Midis Group tours Culture and Values Roadshow to teams in 10 countries
Over the last few months, Midis Group embarked on a Culture and Values Roadshow across 10 countries — Hungary, Romania, UAE, Croatia, Serbia, Lebanon, Qatar, Czech, KSA, and France – with more to come.
This brought together managers from the full range of Midis Group affiliates, creating diverse groups and rich exchanges around our shared culture and values: Integrity, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Expertise, and Long-Term Success. In the roadshows, we explored how these values impact everyday decisions, leadership practices, and ways of working. To quote a Midis board member, “Our values are not a fact or a given. They are a choice, and we make that choice every day.”
Photo credit: Midis Group
The roadshows provided an open, interactive platform for dialogue and learning. Small groups worked on ways to strengthen our culture locally and reinforce the values within our teams – practical ideas and ownership to turn their insights into action. And by bringing together managers beyond their immediate teams, the sessions also encouraged exchange across our businesses and a stronger sense of belonging to Midis Group.
A key takeaway: the pivotal role our managers play as culture carriers, translating shared values into concrete practices with our teams. Employees will look for changes in behaviour, not verbiage.
Photo credit: Midis Group
“Midis’ success comes from our culture as well as our work. It was inspiring throughout the roadshow to see participants bring our culture and values to life. Now we all must go consciously apply them” added the board member.
The roadshows were a start – but just a start. Midis’ culture is a living, strategic asset, drawing its force from our behaviour and mentorship all across the Group. Our core values endure when they are continuously reinforced, challenged, and brought to life every day.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this journey so far – the work continues.
MDS East Gulf colleagues conquer major sandstorm en route to team-building session at the coast
On April 15, while much of Doha was blanketed under a dense sandstorm, the MDS East Gulf – Qatar team decided to move forward. The sky was unclear, the wind was high, but their direction was certain. What was meant to be a smooth day of team bonding in the desert quickly transformed into something far more powerful – a live demonstration of resilience, unity and leadership under pressure.
Employees gathered at noon at the MDS East Gulf offices, many unsure whether the event would even proceed. But the decision was made – the team would go ahead. The buses rolled out into the storm, carrying not only people, but purpose. The highway gave way to sand, and the group transferred to a fleet of off-road SUVs. As the convoy cut through dunes and valleys, there were cheers, jokes and the kind of laughter that only happens when everyone is quietly nervous.
By early afternoon, the skies began to shift. The storm gave way to clear horizons as the convoy pulled into Regency Sealine Camp, a hidden stretch of desert coastline that felt untouched and perfectly still.
Themed under ‘Where Desert Meets Sea: CHILL, Connect, Celebrate,’ the afternoon unfolded with a series of team-building activities that pushed people beyond their comfort zones. Groups were mixed across departments, creating space for unexpected connections and new collaborations. The challenges demanded creativity, agility, and problem-solving – all traits that the East Gulf team lean on during real-world project delivery.
The football challenge gets under way. Photo credit: East Gulf – Qatar
Later on, the pace shifted again as the football challenge brought a competitive charge to the retreat. Lines blurred between teammates, and roles reversed as quiet analysts became top scorers, while cheers and encouragement echoed from all sides of the field. As the sun dipped, the evening began with an outdoor dinner setup, framed by soft lighting and a glowing coastline.
This was a time for reflection. Leadership stepped up to speak, not with formalities, but with heart. They talked about the year behind them, the wins and the struggles, the people who made the difference. It wasn’t just a speech – it was a message – ‘We made it through. We’re still moving forward. And we’re doing it together.’
Photo credit: East Gulf – Qatar
As night fully settled in, the bonfire was lit, and a new energy emerged. This was the final chapter of the day, and it was all about celebration. The glow of the fire created a natural stage as the team gathered for the awards ceremony – a moment that felt relaxed and deeply meaningful.
As the afternoon turned to evening, the colleagues relaxed. Photo credit: East Gulf – Qatar
The prizes extended beyond just athletic wins or fastest challenge completions. They celebrated what truly mattered: team spirit, creative thinking, quiet leadership, and the willingness to step up when it counted. MDS East Gulf didn’t just host a retreat. They faced the storm—and turned it into something unforgettable.
iSTYLE retail experts invited to two-day Apple Excellence Live event in London
iSTYLE colleagues Leana Dasha Balaba and Mohamed El Yamlahi had the privilege of attending Apple Excellence Live 2024 in London, UK, at the end of June. The enlightening and enriching two-day business trip brought together Apple professionals from Europe and the Middle East, fostering valuable connections and collaborative opportunities.
The two iSTYLE experts were invited to attend the trip as they attained Apple Champion+ level in the Apple Excellence Program and had completed many other training courses and sales and management achievements.
