CEO MONTHLY / Global CEO Excellence Awards 2023 4 Office Supply and Services CEO of the Year 2023: Alexander Oesterle Office Mix offers a full suite of products, including but not limited to traditional office supplies such as stationery, furniture, computer peripherals, and office electronics. However, what differentiates it is a specialisation in office automation systems and integration with the modern digital workplace. Here we learn more from its CEO, Alexander Oesterle. irst, please tell us more about Office Mix. We are a forward-thinking, customer-centric company that focuses on providing an extensive range of office supplies and innovative solutions to businesses of all scales. We understand that a thriving workplace is about more than just supplies; it’s about creating an environment that fosters productivity, creativity, and well-being. With advancements in technology, we’ve recognised a crucial trend towards automation and digital transformation. This has led us to innovate and expand our portfolio to include office automation systems like smart conference room solutions, efficient document and content management systems, and employee comfort solutions. Our clients range from small businesses to German DAX companies, all aiming to create a seamless, productive, and sustainable workspace. Our unique selling point is our holistic approach to office solutions. At Office Mix, we don’t just sell products; we provide complete solutions tailored to each organisation’s unique needs. We make it our business to understand the distinct demands of our clients’ industries and offer personalised, endto-end solutions that drive operational efficiency, employee engagement, and, ultimately, business success. Please talk us through your past experience and how it brought you to your current position. My journey towards becoming the CEO of Office Mix is one marked by diverse experiences and a relentless focus on customer success and experience. In my past roles at SAP and Ernst & Young (EY), I gained valuable exposure to global markets, different industry sectors, and innovative technologies. At SAP, I was responsible for leading one of SAP’s highest premium service offerings, Max Attention. This role imparted to me the importance of ensuring service quality and customer satisfaction. I worked closely with our clients, ensuring they received maximum value from their investment in our services, and that their experiences were always positive. At EY, as a partner responsible for customer experience in the SAP space, I worked extensively on understanding clients’ needs, crafting strategies to improve their experiences, and bridging the gap between technology capabilities and user expectations. This role sharpened my skills in customer relationship management and allowed me to gain insights into the importance of customercentric approaches in driving business growth. My experiences have underscored the importance of cultivating a culture of innovation, adaptability, and customer-centricity. I firmly believe that a company’s culture reflects its leadership, and in my current role, I have strived to instil these values within the Office Mix team. Could you tell us more about your leadership style? As a transformational leader I seek to inspire my team, fostering an atmosphere of change and innovation while prioritising the professional and personal growth of every team member. My executive MBA at Mannheim Business School and ESSEC Paris has played a significant role in shaping this leadership approach. The education there exposed me to a diverse, global perspective and advanced leadership methodologies that have become integral to my management style. At the heart of my leadership style is clear, open communication. I believe it’s crucial for everyone in the organisation to understand our vision and mission and see how their role contributes to these goals. This is achieved by maintaining a constant dialogue about our strategic objectives and celebrating the milestones we reach together as a team. I strive to create an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and risktaking. I believe that the best ideas often come from the ground up, and I ensure that every team member feels empowered to voice their ideas and contribute to our collective success. Another key aspect of my leadership approach is personal growth and development. We have recently had our leadership team undergo a modern leadership program with the TAM Akademie in Germany. This program, known for its focus on developing adaptive, agile, and empathetic leaders, has greatly helped our leadership team evolve their approaches to leadership in line with modern requirements and the DNA of Office Mix. What does your industry currently look like, and how are you working alongside trends to achieve more? One major trend is the increasing shift towards Jun23483 F
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