Interview with

Gertrud Kleinert

In this interview, Gertrud shares her journey through 20 years in IT sales, the balance she found at Axians, and how she combines inside sales with creative marketing. Discover how Axians’ supportive culture, flat hierarchies, and innovative approach have empowered her to thrive in her role while
shaping her career on her own terms.

Hello Gertrud, thank you for taking the time for this interview. Before we start, could you please introduce yourself and tell us about your current position in the company?
My name is Gertrud Kleinert, and I work as a Sales Expert at Axians. In my role, I am involved in both inside sales and marketing. This means that I support sales and also participate in planning and executing marketing activities. I’ve been with Axians since August three years ago, and I haven’t changed my position since then. I am very satisfied with my role because it allows me to leverage both my sales experience and develop creative marketing strategies.
What does your career path look like? What motivated you to work in inside sales?

I have been in the IT industry for 20 years, having held various sales roles, from inside sales to field sales and sales management. After spending some time in field sales, which involved a lot of travel and high pressure, I decided to return to inside sales. The constant travel and high pressure were just too overwhelming. Returning to inside sales allowed me to achieve a better work-life balance and less stress. Axians provided me with the opportunity to apply my skills and experience in a new context, not because I was overqualified but because I could do what I truly enjoy.

What motivated you to apply for a position at Axians?

When I applied to Axians, I was initially interested in a different position. During a conversation, it became clear that this role was not the best fit for me, but they offered me another position that aligned perfectly with my interests. Sales is particularly exciting when the target audience and market conditions are right.

The opportunity to work at Axians was appealing because I could work in a small, agile team while still enjoying the benefits of a large company. I was especially impressed by the innovative solutions Axians offers and the chance to work in an environment with flat hierarchies. This gave me the freedom to actively shape my role and contribute my ideas.

How would you describe the company culture at Axians?

The company culture at Axians, especially in my department, is characterized by a great team and an excellent product.

The flat hierarchies allow us to shape our workday and implement innovative ideas. The position I currently hold was specifically created for me, which gave me the freedom to design my work area according to my preferences. Additionally, Axians values continuous improvement and open communication. My engagement with LinkedIn and the promotion of training shows how open the company is to new ideas and development.

What does a typical workday at Axians look like for you?

A typical workday starts with planning and posting my LinkedIn updates. These posts are often related to our solutions and products and aim to increase our visibility. Around nine o’clock, I start making phone calls. I often work on campaigns that I support through direct calls. A current C1- Intern ​ example is tracking a guide for maintenance personnel to see if readers have questions or are interested in our solutions.

Besides phone acquisition, I am also responsible for planning and conducting webinars, where I mainly address new customers and identify their needs. The day usually ends with follow-up emails and other administrative tasks.

What are your long-term career goals?

Currently, I don’t have specific career goals in terms of a vertical career ladder. Instead, I focus on being successful in my current role and continuously developing myself. It’s important to me that I work in an environment that I enjoy and where I can have an impact on the company’s success. I aim to remain with Axians long-term and use my skills to contribute to the company’s growth. I view the role of promoting the company’s success as a chain, where every role, from cleaning staff to executive management, contributes to the overall success of the company.

What advice would you give to new colleagues at Axians?

To new colleagues at Axians, I would recommend actively reaching out to your teammates and asking questions. It’s crucial, especially at the beginning, to integrate well and not hesitate to seek support. The team is very helpful, and there is a strong emphasis on open and supportive communication. It’s also beneficial to be open to new ideas and actively participate in team events and other activities. Even though we had many virtual interactions during the COVID period, it’s important to take opportunities to connect personally with the team and celebrate successes together.

Thank you for your time and the valuable insights you have given us.
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