“Being recognized as a Champion+ filled me with deep pride, especially after dedicating more than a decade to working with iSTYLE” said Mohamed, Retail Team Leader at iSTYLE Abu Dhabi Mall. “Representing our company at such a prestigious event was an honor that underscored iSTYLE’s standing as one of the premium Apple resellers and partners globally. It was a privilege to contribute to our company’s reputation and to showcase our commitment to excellence in every interaction.”
Excellent learning opportunities from key experts were a big part of the Apple Excellence Live event in London. Photo credit: Apple
For Dasha, Store Manager at iSTYLE Mirdif City Center, the experience was very worthwhile. “Taking part in the Apple Excellence Live event in London was incredibly rewarding and validating as I was selected as one of the best Champion+ among the Apple EMEIA region. The recognition of my hard work and dedication was truly gratifying, especially coming from Apple and iSTYLE, and it has fueled my motivation to achieve even greater heights in my role as an Apple Champion+.”
For both iSTYLE colleagues, the highlight of the event was the Apple training held at the iconic Battersea Power Station, within Apple’s offices. In this unique setting, they had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Apple’s latest innovations and their seamless integration of hardware, software, and services. The support they received from Apple’s leaders and speakers was instrumental, creating an environment that encouraged active participation in discussions and collaborative learning.
Mohamed, right, enjoys the atmosphere at Apple Excellence Live. Photo credit: Champion+
When asked what really stood out during the exciting trip to London, both had plenty to pick out. “In addition to the invaluable Apple training sessions and networking opportunities with peers from diverse companies, exploring the dynamic city of London was a memorable aspect of the journey,” said Mohamed.
“A standout moment during the event was an interactive session with our Apple Certified Sales Trainers, Chris and Ed, where I actively participated in in-store activities. This session boosted my confidence in delivering demos to our customers and allowed us to exchange best practices among peers,” said Dasha.
“Another memorable experience was a team building photo walk session,” added Dasha. “We were challenged to capture photos around the vicinity of the Battersea Power station from our unique perspectives within a tight timeframe. This brought out our creativity and productivity and the camaraderie and competitive spirit among teammates made it a memorable and enjoyable challenge.”
Overall, both Dasha and Mohamed agreed that Apple Excellence Live 2024 was a transformative experience that reaffirmed their dedication to innovation and excellence in their roles at iSTYLE. They both return to work after the event with renewed enthusiasm and a wealth of new insights and strategies to continue delivering exceptional value to iSTYLE customers in the UAE.
Established in 2005, iSTYLE has four Apple Premium Partner and 13 Apple Premium Reseller stores in UAE. Part of the Midis Group, iSTYLE is the largest Apple Premium Reseller network in Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Through its 70+ retail and online stores, iSTYLE offers the full range of Mac, iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch and Apple TV along with an impressive but carefully selected portfolio of accessories and software.
Employees at Midis Group affiliates Apcom and ABM shine at Telekom Vivicitta Half Marathon
Running teams from Midis Group affiliates Apcom and ABM (Arab Business Machine) and others recently took part in the Telekom Vivicitta Half Marathon. 34 people from the companies travelled to Budapest, Hungary and took part individually and in relay teams over the weekend of April 21-22.
This is the second time that employees have taken part in the event in an organised way. For many, participation was all about training, teamwork, managing the logistics, setting up communications, co-ordinating the effort during the race, networking, and importantly, celebrating the achievement afterwards.
The night before the race, everyone assembled at the team hotel to be briefed about the event. Photo credit: Apcom
With Apcom as the principal instigators of the group activity, employees from across Central and Eastern Europe joined forces with ABM’s Dubai team of 12 to participate in the Telekom Vivicitta Half Marathon.
At least five senior leaders from each company took part, too. These included Georges Abboud (President Mono Brand Distribution and Co-President Retail at Midis Group), Branka Cander (General Manager, Apcom Adriatic), Elie Andraos (General Manager at Arab Business Machine) and Layth Sibai (General Manager, Arab Computers KSA).
Over two days, the 39th Budapest Spring Half Marathon attracted an amazing 23,569 entrants – some running individually, some in teams, some over the whole 21km course and some over one of eleven smaller courses. Entrants included Olympic champions, celebrities and public leaders.
Gerard Saatdjian, a member of ABM’s HR leadership team and a participant in the race, shared more about how the weekend was organized. On Friday night, everyone who was flying into Budapest for the event gathered for a dinner.
The briefing session took place on Saturday evening, where Midis Group t-shirts and Marathon kits were distributed. Participants received a presentation about the route, and a video on the comfort stops and relay points where runners handed over to the next teammate.
“After the Marathon, the closing dinner was on Sunday night where everyone gathered to share their experience on the event, and it was a great opportunity to get together from different countries and regions” said Gerard.
Jules Lahham, seen here during the race: “Running a marathon is a remarkable achievement. Always remember the strength and determination that got you across the finish line.” Photo credit: ABM/Apcom
The ABM team were very pleased with their part of the experience: “It was an achievement I will always be proud of, as it was a challenge I undertook. There is always a first time, and Budapest was my first Marathon” said Elige Farah.
