a transformational leader associated with the organization for nearly three decades now, Sergio offered strategic leadership, drived operational excellence and financial performance of more than 50 nations. With a deep understanding of different cultures and work experience in different regions worldwide, Sergio has a proven track record of global business development.
Alongside being an industry leader, Sergio has also authored a book – The Transformational Executive (available in Amazon), which talks about leadership and offers several lessons reflecting how a leader should be. In this interview, Sergio shares his career path, business challenges, experience of working in different regions, insights from his book, and also offers suggestions for aspiring professionals in the field.
The Beginning
We started the interview by asking, “How did you get started, and what led you to where you are today?”
Sergio Hicke shared, “I was born in Argentina to a family with strong European roots, and from an early age, I was exposed to different cultures and frequent travel. My grandfather and father were both engineers, so I naturally gravitated toward a similar path—studying Industrial Engineering and then completing an MBA. Early in my career, I launched a successful entrepreneurial venture in the textile industry, and commercial cleaning services, which gave me hands-on experience in team building, product development, and forging client relationships.
Over the years, I transitioned into the corporate realm, working across Argentina, Italy, other parts of Europe and Asia, before eventually leading regional clusters—most recently in India, the Middle East and Africa. The combination of entrepreneurial grit and formal leadership roles allowed me to develop a style I now call ‘Transformational Leadership,’ which is as much about harnessing the human spirit as it is about executing business strategies. My journey has also been deeply influenced by my interest in yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, culminating in a ‘spiritual-meets-corporate’ leadership approach that guides everything I do today.”
Role Of Sergio At Alfa Laval
We were interested to learn more about the duties led by Sergio Hicke at his former position. So, we asked, “Can you share more about your role and the business you leaded? What are the core services/products you provided?”
Sergio Hicke replied, “I recently concluded 30 enriching years at Alfa Laval—a multibillion-dollar Swedish-listed company—where I had the privilege of serving as President for South Europe (Italy, Greece, France, Iberia, and North West Africa) and later for the India, Middle East, and Africa Region. Having completed that journey, I’ve now transitioned into a new chapter as a Executive Board Director and shareholder of A.D.A. Capital Group, a private investment fund that focuses primarily on real-estate developments in the USA, Italy, and the UAE.
Beyond real estate investments, I also hold various Board Director roles for organizations seeking strategic direction and governance oversight. In parallel, I share my three decades of experience through Executive Coaching Programs, mentoring senior executives and emerging talents globally. Additionally, I’m a proud and happy author of my first book, ‘The Transformational Executive,’ which encapsulates my philosophy on leadership, conscious business strategies, and the immense value of integrating mindfulness into executive life.”
Encountering Business Challenges
While challenges are an inevitable part of every business, an efficient leader can sustain the business seamlessly amidst such phases. We asked, “What challenges have you faced as a business leader, and how have you overcome them?”
Sergio Hicke mentioned, “One of the biggest challenges has been guiding regional operations through volatile economic landscapes and the rapidly changing business environment—especially in a multicultural setting. Political shifts, currency fluctuations, and talent retention become far more complex when you’re managing multiple countries under one cluster.
To overcome these challenges, I firstly rely heavily on local expertise and hire country managers and engineers who deeply understand local regulations, customs, and business practices. Also, I prioritize agile decision-making by creating smaller, empowered teams that can respond quickly to market changes. And finally, I integrate mindfulness and emotional intelligence into leadership training, ensuring my teams remain resilient, motivated, and empathetic during stressful periods.”
Impact Of AI On Businesses
AI has been transforming businesses across industries. To learn Sergio’s perspective on this aspect, we inquired, “How do you see technology, especially AI, impacting your industry? Are there any innovative practices you’re implementing?”
“AI is reshaping nearly every corner of the business world, is it in the industry in the spiritual journey of for example in real estate as well. One exciting example is how AI-based modeling can drastically reduce the time required to create architectural renderings, allowing architects and developers to iterate designs far more efficiently. AI platforms also enhance our search for target assets, sifting through vast property databases and market analytics to pinpoint investment opportunities more accurately and quickly.
Moreover, hyper automation—the blend of AI with RPA (Robotic Process Automation)—is creating new efficiencies in document processing, compliance checks, and predictive analytics. In my role as a Board Director at A.D.A. Capital Group, and as an advisor to other organizations, I’m continually advocating for the adoption of these advanced technologies while ensuring that governance and risk mitigation remain top priorities. After all, technology offers remarkable benefits, but it must be balanced with robust oversight to safeguard both the integrity of the processes and the trust of stakeholders.” He reflected.
