About the company
Idea 2 Business (I2B) was founded by Dr. Harry Teifel in 2012 after being employed for more than 20 years in various industries. The vision is clearly embodied in the name "Idea 2 Business" namely to assist others with the successful conversion and realization of innovation in different industries, systems and solution areas.
The company is based in the proximity of Cape Town (South Africa) with an office in the region of Heilbronn (Germany). Most of the work performed for clients is undertaken remotely, with digital platforms being used to facilitate collaborative activities.
About the founder
"How do things work...and how can it be improved?" have been a key feature of the founder's journey. This together with a belief that there is simply too much wastage in our world - and the pursuit of "abundance" through greater efficiency - set Dr. Teifel off on a path of Industrial Engineering, Systems Thinking and multi-aspect Solution Alignment.
Not being able to optimally pursue this passion as an employee in big corporates, he chose instead to opt for "solopreneurship" as a specialized consultant and working with other Subject-Matter experts in solving complex client-specific challenges.
Since establishing i2B life has been very stimulating and interesting - and being blessed in the process to learn from and with 35+ clients in a wide spectrum of industries.
So, what are the key insights gained? To achieve sustainable solutions is most often a function of harmonizing different "forces", perspectives and interests in a systematic - and yet dynamic manner. Applied Systems Thinking is often what makes the difference between success and failure.
In a nutshell: Dr. Teifel is passionate about combining his Systems Thinking insights / techniques with 30 years of experience to find holistic, sustainable and clever solutions.
Education
Period
Institution:
Qualification(s):
Extra information:
1976 - 1987
German School Pretoria (SA)
Matric
1988 - 1992
University of Pretoria (SA)
Bachelor of Industrial Engineering
Best dissertation in 1992: "TQM in Africa - an cultural and practical analysis"
1993 - 1999 (Part-time)
Randse Afrikaanse Universiteit (SA)
1.) Master of Commerce
2.) Doctor of Commerce
Topic: "Competitiveness enhancement measures to support the SA automotive industry"
Employment / Fixed term contracts
Period
Sector:
Role / Focus:
Location:
1993 - 1995
Automotive Tier 1 supplier
Supply Chain Management & Manufacturing
SA
1996 - 1999
Management Consulting
Senior Consultant: Business Transformation
SA
1999 - 2000
Management Consulting
Senior Consultant: E-Commerce
Germany
Period
Sector:
Role / Focus:
Location:
2000 - 2004
Assessment Services
Head of Corporate Strategy and E-business
Germany
2004 - 2011
Commercial Vehicles
Bus/Coach, Aftersales, Marketing & Defense
South Africa
2012 - 2016
Mobility- and Fleet services
Project Mgmt, Telematics, contracting and Sales
South Africa
Recognition / Achievements
1999: Accreditation as an "Professional IBM Consultant" after international Training and a multi-project review process
2001: Nomination as one of the Top 5 E-business projects in Germany for the DEKRA transport platform "DEKRA-net"
2021: Completion of a Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme as part of the Africa Oxford Initiative
Memberships and Guest Lectureship
Since 2022: Member of Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Since 2021: Member of South African Medical Device Professional Group
Guest Lecturer for "Digitalisation through IoT / Sensors" as part of the Introduction to Engineering Management course