Barbara Massoud was philosophical about the challenge: “My first half marathon wasn’t just a race; it was a journey of self-discovery and resilience.”
“The event was well organized, with people cheering on the streets – and holding banners to encourage runners. A very positive and fantastic event!” – Gerard Saatdjian
“Crossing that finish line, feeling like a champion” was a great moment for Ahmad Ghanem. Being part of a team was key for Hadi Ghazaleh, also from ABM: “No road is long with good company.”
Sahil Mishra said, “The sense of accomplishment that comes with crossing the finish line is unparalleled.”
ABM and Apcom runners relax after the race, waiting for others in the team to cross the finishing line. Photo credit: ABM/Apcom
Branka Cander, General Manager, Apcom Adriatics, shared her thoughts on the event saying: “It was an experience that the Adriatic team appreciated, being able to participate in an event where both sports and networking could take place. The whole team once again stepped out of their comfort zone. In many cases, they started running for the event and those who regularly run this kind of Marathon achieved record times at the Budapest one. I am very proud of each of them and look forward to the next event to come.”
“It has been a great pleasure to meet other colleagues from Midis Group and engage in discussions on both personal and work-related topics. We have pushed the limits once again, as we do in everyday work together – and with focus!” – Ana-Marija Durdic
Effective communication and networking were crucial during the event. It was heartwarming to witness colleagues from different regions come together, meet new faces, and engage in meaningful conversations. The event proved to be an excellent networking opportunity for everyone involved. According to Gerard Saatdjian, the top three qualities required to succeed in the event were perseverance to complete the marathon, a positive attitude towards achieving the set goal, and building professional and personal relationships with fellow colleagues.
Two Quest executives named winners in the Women in Technology Forum and Awards
Two key executives at Quest Software are celebrating after recently being named winners at the Women in Technology Forum and Awards in Dubai. Heba Zaki, Regional Sales Director, Middle East & Africa, and Oxana Radchenko, Sales & Operations Director, EMEA Emerging Region, were both awarded at the event.
To find out more, we interviewed Heba and Oxana about their careers and the moment the awards were announced.
Heba Zaki accepts her award as Strategic Sales Leader of the Year. Photo credit: Tahawultech.com
Before joining Quest in 2022, Heba Zaki was Regional Sales Manager at Oracle for over seven years. Her 24+ years of experience come through IT vendors, global SIs, and BPOs. She is a BSC graduate from Cairo University and did her MBA at the Edinburgh School of Business, part of Heriot-Watt University.
Q: How did you feel when the announcement of the award was made and you were called up onto the presentation stage? What went through your mind?
Heba: I felt an overwhelming mix of pride for what I accomplished so far in my career and gratitude to my inspirational leaders, my teams, and my colleagues throughout my professional journey. I am very honored by this recognition, which encourages me to continue to showcase my capabilities and contributions to the field.
Q: What advice would you give to young women today who might want to start a career in IT, digital transformation, or technology in general?
Heba: IT is a very diversified and fast-evolving industry, so my advice to young women starting their career in IT is to continue learning, never stop investing in your knowledge and expertise, and don’t let any preconceived notions or stereotypes hold you back. Believe in yourself and your abilities and always have a growth mindset. Additionally, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges. Seek out mentors and role models who can offer guidance and support along your journey. Your unique perspective and contributions as a woman in tech are incredibly valuable.
Q: Is there anyone who has helped your career along the way?
Heba: I owe it to a few inspirational leaders throughout my journey who supported me and entrusted me with bigger responsibilities, which gave me opportunities to learn, succeed, and grow. That helped me a lot with my career progression, and I am very grateful to them!
Oxana Radchenko and her trophy for Technology Executive Leader of the Year at the Women in Technology Awards. Photo credit: Tahawultech.com
Oxana Radchenko has a BSC in Banking and Finance from the University of London, an MSC in Economics, Stock Markets, and Investments, and also is a member of the Institute of Management Accountants. Oxana has worked within the Midis Group for five years, and before that, she was with Dell EMC for six years.
Q: How did you feel when you were called up onto the presentation stage? What went through your mind?
Oxana: When the announcement of the award was made and I was called up onto the presentation stage, I felt incredibly honored and humbled. My mind raced with a sense of achievement, gratitude towards my team and my mentors, and a heightened awareness of the responsibility ahead to continue driving innovation and excellence in the field of technology.
Q: What advice would you give to women today wanting to start in IT, digital transformation, or technology in general?
Oxana: My advice to young women aspiring to start a career in IT, digital transformation, or technology in general would be to embrace their passion, pursue continuous learning, and seek out mentors and supportive communities. Don’t be deterred by any perceived barriers; instead, leverage your unique perspectives and skills to drive innovation and make meaningful contributions to the field. Stay curious, stay determined, and believe in your ability to succeed.
Q: Is there anyone who has helped your career along the way?
