#MeetTheTeam — Our new Associate Partners Christina Mayer and Axel Kalisch

#MeetTheTeam — Our new Associate Partners Christina Mayer and Axel Kalisch 

As part of our #MeetTheTeam series, we are introducing our new Associate Partners Christina Mayer (CM) and Axel Kalisch (AK) today. In the following interview, they share insights into their work and career paths at Bridgemaker, their leadership philosophy, and valuable career tips.

What do you enjoy most about your work at B-M?

AK: The variety! Even if the overarching goal is always value creation or enhancement, each project brings its own challenges. Additionally, there are the different people from various industries with whom one collaborates.

CM: I completely agree with Axel. Besides the varied topics we can work on, I am excited about exchanging ideas with family business owners, owners, C-level executives, and strategy departments of our corporate partners, and the fact that I always learn something new from my colleagues. 

What does your team particularly appreciate about you?

AK: To put it diplomatically: Probably my honesty and directness. With me, you always know where you stand.

CM: I once asked my team, and the feedback was: expertise and methodological competence, clear communication, positive energy, and a good balance of satisfied corporate partners and team members. It is important to me to stand up for my team, to promote individual development potential, and to go the extra mile together. 

How do you know you've done a good job?

AK: When we have created real added value for the client. We may not be the cheapest service providers on the market, but our strength lies in implementation, which always generates an appropriate ROI. Regarding the team: I know I’ve done a good job when I not only build a strong client and team relationship but also sparked enthusiasm for the project. 

CM: For me, a good job means exceeding expectations, creating X euros in value, and having fun with the client and the team.

Which project at B-M has challenged you the most and why?

AK: It was definitely our venture Ben Fleet Services, which I led and scaled as CEO for four years after the successful spin-off. Besides the general challenges that such a role entails, Ben Fleet was a personnel-intensive company. Managing the heterogeneity of the team was a significant, yet very rewarding experience. 

CM: I can't be as specific as Axel. Among over 15 projects I've been involved in over the past few years, there have been several challenges: complex content, seemingly unsolvable problems at first glance, tight timelines, and difficult stakeholder constellations. I've learned so much from all of them!

Is there a leadership lesson you've learned in your career?

AK: My biggest learning is that you should not let anything disturb your calm. That is wasted energy. No problem is so big that it cannot be solved. Therefore, it is not worth it to panic or become emotional. 

CM: Not very original, but it works: Lead by example.

What advice would you give someone starting their career at B-M?

AK: Just “get on with it”. Enthusiasm, curiosity, and motivation are key. The rest will come naturally. At Bridgemaker, there are plenty of opportunities to develop in various directions. 

CM: Take responsibility and get involved, be curious, and strengthen the team. We Bridgies look forward to you!