Life Sciences & Chemicals

What is your main task?

My responsibilities at msg industry advisors are wide-ranging and depend on the nature of the project and the role. I have already worked as a project management office, computer system validator or data steward. My focus is in the area of Commercial Excellence, where I support clients in improving their understanding of their customers and their individual needs. Among other things, I assist with data collection and analysis by developing validation rules and concepts to ensure and increase data quality. I am also involved in marketing and sales topics that help the client to target their customers more effectively.

What are the most important qualities for a successful consultant?

In my opinion, flexibility is one of the most important qualities to have in consulting in order to be prepared for changing projects, activities and customer requirements. Another fundamental quality is the ability to solve problems, as we as consultants are ultimately supposed to support customers in dealing with problems. Self-organisation and a structured way of working are also essential qualities, as it is easy to lose track of things when faced with a multitude of tasks and areas of activity. Other qualities of a successful consultant that should not be neglected are persuasiveness and presentation skills, interpersonal and leadership skills and strategic thinking.

Are you more of a home office or office person?

I'm neither one nor the other completely. I prefer a hybrid form of working, where I spend an average of 1-2 days a week in the office or at the customer's premises and the rest working from home. Since I started my working life during the pandemic, I only know the regular office routine from internships during my studies. However, I only miss this office routine to a certain extent, as it is much less efficient and a lot of time is spent on unproductive activities such as travelling to and from work. However, as I also enjoy interacting with people in person, this aspect should not be missed either.

Why did you choose the Life Science & Chemicals sector?

‘My’ industry came about early on: In my time, it was only the chemical industry that offered dual training programmes consisting of vocational training and studies, so-called ‘Abiturientenausbildungen’. That's why I only applied to chemical companies to start my career. And so I stayed in this sector for many years in line functions in the chemical industry and then switched to consulting, focussing on chemicals and pharmaceuticals. In the meantime, I've got to know so many chemical and pharmaceutical companies, in one role or another, that I can't imagine working in any other sector. And no other industry seems so appealing, so exciting and so varied.

What are the most important qualities for a successful consultant?

Remaining curious, always courageously tackling new tasks and having a good sense of what is currently moving the customer. In fact, the world is moving fast and probably faster and faster, and a consultant is characterised by the fact that they keep up, that they are not afraid of developments, changes and new topics. We can help move things along, help shape them and make innovations realisable. And it is always important not to lose sight of the customer and to try to walk in their shoes - to take them along on the journey. And sometimes perhaps even shift down a gear and realise when they want to make another stopover. In short: be a trailblazer and companion.

Are you more of a home office or office person?

I like being outside. Not just in the office, but especially with customers. I've also realised that I'm much more efficient working from home, get a lot more done and can make better use of my time. But what is very important to me personally is the personal dialogue, the conversation, the human bridge. When I started in consulting, it was still ‘5 days at the customer's premises’. Fortunately, that's different today. But the right balance between constructive work in the home office and the valuable personal exchange in the workshop, in conversation, on site is very welcome to me.

What is your main task?

My main task is project management and the strategic realisation of the goals of our life science customers in the area of Manufacturing and Quality Operations. The most frequent projects relate to the development of production-related IT digitalisation strategies and their implementation, including system implementation and process digitalisation. As a manager, I also have the opportunity to develop my employees individually and thus shape our division and actively contribute to the growth of msg industry advisors.

Which future-driving topics will drive Life Science & Chemicals?

If you look at the current level of digitalisation in the life science industry, you quickly realise that there is still a lot of potential in the production environment. The major pharmaceutical companies therefore have intensive digitalisation visions for the coming years. This is exactly where we come in, to develop and implement IT digitalisation strategies together with our customers. Topics here include fully networked production as Industry 4.0, modern topics such as VR / AR in process handling and mastering the additional ‘single-dose’ production alongside classic ‘batch’ production.

How would you describe your ideal colleague?

He or she should be a cool sock, live and represent their own values and those of msg indsutry advisors and be open and curious about all topics in the life sciences sector. You live the team spirit, are not a team ‘elbow mentality’ and - please - keep your individuality! You should be encouraged in the areas in which you want to develop! If we can talk about espresso / portafilter machines, if you are often seen on a (gravel) bike or if you like to go running, that's the cherry on top.

What are your tasks at msg industry advisors?

I deal with the topic of training in IT projects. Particularly in large IT implementation projects, it is important to define which users actually need which knowledge. This involves developing the right training strategy, setting up the associated training infrastructure and ensuring that all users really do know the new processes and can apply them in the new systems.

What do you value most about the mia culture?

What I particularly appreciate about mia is the collegiality that is practised every day. We always work with and never against each other here. That gives you a huge boost in the various customer projects. We also have a culture of trust. I can organise my work independently to a large extent and always have the support of my colleagues and superiors.

Are you more of a home office or office person?

I think it's all about a healthy mix! That's also something I really appreciate: I have full flexibility here to either work from home or to meet up with colleagues in the many different locations. There are four locations in my neighbourhood alone, which makes everyday life very varied.

What do you value most about the mia culture?

‘The team is the star’ is not just an empty phrase, but a way of working together that is practised every day, where everyone contributes their strengths but doesn't have to hide their weaknesses either. This is our ‘glue’ for cohesion. I don't let my colleagues down when they need me!

What is your favourite memory with mia?

The many great moments with our company motorsport group ‘Health Angels’, where we realised that we are no different than we are at work!

How has your work shaped your life - and vice versa?

I have found ‘mine’ at mia because I am allowed to be who I am - with all my strengths and weaknesses. There were difficult moments in my life when I could rely on my team and was supported in an impressive way that I will never forget.

What is your main task at msg industry advisors?

I am part of the market team and am Engagement Manager for two large key accounts in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry and therefore responsible for the further development of the accounts. The role of Engagement Manager is very important for the further development of these two accounts, as I am the central point of contact for the customer in all matters. My focus is on organisational development in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. It is therefore a perfect fit that we are primarily responsible for defining and setting up the customer organisation at a successful German vaccine manufacturer in the production-related IT environment with our great team and support colleagues as advisors in all key areas.

What are the most important qualities for a successful Consultant?

To be successful, a consultant must earn the trust of their clients. This is because clients only entrust long-term projects to external consultants whom they trust. The ‘trust’ factor is an elementary part of a customer relationship and, together with other aspects, makes the consultant a successful consultant and trusted advisor.

Where will your next holiday take you?

My wife Anja, my son Paul and I love to spend our free time travelling the roads of Europe with our caravan ‘Berni’ and enjoying time in the sun. We will soon be setting off again for the Côte d'Azur and travelling towards the sun. :-)