Oxana: Yes, there have been several individuals who have played pivotal roles in helping my career along the way. Mentors, colleagues, managers, and supportive friends and family members have all contributed to my growth and success. Their guidance, advice, encouragement, and opportunities have been invaluable in shaping my professional journey and helping me navigate challenges and seize opportunities. I’m truly grateful for their support and mentorship.
We wish Heba and Oxana continued success in their careers.
Quest creates software solutions that make the benefits of new technology real in an increasingly complex IT landscape. Quest helps customers solve their next IT challenge, from maximizing the value of their data to Active Directory and Office 365 management, and cybersecurity resilience. Around the globe, more than 130,000 companies and 95% of the Fortune 500 count on Quest to become data-empowered, deliver proactive management and monitoring for the next enterprise initiative, find the next solution for complex Microsoft challenges, and stay ahead of the next threat. Quest Software—where next meets now. For more information, visit www.quest.com.
Gorazd Kikelj named by Airheads Community in their elite group of MVP Gurus
It’s the most exciting time of the year for the Aruba Airheads community, which is rich in knowledge about HPE Aruba Networking technologies. Gorazd Kikelj, Network Solutions Engineer at Slovenian Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium has moved up a notch from last year’s MVP Expert status to join the elite group of MVP Gurus, one of only five chosen.
There are four different levels of MVP status (from highest to lowest): MVP Guru Elite, MVP Guru, MVP Expert, and MVP. Only 50 individuals from all over the world make the list each year.
The past year has proven to be one of the most successful in the history of the Airheads community. The number of members sharing their knowledge is constantly growing. The MVP (Most Valuable Player) acronym highlights excellence, exemplary behaviour, and outstanding individuals in their chosen field. It is the person who has contributed the most to the community.
“I am honored to once again be recognized as one of Airheads’ highlighted experts this year. Being included among the esteemed group of MVP Gurus is truly gratifying, as it acknowledges the impact of my efforts and commitment to the Airheads community” said Gorazd Kikelj.
“Last year’s acknowledgment even afforded me the opportunity to attend the prestigious Aruba Atmosphere 2023 conference in Las Vegas, an experience I will always cherish. I am enthusiastic about continuing to contribute to the advancement and exchange of knowledge within the community, recognizing that there is always more to learn from my peers. Looking ahead, I am eager to further collaborate and share insights with fellow community members” added Gorazd.
Each year, the Aruba Airheads MVP program selects outstanding individuals who have been recognized by the community for their expertise, level of certification, participation, and contribution to the technical community and at Airheads events.
Selection of the best of the best is influenced by the activities of members who have contributed to the development of the community and who continue to contribute to its growth and to creating the best experience.
Celebrating a remarkable achievement! Mohammad Tulaib from JBS named IBM Champion 2024
Mohammad Tulaib, Senior Hybrid Cloud Service Engineer, Data and AI Professional at JBS has been honored with the prestigious IBM Champion award for the year 2024. According to JBS, the achievement marks a historic milestone for both Mohammad and the company, as they become the first-ever IBM business partner in Jordan to receive this esteemed recognition.
What makes this accomplishment even more noteworthy is that Mohammad is one of the youngest individuals globally to have earned the IBM Champion title. “His dedication, expertise, and innovative contributions in the realm of hybrid cloud services, data, and AI have not only set him apart but have also elevated the standards of excellence within our organization” said Emad Suwan, General Manager and EVP, JBS.
Originally from Amman, Mohammad finished his B.Sc. in telecommunication engineering from PSUT (the elite tech university) on 2011, and has just finished his Masters degree on Big Data and AI, also from PSUT last year.
“Winning the IBM Champion award in 2024 is an incredibly humbling and gratifying experience for me” writes Mohammad. “It represents not just a recognition of my technical expertise and contributions to the IBM community, but also a validation of the countless hours invested in advancing my skills and knowledge within the IBM ecosystem.”
More about the Award
The IBM Champion award is a recognition program initiated by IBM to honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the IBM community. This program aims to acknowledge and reward advocates, experts, leaders, and innovators within the IBM ecosystem who actively share their knowledge, expertise, and real-world experiences with the broader community. IBM Champions are not IBM employees; instead, they are professionals, business partners, clients, or enthusiasts who go beyond to contribute to the success of IBM solutions and technologies.
Winning the IBM Champion award is not only a substantial personal achievement for Mohammad but also a recognition of his positive influence on the IBM community and their commitment to advancing technology and solutions within the broader industry.
Ashfaq Khan – Senior Solutions Architect at MDS CS – elected as an HPE Worldwide Partner Ambassador
Ashfaq Khan, who is a Senior Solutions Architect in the MHP solution team at MDS for Computer Systems (MDS CS), has been elected as an HPE Worldwide Partner Ambassador for Saudi Arabia.
