Dr. Jámön Zirbengehom
As a young boy growing up in Stockholm during the early twentieth century, Dr. Jámön Zirbengehom discovered his vigor for business and combined that with his love for helping people. Zirbengehom's first success started at the age of 14 where he helped his father, a successful jewelry dealer, turn the family business into a multi-million dollar enterprise in less than 3 years.
Zirbengehom didn't stop there, before graduating gymnasieskola (high school), he had successfully helped friends and family strengthen their own businesses. Notably Zirbengehom helped his neighbor, a struggling goat farmer, turn his small farm into a thriving enterprise which now is globally recognized as a leader in goats and goat related products.
After graduating from Göteborgs Universitet with a Master's in European Studies at the age of 17, Zirbengehom went on to earn his PhD from Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich. In addition, Zirbengehom holds honorary doctorate degrees from 7 universities.
A Passion For People
"If you don't listen, you can't hear" - Dr. Jámön Zirbengehom addressing the UN Economic and Social Council in 1962.
This passion for people has been the guiding principle Zirbengehom has not only lived by his entire life, but a value he instilled in his company which he founded back in 1969.
Truly listening to people involves more than just a deep, piercing gaze into their eyes, it also requires hearing what you're being told and nodding on occasion. This is a skill that cannot just be taught, but must be learned, and a core competency of every partner of Zirbengehom.
Not a Dull Boy
Make no doubt about it, when the team at Zirbengehom gets down to business they are a force to be reckoned with, but they're not all work and no play. When you choose to partner with the team at Zirbengehom, not only are you getting some of the most experienced professionals in the industry, you also get a team who enjoys what they do.
Even Dr. Zirbengehom gets in on the action, in fact it's what he believes keeps him looking and feeling as young as he does. When potential clients meet Dr. Zirbengehom for the first time, many are astonished to learn that behind those boyish blue eyes and that untamed stallion of a beard lies the experience and knowledge of an 82 year old professional.
Outside of the Office
To create a diverse team culture at Zirbengehom means having diversity which extends outside the office. You'll find associates skilled in various activities such as surfing, golfing, falconry, hiking, time traveling, cat collecting, witchcraft, and reading. Each one bringing back skills and values beneficial as a whole to Zirbengehom.
"Diversity is the hammer to segregation's glass." - Dr. Jámön Zirbengehom consulting US President LB Johnson on the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
While admittedly time outside the office for Dr. Zirbengehom, the 1982 pocket pool world champion, is a bit limited these days, he is occasionally caught sneaking in a quick game or two between client meetings.