#15 - "Leadership Can Only Be Learned" - Boyan Neytchev (Managing Director DACH & CEE, Groupe Bel)

What separates good managers from exceptional leaders?

According to Boyan Neytchev, leadership is not an innate talent—it is a continuous learning process.

In this episode of TopShelf – Leadership in Consumer & Retail, Florian Schmitz and Dr. Marcel Hahne speak with Boyan Neytchev, Managing Director DACH & CEE at Groupe Bel, about the experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy.

From receiving uncomfortable 360° feedback early in his career to building a new organisation from scratch in Germany, Boyan shares why leadership starts with self-awareness, why culture is reflected in everyday behaviour rather than corporate values, and why protecting teams from toxic behaviour is one of a leader's most important responsibilities.

The conversation also explores talent, psychological safety, international leadership, executive networking and why asking for help is often a sign of strength rather than weakness.

A thoughtful discussion about leadership that goes beyond management frameworks and focuses on the behavioural choices that determine long-term organisational success.