The citation from HPE sent to Ashfaq welcomed him to the program in this way: “You have come highly recommended by your management to represent MDS CS in providing feedback through this community to HPE Business Units, helping shape roadmap discussions on HPE products and solutions. As one of the top partners in the world, you are eligible to attend the annual Worldwide Ambassador Summit and we facilitate monthly calls offering access to restricted or deeper knowledge presented by global HPE executives and product managers.”
“Being bestowed with the title of an HPE Worldwide Country Partner Ambassador and becoming an integral part of the esteemed HPE Ambassador Community for Partner Solutions Architects marks a remarkable and prestigious milestone in one’s career” said Ashfaq Khan.
“This designation indicates that I have been chosen to represent my company, where I am tasked with a vital role in offering valuable feedback to HPE Business Units within the ambassador community, further enhancing the partnership’s significance” said Ashfaq.
Founded in 1982 by Sheikh Mohammed Mansour Al-Rumaih as Mideast Data Systems, today MDS CS is a well-known and highly reputable organization with a team of professional engineers and technicians, with a large base of satisfied customers including significant numbers of large turnkey projects. MDS CS takes a highly professional approach to meet each of its customers’ unique business requirements. Its commitment in terms of financial investment and customer support is aimed at a long-term relationship with its customers.
Stronger together: Midis Group women recognized at the Women in Technology Forum and Awards 2023
Three leading women working for Midis Group affiliates were front and center at the Women in Technology Forum and Awards 2023. Varuna Shah (Group Marketing Director, Mindware), Nichola Banerjee (Regional Marketing Manager – Barracuda Networks META & CEE) and Gunika Arora (Marketing Manager, EMEA Emerging Markets, Quest) all won awards at the event.
According to event organizers Tahawultech.com, the Forum and Awards, held on March 6 at the Sofitel Hotel, Downtown Dubai, were designed to bring together key female leaders and executives from across the IT and technology sector ‘who continue to inspire others to follow their lead.’
The event was organized around two panel discussions involving invited female leaders talking about the best practices women can adopt to ensure they continue to make progress in their quest to restore parity when it comes to gender diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Following the panel discussions, the award presentations took place.
Varuna Shah holds her Women in Tech trophy. Photo credit – Tahawultech.com
When asked about what it felt like to win the award, Varuna said “It’s an honor to be recognized as a leader among so many talented and inspiring women who are making a difference in the tech industry.” Varuna was named the Senior Marketing Leader of the Year, 2023.
Nichola agreed about the honor of receiving the Marketing Personality of the Year award and thanked her colleagues, too: “I am truly honored and grateful to receive this award for marketing personality of the year. It is a great privilege to be recognized for my passion and dedication in the field of marketing. It is definitely a humbling experience to be awarded amongst such talented and inspiring individuals in the industry. It would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of my colleagues and mentors.”
Gunika Arora holds her treasured Women In Technology award. Photo credit – Tahawultech.com
Gunika felt the same way about the event and award: “I am honored to have been awarded the Brand Awareness Marketeer of the Year Award at the Women in Technology Forum & Awards 2023. This recognition means a lot to me.”
The panel discussions opened up the subject of what is it like to be a woman in the tech sector, and how it is possible to succeed and progress these days. For Varuna, the answers to this come through examining the state of diversity for everyone in the workplace: “It is crucial to support and empower women at all levels and help them achieve their full potential by creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace, that drives innovation, creativity and better outcomes for the community. Being a woman in the tech sector today is both empowering and challenging. There are many incredible female role models in tech industry who are paving the way for future generations of women.”
Varuna added “The unwavering belief and support from my mentors, coaches and family have been instrumental in shaping me as a leader. This award is not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of the efforts of my team and the support of my organization. It is also a reminder of the responsibility I have to pay it forward and make a positive impact on the industry and society as a whole.”
Nichola Banerjee (right) accepts the award for Marketing Personality of the Year. Photo credit – Tahawultech.com
Nichola Banerjee recognized the role that more progressive employers can play in enabling women to succeed in tech: “While technology has traditionally been a predominantly male dominated industry, there are organizations that recognize the value of a diverse and equally representative workforce. The Midis Group is certainly at the forefront of the space, and I consider myself blessed to have worked in various roles across this organization throughout my career. Over these 15 years, I have been encouraged by my managers and colleagues, both male and female, and it is this support that has motivated me to keep excelling and advancing in my career.”
“As a result, my overall experience as being a ‘woman in tech’ has been both positive and rewarding. Yes, given the pace of advancement in the industry, working in tech requires a lot of dedication, and this can be challenging for women sometimes. But it’s not different from many other fields as at the end of the day, it’s just a matter of choice!”
Gunika made a different point about the industry and women: “There is this ideology around technology; everyone seems to respect the industry and hold it in high regard, probably as the impact technology has made so far and will continue to make on the world. So I genuinely believe anyone and everyone that comes under the ‘Women in Tech’ umbrella should be proud, and wear that badge with honor.”
