Personal Insights: Looking back on 10 years of acondas – Interview with Niclas

10 years of acondas – 10 years of team spirit, development, freedom and openness. We asked our employees how they perceive acondas. This time you’ll hear about the experiences of Niclas. He has been part of the acondas team for 5 years now.

I joined acondas as a consultant straight after graduating from college. Over the last five years, I have been involved in many projects throughout Germany in various functions and corporate groups – mainly in the energy and pharmaceutical industries. In addition, I have recently dealt with issues in the context of mobility and retail.

You have certainly experienced many exciting moments at acondas. How did you feel about growing at acondas?

It was always important to me to have an employer where I feel comfortable, where I don’t have to pretend to be something I am not. From the very beginning, I’ve been part of a community where the constant growth of the group and of each individual is a high priority. Meanwhile, as a manager myself, I am a mentor and try to pass on the experience I have gained and reflections on my own actions to my younger colleagues.

What do you think is the reason why you feel so comfortable at acondas?

Because I never have the feeling that something is being put into my head from above. I can express my opinions and ideas freely. Internally, we give a lot of weight to the saying: “The best idea wins.” I also find it very positive that authenticity and openness are valued.

What opportunities have you taken advantage of to further your education?

We have an extensive internal training program that promotes professional, methodological, and personal skill development. This includes, for example, training in project and change management or in moderation and interviewing skills. In addition, you can learn individually in your own areas of interest. Together with your mentor, you define your own personal development plan. For example, I have completed certifications in agile project management (Professional Scrum Master) as well as in process management and process mining.

To what extent have these further training measures also helped you to develop personally?

What is it like for you as a manager with responsibility for other colleagues?

I find it very exciting to guide and motivate people – both internally and in my interactions with customers. Approaching issues together and figuring out how to best solve problems: That’s a recurring dialogue, which I also grow from as a manager.

Can you describe what it’s like as a project manager?

In this role, I am usually the customer’s first point of contact. At the same time, I’m a manager and sparring partner for the acondas project team. It’s important to me to empower my team and the individuals in the processing of tasks – but in particular to create space for independent thinking and action. Eye-to-eye exchange helps facilitate strong collaboration and a goal-orientation: Every project success is always a team effort.

Why consulting?

The thrill of structuring very complex issues together with the customer or with colleagues and resolving them together: That is what always excites me. Of course, my experience over the years helps me to approach topics structurally, methodically and in terms of content. Nevertheless, every project is a challenge.

What topics are you currently working on?

I am working on the conversion of coal-fired power plants to biomass in the course of the coal phase-out, in order to develop an alternative energy concept that supports sustainable energy production. I find that very exciting.

Cool! That sounds really exciting! Thank you very much for the interview!