As part of our "5 Questions for..." series, we talked to Ingo Schmitt about his values, professional and private interests, and the most important lessons he has learned along his career path so far.
In 2017, the Swiss population approved the Energy Strategy 2050. Its goal is to continue to ensure a secure energy supply in Switzerland. In addition to reducing energy consumption, for example by replacing the previous mechanical meters in households with smart meters, the Energy Act promotes renewable energies even more strongly and prohibits the construction of new nuclear power plants.
As specialists with smart metering systems, various companies are supporting the implementation of this bill in practice. For example the Görlitz Switzerland AGwhich advises its customers on all aspects of the Energy Strategy 2050, the full opening of the electricity market and the liberalization of metering.
Managing Director Ingo Schmitt has been with the company for 12 years. After his apprenticeship as an energy system electronics engineer at a German energy supplier, he studied electrical engineering with a focus on energy and began his career at what is now Görlitz AG in Germany. From project engineer to product and key account management, he finally came to Switzerland in 2008 and took over the management of the sales subsidiary of the GÖRLITZ Switzerland AG.
Today, Ingo Schmitt is more of a sales businessman than a technician and ultimately has to generate profits. For this, it is indispensable for him personally to be able to stand behind his company's products and services and offer them with a clear conscience.
Find out more about our "Person of the Month" in the interview and read, among other things, what Ingo Schmitt's best professional advice is and what motto accompanies him in professionally challenging situations.
Mr. Schmitt, if you had taken a different path when you were younger, what would you have become?
"My very first career aspiration was to be a helicopter pilot. However, I would have needed my high school diploma to do that. So I initially decided to train as an energy system electronics technician, which influenced my entire later career."
What would you work for free for a week?
"By definition, work is an activity for pay, isn't it? Of course, I would definitely volunteer for a good cause, for example in my current home community. But I admit that due to my work and my private company as a motorcycle riding training provider, I have not yet scheduled time for such activities."
What was the best professional advice you ever received?
"My former boss once told me never to get upset about things that I can't influence in my position. It was very difficult for me to stick to that. So I had to make sure I got into a position where I could at least change one thing or another.😊"
How do you face setbacks and deal with difficulties?
"Well, setbacks are always unpleasant, but ultimately even negative experiences are experiences nonetheless. I try to have negative experiences only once if possible, even if I don't always succeed. My motto has always been: 'If it were easy, anyone could do it'. I think there is also a bit of salt in the professional difficulties. As long as the positive successes still outweigh the setbacks and difficulties, everything is in balance."
What is especially important to you in your work environment and what is definitely not coming into the office?
"I myself firmly believe that a good team that trusts each other and in which you can trust each other is capable of achieving a great deal. For me, openness and honesty are the most important things in a team, whether at work or in private. We all have our weaknesses, and in a team we have to compensate for each other's weaknesses. People who don't have team spirit and who can't be relied on wouldn't have an easy time with me."
We would like to thank Mr. Schmitt for his contribution to this article. This interview was conducted in writing.
Editor: Neslihan Steiner
Batterman Consulting Basel AG
Executive Search,
Byfangweg 1a, CH-4051 Basel
T +41 58 680 55 55
basel@batterman.ch