The event and the awards themselves were a prestigious and exciting moment and each of our Midis Group leaders felt the emotion of the moment. Varuna: “This award is a validation of all the hard work and affirmation of my skills and capabilities in the tech world. I hope to motivate and encourage young talent to pursue their dreams.”
“Standing up on the stage, thirty seconds after my name had been announced – I felt inspired” wrote Gunika. Nichola said this about the announcement of her award: “It was a reminder that persistence, creativity, and collaboration can lead to great achievements – and also lots of gratitude to the people who believed and helped in shaping my career along the way.”
Amer Chebaro completes grueling Isuzu Ironman South Africa 226 km race
Amer Chebaro, Managing Director of D-Software, recently accomplished a monumental sports achievement by completing the grueling Isuzu Ironman South Africa race held on March 2, 2023 in Mandela Bay.
The Ironman race is considered one of the toughest endurance events in the world, consisting of a 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike ride, and a 42.2 km full marathon, all on the same day, back-to-back, with no rest. To qualify as a finisher, the race must be completed in less than 17 hours.
Amer had been training intensively for the big event. “I started participating in triathlons in 2015, and have completed a few, including seven half-Ironman distance races. However, my eyes were always set on the FULL Ironman.” Initially, he had planned to do the SA race in March 2020, but it was cancelled a week before due to COVID restrictions. In 2021, he was geared up to participate in the race, but it was again cancelled.
As a busy Midis Group leader, Amer had to thoughtfully plan a ramp up year in 2022 because the race requires a strong fitness base and a regular commitment towards training. “The hardest part was not the race itself, but committing to 10-16 hours of training per week for six months while juggling a demanding job and family commitments.”
Amer’s accomplishment is particularly noteworthy given the additional challenges of the race. The ocean swim was in rough waters known for having great white sharks, and the bike ride was not only very long but also had 1500 meters of vertical ascent.
Despite these obstacles, Amer demonstrated incredible physical and mental strength, completing the race in an impressive time of 14 hours and 21 minutes, on a day where Port Elizabeth had torrential rain and bad wind. Out of 776 participants, only 641 finished the race. “The cherry on top of the cake is that I completed the race with my wife Maya,” shares Amer.
“Taking on big targets might seem daunting – but they are achievable with the right commitment level,” writes Amer. Whether it’s a sports goal, a professional ambition, or a personal challenge, Amer’s achievement shows that with hard work and dedication, we can accomplish anything we set our minds on.
Aruba names Gorazd Kikelj from Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium in Slovenia as 2023 Airheads Community MVP
Aruba has named Gorazd Kikelj from Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium in Slovenia as one of the 2023 Airheads Community MVPs. The worldwide Airheads community is rich in knowledge about almost everything related to solutions from Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company.
In 2022 the community recorded more engaged conversations and more users learning and passing on that knowledge than ever before. The acronym MVP, well known in team sports, refers to the most valuable player; the individual whose individual performance stands out as the best in the team.
Now, the Slovenian team of Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium has an MVP – Gorazd Kikelj. The network solutions engineer from Slovenia is one of just 50 individuals from around the world who have gone above and beyond for the Aruba community.
“I was very surprised and honored to be selected as an MVP Expert by the Airheads community. I am very happy to be part of Airheads and to help members and ask for help myself. Being part of a community of like-minded enthusiasts builds belonging” said Gorazd, a Network Solutions Engineer at Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium.
Each year, the Aruba Airheads MVP program selects exceptional individuals who have been recognized by the community for their expertise, level of certification, participation and contribution to the technical community and Airheads events. Achieving MVP status is considered an outstanding achievement as the program requires participants to pursue excellence in three areas: Active participation in the Airheads Social community, Provable expertise, and Engagement with their peers.
The Airheads Community MVP program exists to show appreciation to those members who are most willing to help their colleagues. MVPs are selected annually, and MVP status lasts for one year. Airheads MVP status brings an individual real kudos in the extended technical community and access to valuable benefits and privileges which may include:
Recognition of their MVP status on Aruba Networks online properties
The ability to display their MVP status on their LinkedIn page, resume, CV or other sites
Special small-group briefings with Aruba executives
The opportunity for advanced access to upcoming Aruba initiatives
Airheads Community MVPs help create a sense of community that is unmatched in the industry. It is a place of peer-to-peer collaboration that allows for growth and development of expertise. Each year the community grows thanks to members who share their knowledge and help their colleagues.
Interview: Tajana Hašperger, ESEA HPE GreenLake – Selectium Program Manager
IDC has just held its first ever Multi-cloud Adriatic event and Tajana Hašperger, HPE GreenLake Selectium Program Manager in East South Europe and Africa (ESEA) was instrumental in presenting core HPE solutions at the major event. Fresh from that success at the beginning of November 2022 and other recent promotions, we interviewed Tajana about her path to prominence and success in the IT industry.
Q: Can you tell us about your beginnings in HPE? You started working as an engineer and in time, were promoted to one of the most important positions in Selectium. How did you manage to achieve this?
