My motto is “walk the talk”: doing what I commit to. I look for concrete, quick and easy-to-implement solutions – ideally digital – rather than chasing perfection at all costs. I firmly believe in listening to and empowering people. I often use metaphors to translate complexity into a shared vision. At Trocellen since 2008, my goal is to connect data, technology and people to drive strategic change.

Tell us how long you have been working for the company and which position you started in.

I have been part of the Trocellen family since 2008. I joined the company about 18 years ago as a Footwear Application Engineer. From day one, I have approached every challenge with a pragmatic mindset: when a problem arises, I like to fix it once and for all, with a strong preference for automation and digitalisation.

What is your educational and academic background?

I have a background in Management Engineering, but I consider myself a lifelong learner. I enjoy staying informed and learning new things – not only about technology and Data Science (I officially became a Data Scientist in 2025), but also about economics, history and leadership dynamics.

How did you progress within the company?

I believe I earned the company’s trust through my daily work, driven by commitment, helpfulness and a solution-oriented mindset. My continuous drive to digitalise and improve the processes I work with (e.g. MAD, dashboards …), the products I have created and patented – including the world’s first polyethylene tatami for judo – and my strong need to work in and for the team have certainly been important assets for Trocellen.

What are your main tasks and responsibilities today?

Today, I lead the Footwear & Tatami Business Unit, managing the growth strategy for this business line and coordinating the sales team. My role is twofold: on the one hand, I develop B2B and B2C solutions in close cooperation with partners and customers; on the other, I use Data Science to analyse complex data, extract meaningful stories and support the company’s strategic decisions. In my day-to-day management, I always try to communicate my vision through metaphors and quotations so that everyone can understand it more easily.

You have been working here for about 18 years. Why do you still enjoy being here?

After 18 years, Trocellen still challenges and excites me because it gives me the space to innovate and the freedom to create solutions that make a real impact. But the truth is that what fulfils me most is doing things that make the people around me happy: the respect and positive feedback from my team and colleagues are my greatest reward and recognition. I firmly believe in kind leadership and active listening.

Could you tell us a little about your private life or hobbies so that we can get to know you better? How do you balance work and private life?

My passion for team spirit also extends into my private life: I love team sports, especially basketball. In my free time, I put my skills to use as a board member of a basketball association. This active involvement in sport helps me switch off and recharge for work.

What would you advise new colleagues who want to build a similarly successful career at Trocellen?

My advice can be summarised in two points. First, “walk the talk”: do not stop at theory – get your hands dirty, test solutions yourself and focus on practical implementation rather than absolute perfection. Second, invest in human relationships: listen to your colleagues, value the people you work with and always try to simplify complexity. Success is never a solo achievement; it is a team sport.