A Coffee with Leona from the Sales Department

1. What did you gain from your German studies that is useful to you in sales here at Aristech?

Definitely my intuition and sensitivity for languages. In sales, it is crucial to formulate complex solutions in a way that makes them understandable and tangible for customers. Whether writing offers or articles, or reading and understanding tenders, the ability to structure content and get to the heart of the matter concisely helps me enormously in customer communication.

2. What have you learned from working in sales that also helps you in everyday life?

As a complete non-techie when I joined the company, I suddenly found myself dealing with terms and complex technological processes at Aristech that I didn't know could be relevant in everyday life. Today, I automatically keep up to date with technological trends and realize how helpful this knowledge is because it goes far beyond the IT bubble. I should have started doing this much earlier.

3. What does a typical working day look like for you?

The most typical thing is probably starting with coffee and the Monday weekly meeting. After that, however, hardly any days are the same. Sometimes the focus is on a specific topic, sometimes I work on several projects at the same time. This variety ensures that the workflow never becomes monotonous—it remains interesting.

4. Is there a task that is particularly challenging—and how do you deal with it?

Trade fairs and conferences are definitely challenging—almost like a universe of their own with their own rules. To be honest, I was taken aback the first time. But you grow into it, learn the team's processes, and develop routines for the next time. Most importantly, you're never alone; you work as a team. That gives you support—and in the end, it's actually really fun.

5. Is there a project you are particularly proud of?

Shortly after joining the company, I was given the opportunity to manage the introduction of a new CRM system. The data migration and setup for an optimal workflow involved a significant amount of work—and I am still refining it to this day. It is a great feeling to see something grow and to know that you have actively contributed to its progress.

6. How do you think your work will change over the next five years?

I think digital tools will play an even greater role in the coming years. This will make it all the more important to maintain personal contact and further develop hybrid forms of consulting.

7. In your opinion, which soft skills are just as important as technical knowledge?

In sales in particular, a healthy mix of patience, empathy, and self-confidence is well worth a fortune. Those who come across as too assertive can be intimidating, while those who are too hesitant fail to inspire trust. The key is to strike a balance between empathy and transparency.

8. What are you known for in the team?

I think I'm the little splash of color in the team – literally. My clothing style is anything but gray, and that doesn't go unnoticed in the team, of course.

Over a cup of coffee, Leona talks about her experiences as a working student, her path into sales, and why language plays a central role in the tech world.

Published on 11/5/2025

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