Mr. Rak, where are you from?
I was born and raised in Vienna, where I later studied plastics engineering. Afterwards, I travelled abroad a lot on business, mainly working in sales and managing several subsidiaries. In the course of this, I also came to the USA, where I moved with my family in 2001. And since it is important to me to be able to vote in the United States, I have both Austrian and US citizenship.
Which topics excited you then and now?
In short: all areas that have to do with people. I love dialogue, exchange and joint discussions. In my entrepreneurial career, I was lucky to have many great people around me - partners as well as superiors - who gave me excellent support. The best athlete is nothing without a good team - and without a good coach. The other way round, I see a general manager similar to a first-class conductor in front of an orchestra, who takes people along and invites them (I like that better than the word "conduct").
What is your life motto?
Since I love travelling the countries of the world, not only professionally but also privately, I would say: Be absolutely flexible and spontaneous. You really have to want to go abroad and you need to be willing to integrate yourself into completely new circumstances. In short: be open to new things!
What do you draw strength from?
On the one hand from my family, which always supports me and is an essential part of my life - on the other hand from the feedback from colleagues. Such positive responses are a huge source of strength for me and at the same time a confirmation that what I do can't be all that bad.
What will your first steps at Exelliq involve?
I would describe it as a "soft landing". In my first weeks, I will just listen and see how people are doing. Subsequently, it will be about strengthening sales. The US market is demanding more and more, and these need to be served accordingly. There will also be a reorientation of the service sector. The focus in all our activities will be on constant coordination and regular exchange - that's the most important thing.
Thank you very much for the interview!