Envisioning The Future
We further asked, “What are your views on the future of the industry you’re associated with?”
Sergio Hicke added, “The global focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship will become paramount. Industries are under increasing pressure to reduce waste, lower carbon footprints, and optimize water usage. This pushes demand for eco-friendly equipment, which are more compact, versatile, and energy-efficient. Also, digital integration including seamless connectivity, remote management, and data-driven optimization are in high demand alongside localized solutions rather than a one-size-fits-all model.
I envision more cross-industry collaboration, Rapid innovation and strategic partnerships will be the norm, as sustainability and technology create new market opportunities and cannot be done alone.”
Message For Aspiring Professionals
Addressing the beginners of Sergio’s field, we asked, “What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs or leaders looking to make an impact in your industry?”
Sergio Hicke shared, “Firstly, embrace continuous learning because our sector evolves constantly, so staying current on technology, regulation, and global trends is crucial. Also, learn to value cultural sensitivity. Whether you’re in the Middle East, Asia, or Europe, local customs and business practices matter. Don’t assume one approach fits all.
Build high-trust teams by focusing on empowering others; a top-down approach is outdated in the current scenario. Moreover, adopt a transformational mindset. Real progress comes when leaders understand that empathy and vision must go hand in hand. Learn to inspire, not just to instruct. And lastly, invest in emotional intelligence, as the success of any project often comes down to how well you understand and motivate people. Technical know-how alone isn’t enough.”
The Art Of Balancing
We were intrigued to learn how Sergio Hicke has managed everything smoothly over these years. So, we asked, “How do you maintain a work-life balance while managing a business?”
“I’ve learned that true balance isn’t about rigid schedules but rather consistently reserving personal time each day. For me, the first two hours of every morning are absolutely phone-free, giving me the space to practice yoga, meditate, or take my dog on a calming walk—completely offline. It’s also the time I write new posts for my blog and respond to readers who’ve been inspired by something I’ve shared.
These early-morning blocks are also how I managed to draft my book, ‘The Transformational Executive,’ while still working full-time. Later in the day, I love staying active in ways that bring me joy—kitesurfing when it’s warm, snowboarding in winter, or playing paddle tennis with friends. Whether I’m writing, moving, or simply enjoying time outdoors, carving out these pockets of intentional, device-free activity helps me return to my professional responsibilities with a fresh mindset and renewed energy.” He added.
More About The Transformational Executive
We wanted to learn more about Sergio’s book and what it has to offer for the readers. So, we ended the interview by asking, “Can you tell us what inspired you to write The Transformational Executive and what we will find inside of it?”
Sergio Hicke responded, “In essence, The Transformational Executive grew out of my personal conviction that leadership can—and should—be both highly effective and profoundly human. Over the last 30 years, I’ve led sizable regional teams for a global corporation, managed major acquisitions, and navigated diverse cultural landscapes. Yet, at the same time, my spiritual journey—highlighted by experiences in Indian ashrams, mindfulness and yoga practice—continuously shaped how I saw ‘success,’ both in business and in life.
I felt there was a deep need to bridge these two worlds—the world of high-stakes strategy and results-driven leadership, and the world of meaningful, conscious living—so that executives and aspiring leaders could enjoy the best of both. Thus, the book is essentially a roadmap showing how ‘outer’ achievements can coexist with ‘inner’ well-being and purposeful action.”
“Inside the pages, readers can expect to find some practical leadership lessons drawn from real-life experiences leading multinational teams, handling complex projects, and delivering impactful results alongside transformative visualization methods that I’ve personally used to clarify goals, inspire creativity, and drive forward in challenging times.
Also, readers will get mindfulness practices and self-awareness exercises that foster a leadership style rooted in compassion and resilience—without sacrificing performance or ambition. Notes on reflections on personal and professional setbacks—and how turning them into teachable moments enriches both one’s career path and sense of fulfillment. And last but not the least, insights from a global perspective—stories from working in different countries and cultures, plus how embracing diversity leads to innovative thinking.
My hope is that The Transformational Executive serves as both a ‘business playbook’ and a ‘life manual,’ offering fresh approaches for anyone wanting to lead with greater consciousness, authenticity, and long-term impact.” Sergio added.
Follow Sergio Hicke on LinkedIn and visit his blog.
Find Alfa Laval on LinkedIn and visit their website https://www.alfalaval.com
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