“I want to be a part of the team”

What was the decisive moment that convinced you: “I really want to work for Bauerfeind as the Chief Technical Officer”?

It was meeting Mr. Bauerfeind during the interview: his convictions and his passion, how he built the company, impressed me a lot and I have the greatest respect for him. I want to help advance his company, and I also asked him what’s most important to him.

What did he say?

He said: the people, the region, and the products are important to him. That was the order.

What would you like to do to promote Bauerfeind in this sense?

I want to maintain this successful path and be transparent. That means everyone should know our objectives and what he or she can contribute to the success of the company. And I’d like us to give regular feedback about our performance, our conduct, and our impact on others. This feedback culture is important to me. I’m a process-oriented person. When employees understand the processes, promote them, and implement them successfully, then that fills me with joy. That is something we can only do together: with others and through others. There has to be agreement and community. Not authoritatively, not “because I said so”.

Which task do you look forward to the most in your new position?

Development! I love the subject of development. Everything starts with that. The better we develop, the better we can produce and sell.

What do you respect?

I respect the Bauerfeind culture. Every company is different, has its own values, practices, decision-making processes. Bauerfeind is open, family-oriented, and I want to be a part of that. I want to be part of a team, to be seen as a sparring partner to advance the company.

Where have you had the most intense experience of Bauerfeind and the Bauerfeind culture so far?

During the anniversary celebration! The Bauerfeind heart was really beating there. I was able to congratulate and thank those with anniversaries for their many years of service. A woman spontaneously replied: “My pleasure!” And that was accompanied by so much joy and pride. The whole atmosphere that evening was festive and appreciative, with a real sense of togetherness. I thought that Bauerfeind has really done a good job if such wonderful people have worked there for such a long time. And I’m glad that I’m a part of it now.

What will you focus on in the next few months?

We should only do what we have the resources for. Less is more. I want us to be on schedule with projects we undertake. Our main subjects remain internationalization, digitization, as well as logistics and site expansion. When it comes to a new production site, we’ll soon have to be more specific. The discussions are ongoing but no decision has been made.  We will agree with Mr. Berthan how to prioritize topics. It doesn’t make sense for the Technology Department to do it alone.

What do you do when you have time for yourself?

A little bit of everything but nothing to the extreme: I play tennis, I meet up with friends, I enjoy the silence of nature, or go to parties. But the most important part is being with my family, my husband.

What have you seen of Zeulenroda so far, apart from the Seehotel?

Not much, but I know a lot of furniture stores in and around Zeulenroda. I have now found an apartment and furnished it, even my cat has moved in with me. I’m slowly starting to arrive. I realize that because I meet – and recognize – more and more people even outside Bauerfeind.