Moritz is Managing Director at Alpadis Group and leads the company’s operations in Malaysia, which include client servicing and business development. Here he talks us through his workday, why he is optimistic for the future and why it is sometimes good to say ‘no’
1. In a short paragraph, please describe what you do at Alpadis Group
I manage client relationships throughout the region, focusing on Malaysia (from our offices in Kuala Lumpur and Labuan). I also develop the business, help grow the group operations and find the right people and clients for our team in Malaysia
2. Briefly describe a typical working day
I start by following up on all the e-mails and incoming client requests; I respond to demands from the authorities and work on projects with my colleagues. I conduct meetings with clients, meet existing and potential introducers; meet people and businesses who could help us develop and build up our business
3. What is your favourite thing about your career?
The variety of people one meets and the insight in so many different activities, industries and businesses, some of which I was often not even aware they existed!
4. Do you have any productivity tips at work?
Arrange large chunks of time for working on particular tasks, as interruptions means that a lot more time is needed for the same result Before you go home, prepare the work to be done the following day
5. What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
The Golden Rule: Don’t do unto others that you don’t wish to be done unto you, and its corollary: Treat others as you wish to be treated Learn and have the courage to say “no”
6. If you were a super-hero, what powers would you have?
Selectively being able to read minds and thoughts
7. Who was your favourite teacher? Why?
Mr. Latter at the Intercommunity School in Zurich. He loved his work and the children in the class and made us discover a lot of things while teaching us the basics for our grade, often in unusual ways that obliged us to think and look for answers and solutions
8. What would you do if you were invisible for a day?
Follow the President of the USA
9. Give us two reasons to be optimistic about the future
More and more interdependence worldwide, so any disruption, war etc. will affect all, including the initiators, therefore giving everyone an incentive to keep things peaceful and working People are made more aware of the damage done by pollution (any kind of pollution), and slowly people are changing behaviour and taking action
10. If you could time travel, where would you go?
The post-World War II years in Europe, when the mood was for peace and looking forward, everything became more open and liberalised, travel was made easier
11. If you could share a meal with any 3 individuals, living or dead, who would they be?
Zbigniev Brzezinski: Great grasp of the world (albeit from a US point of view) Milton Erickson: Great experience with the working of the mind and knowledge of people Johann Wolfgang Goethe: At his time, he pretty much knew everything one could know
12. What do you think is the greatest invention of all time?
Probably still the wheel
13. Would you rather win an Olympic medal, an Academy Award or the Nobel Peace prize?
Nobel Peace Prize
14. Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest?
Sight
15. What’s the most courageous/daring thing you’ve ever done?
Joining Alpadis Group