Ralf Plattfaut

Observer
DISC Type : ci

Professor at University of Duisburg-Essen

Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Overview

Ralf Plattfaut is a Professor for Information Systems and Transformation Management at the University of Duisburg-Essen, where he leads the Process Innovation & Automation Lab. His research focuses on digital transformation, process automation, and the effects of AI on leadership. He previously served as an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company, advising on digitalization.

Beyond his academic and research roles, Ralf is actively involved in regional development. He has served on the advisory board for the "Regionale 2025" program in Südwestfalen, a structural development initiative in North Rhine-Westphalia. He also acts as a keynote speaker and management consultant, bridging academic insights with practical industry challenges.

He has been named one of the strongest German-speaking management researchers under 40 by business magazine WirtschaftsWoche.

Personality Overview

Curious

Assertive

Example Seeker

They often ask many questions and rely heavily on information and documentation.  They are generally strong communicators and are not easy to convince. They can sound friendly and charming but can quickly change gears to become inquisitive and probing.

Topics They Care About

AI and Leadership
He recently co-authored a paper and frequently speaks on how generative AI is recalibrating leadership practices, team dynamics, and the future of work in knowledge-intensive environments.
Digital Transformation
His entire career, from McKinsey to academia, focuses on how organizations can integrate digital technologies to innovate, reshape business processes, and gain a competitive advantage.
Process Automation
As head of the Process Innovation & Automation Lab, he researches and consults on technologies like Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to enhance organizational efficiency.

Media Appearances

Ralf has no verified media appearances

Work History

7-2023
Professor at University of Duisburg-Essen
4-2019 - 7-2023
Professor at Fachhochschule Südwestfalen
2013 - 3-2019
Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company
5-2009 - 6-2013
Research assistant at University of Muenster
9-2008 - 1-2009
Intern/Fellow at Hilti

Education

2004 - 2009
Information Systems from University of Münster
2008 - 2009
Business Process Engineering from Universität Liechtenstein

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 18 Location : Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany Job Level : N/A Designation : Professor at University of Duisburg-Essen
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Insights For Selling To Ralf

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Help them realize that there is no personal risk in making this decision
  • Invite them for a social do but don’t rely solely on the relationship
  • Help them understand the risk aspect fully while inspiring confidence

DONT's

  • Don’t brush off any concerns, take all questions seriously
  • Don’t be too objective but make sure to pad your storytelling with data points
  • Don’t try to rush them into a decision, provide all necessary information first

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Ralf is

  • Clear proof of product value matters to them, followed by others' testimonials and rapport.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Ralf

  • They are practical yet friendly, don’t expect a clear no very often.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Ralf move?

  • They like to analyze well and can take their time to reach any decisions.
  • Can Ralf take some risk or not?

  • They systematically evaluate all decisions and are unlikely to take many risks.

You And Ralf

Personality Compatibility


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