Yes – I was lucky to get a job in Hewlett-Packard 16 years ago, where it was, and still is, possible to grow, develop and advance. After the company split back in 2015, I became part of the newly-formed Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Now I am in Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium, which is a part of Midis Group, and again it is a great company for future growth and advancing constantly through new challenges. This is my second position in four years in Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium.
My current position, ESEA HPE GreenLake – Selectium Program Manager, did not exist a year ago, and to be able to enable the HPE GreenLake platform for our countries is really big achievement for me and Selectium. Of course, my past roles and jobs prepared me in great length to be able to do it, as well as to understand the whole process from sales to delivery. Additionally, to be fast and efficient I needed big support from Selectium management and the central team, which I got, and now we have implemented the full consumption solution on our markets. Selectium is now the only HPE partner which can do that.
Q: Could you tell us more about the HPE GreenLake – Selectium Program that you are leading for Selectium?
With this edge-to-cloud platform, we bring the Cloud experience, single point of contact, pay-per-use, scale up and down and management for our customers. With this platform, Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium now makes modern Cloud experience possible everywhere – across edges, colocation facilities, data centers and multi-clouds. It enables our customers to free up capital, boost operational and financial flexibility, and free up talents to accelerate what’s next for them.
We are especially proud that we presented our program at IDC’s first ever Multi-cloud Adriatic event, that took place at the beginning of November 2022. The fact that we were invited to participate in this event shows that the market and IT community recognized the importance and capabilities of our HPE GreenLake – Selectium Program.
Q: You have recently been appointed as AmCham Digital Economy Committee’s Vice Chair. Could you tell us more about the whole process, and how do you feel about being selected for such a prestige position?
Because of my job role in the local Selectium office, I am representing Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium in AmCham Croatia, and as such, I am participating in all regular meetings. Additionally, I am part of the AmCham Digital Economy Committee team tasked to give help and advice to local government around the EU digital transformation recommendations and obligations. This year, a new Vice Chair election took place and I applied. I ran against two other candidates, both regional managers from two vendors on the market. After I delivered the presentation and the election was held I was honored to get elected.
I think this is a great way for our company promotion, as well as mine. I am very happy about this opportunity as it is true confirmation of our company’s work and because now I can influence even more our country’s digital transformation. It is also a great opportunity to share more information about Selectium and HPE GreenLake – Selectium Program to the wider C level management audience in Croatia and in the region.
Q: Would you say that being a woman in a traditional male industry gives you a unique view or a competitive edge?
I would say both. I am very privileged to be able to contribute with my knowledge and way of thinking to my customers and Selectium team. In Selectium we nurture a very good and open atmosphere and diversity is around 50%. This, with support of the Midis Local team, gives me the opportunity to additionally develop my skill set so I can give back when needed.
Q: What can you say about working within Selectium and the Midis Group – what makes the Group distinctive, do you think?
I’ve already mentioned lots of great things about Selectium and Midis, but for me the most important is the possibility to develop and advance. We have lots of possibilities in this area. Also, I need to mention our great people and great teams I am working with. It is all rounded out by great management leadership, both in Selectium and Midis, without which all of this would not be possible.
Q: What piece of recent work are you most proud of?
For sure the HPE GreenLake – Selectium Program enablement for our markets. I still can’t believe we did it… Especially if we think about the differences and specifics in every Selectium country. It was made possible only because of the great team members, big support in Selectium and HPE help.
MDS System Integration Group premieres innovative Tech Talent Program to recruit next generation of tech rockstars
MDS System Integration Group (MDS SI) is pioneering an innovative Tech Talent Program (TTP) to spot the tech talent of the future. Part of an ambitious Digital Transformation Plan, the program offers a unique opportunity for new Lebanese graduates and senior undergraduates from top universities to experience an exciting internship including advanced tech training programs with leading MDS SI affiliates.
For the employer, TTP helps MDS SI meet top candidates with good educational backgrounds who are ready and willing to become future tech stars within company teams after successfully completing the TTP process. It’s also a chance to see how these prospective employees respond and learn in the real business world outside the traditional HR interview route to employment.
Check out the video below and find out more:
For keen recent graduates, it’s about accessing an employment opportunity that might have seemed out of reach when they started their undergraduate courses. It’s also valuable exposure to the world of business and IT, however they move onwards form the program. And naturally, because the internships are under the wings of cutting-edge companies, our candidates will have the chance to develop broad-based tech knowledge – that’s really important in the digital employment marketplace today.
The initiative is launched in earnest in September 2021 across all the MDS SI companies. So far the program enrolled 11 candidates and two excellent candidates – Rebecca and Hadi – were offered a job and recruited into MDS SI UAE affiliates.
TTP – FAQs
Can I apply? You need to be a senior undergraduate studying CCE and/or Computer Science.
When should I apply? In your senior year, or as a fresh undergraduate.
How does the process work?
How does TTP work? Like this!
