It remains a difficult feat to gain entry into Extel’s Developed Europe and Emerging EMEA Executive Team Halls of Fame.

The region’s CEOs, CFOs, and IROs must earn more than five #1 rankings in Extel’s annual Executive Team survey. Only two have managed to make it to that rarified air this year—Florian Fuchs of Fraport, the German transport company, and Gregoire Thibault of VINCI, the French concessions and construction company. Both are being recognized for their achievements as IROs where authority, credibility and business and market knowledge is paramount.

Fraport’s Fuchs took the time to speak with Extel about the lessons imparted by his role in investor relations and how that approach has evolved over time: “Early in my career, I focused heavily on finding the right answers,” he said. “Today, I spend more time asking the right questions, listening carefully, and creating clarity in complex situations.”

Read on to learn more about how Fuchs and Fraport are preparing to meet industry challenges; his excitement around the opportunities artificial intelligence will create; and how to stay grounded in times of intense pressure.