Dear Flurina,
In 2023, you started as Innovation Manager in Adnovum’s market unit «Insurance» and later joined «Financial Services» in the same role. For several months now, you have been responsible for identifying and developing new recurring revenue topics in the business unit «Solutions».
What does the job of a «Head of Recurring Revenue Ventures» involve?
Our aim is to develop scalable solutions for our clients. With a SaaS or managed service solution, our clients are always up to date, flexible, and can proactively plan their expenses. Adnovum, in turn, generates recurring revenues. In addition, we are developing new business models. I don't do this alone, but in interdisciplinary teams. We put together a team of experts from different areas and disciplines for each topic or solution.
How do you develop new ideas and solutions?
We always start in the so-called problem space, where we try to understand the pain points and challenges of our clients and the market. In doing so, we rely on a close exchange with clients and our sales managers. As soon as we have an idea or the prototype of a solution, we test it on the market to find out as quickly as possible whether it’s a fit. The rule here is: fail fast, fail cheap.
Do you have a success story that you are particularly proud of?
Yes, as a team we have brought our Managed Cybersecurity Services offering to the market in a relatively short period of time. We have thus shown that a product can be successfully developed and launched quickly with a simple and lean approach.
What do you like about Adnovum?
I particularly appreciate the very open and supportive culture.
At Adnovum, you can really make a difference. This is extremely important for my role as Head of Recurring Revenue Ventures, because I often start from scratch and break new ground with my projects. This is rather unusual in the engineering environment. Nevertheless, I receive a lot of support and the necessary resources.
What do you think makes Adnovum a modern and versatile company?
Clearly the flexible working time model! I work full-time and compete in international endurance riding competitions in my spare time. These are races over distances of 100 km or more. The long training sessions and competition days require a lot of time, which can only be managed thanks to this flexibility.
The international environment also makes Adnovum an attractive company. I work with colleagues from different countries and cultures who have varied job profiles. This is very exciting, because this diversity opens up new perspectives.
How has the workplace changed in terms of equality since you started at Adnovum?
IT is still a male-dominated industry, even though the proportion of women has increased noticeably in recent years. At Adnovum, I have noticed that there are more women in middle management in particular than before, which is a very positive development. Nevertheless, I still see potential: in my opinion, the proportion of women in the leadership team could be higher.
What different strengths do you perceive in women and men in everyday working life?
Women typically show a high level of empathy and are good listeners. They are more aware of mood changes and gestures than men. On the other hand, men tend to be more willing to take risks.
Have you ever experienced discrimination at work as a woman?
Indirectly, yes. However, I find Adnovum to be very inclusive; gender is not an issue here. If necessary, however, I know how to stand up for myself, because I grew up with brothers.
Do you know of any diversity projects running at Adnovum?
I am familiar with the «Lean Learning Sessions» on topics that affect women, as well as «Women Mentoring». In principle, the two programs are open to everyone.
When I was asked whether I would like to take part in Women Mentoring as a mentor, I immediately said yes because this program is very close to my heart. I have been mentoring a young colleague for 7 months now and am looking forward to supporting her on her journey. I also had this kind of support at the beginning of my career. The personal exchange and the new perspectives were incredibly valuable at the time.
Thank you very much, Flurina, it was exciting to see Adnovum from your perspective. We wish you many more inspiring ideas and personal success stories.