If you get selected, you will sign an Internship Agreement with one of MDS SI companies in the Middle East and start the exciting journey. Why not sign up?
A TTP success story – Rebecca is now employed by an MDS SI affiliate. Photo credit – MDS SI
Selectium young business leader wins in national ‘AmChamps’ competition in Serbia
A young business leader from Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium and his mentee have won through to the finals of the national ‘AmChamps’ professional development competition in Serbia. Marko Stojanović (mentor) and Aleksa Antić (his mentee) beat 25 rival teams during the group phase on May 26, and on June 9, semi-finals were held and the team progressed to the finals.
The finals are designed in such a way that from July to October 2022 teams will be working on a project given to them by the top management of the mentor’s company. The project will need to fulfil two goals: development of leadership skills of the mentor (and mentee) and also bring concrete benefits to the company.
The project should be original, done from scratch and shouldn’t have anything to do with the current mentor’s daily jobs or position, so that the mentor is forced out of his/her comfort zone. Additionally, mentor and mentee are developing their project under mentorship of three members of AmCham Board of Directors. The AmCham Directors will help with suggestions and comments, track the projects and finally, choose the winners.
The winning semi-finalists with AmCham Directors, from the left: Aleksandar Vratonjić Gligorijević (Telegroup, AmCham Board of Directors); Tina Kostić (AmCham); Ivan Milosavljević (IREX, AmCham Board of Directors); Andrej Gavrić (AmChamps mentee); Ivan Vučićević (AmChamps mentor); Milana Maravić (AmChamps mentee); Aleksa Antić (Marko’s AmChamps mentee); Marko Stojanović (AmChamps mentor); Nina Petrović (Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, AmCham Board of Directors); Anđela Stojanović (AmCham). Photo credit – AmCham
Earlier, at the group phase in May, Marko from Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium and Aleksa also received a special award from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as the mentoring pair that provided the best solution for a case study regarding Corporate Strategy. The winning prize for the mentor, Marko, was funding for a PwC mini-MBA and mentee Aleksa was awarded two PwC courses to complete.
Each year, the scheme gathers up to 50 participants, an equal mix of 25 students and 25 managers from AmCham member companies. AmChams are American Chambers of Commerce – international business fellowship organizations formed under two systems: the system of their host country and the system of the United States.
Winning the group stage in May: Marko Stojanović and Aleksa Antić (center) with, left, Vera Nikolić Dimić, Executive Director at AmCham and, right, Stefan Lazarević, NCR Vice President and General Manager for Serbia, and also President of the AmCham Board of Governors. Photo credit – AmCham
AmChamp students are in their final year of undergraduate studies or enrolled in master studies at the state Universities in Serbia and can be up to 25 years of age. AmCham members and mentors are young and prospective mid-managers who are usually up to 37 years old.
According to the program website, AmChamps was launched in early 2014 as a showcase for how academia and the corporate sector could work together to develop the next generation of leaders of the future. Throughout the program, participants work in pairs on assignments and projects, or embedded into larger teams, developing together their mentoring relationships, team spirit and learning about modern business management.
Interview: Mariya Kosanova, Country Manager Bulgaria, Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium
Mariya Kosanova is one of the leading Country Managers across the Midis Group. As Country Manager for Bulgaria for Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium, she is in the driving seat of a growing business at a time when digital transformation is bringing new opportunities for many businesses across Eastern Europe. Mariya presents regularly to business forums and enterprise events about the use of data to transform businesses and the increasing range of innovative Hewlett Packard Enterprise solutions. In this interview, we wanted to find out more about the background to her successful high profile leadership style.
How did your education prepare you for working in the industry and what was your first job?
I graduated from the University of National and World Economy in Sofia and I have a master’s degree in Marketing. In fact, I started working a few months before I started studying to cover my education costs. I started as a Customer Service Specialist in an office supplies company, then became a Product Manager and after graduating, I took the position of Marketing Manager and Product Department Manager.
The working process helped me with my education and vice versa. What I studied in theory, I could put into practice in my work and it was very useful and effective for my future career. In general, I personally think that university education only gives you guidance; it teaches you how to obtain and handle information, but not how to do your job.
Did you have any early role models when you began working that you looked up to?
I’ve never wanted to look like or behave like anyone. I always wanted to be one of a kind, to be distinct, not to blend in. That’s why I don’t think I’ve had any role models ever. Many people have helped and supported me in my life and career, but I have never wanted to “copy” any of them. On the other hand, instead of role models, I had goals and dreams that I was trying to fulfill. One of my dreams, for example, was to work for HP. In my early twenties, every day I passed the office of (then) HP in Sofia and dreamed of having a chance to work for this company one day – and I made it happen in 2009.
What kind of challenges did you encounter as a woman working in tech (if any?)
My opinion is that women should not try to mimic men’s leadership. We are different not only by gender but also by mentality. Men and women have different leadership skills and that is wonderful, this is how it should be.
The main challenge I am facing – and it may sound funny but this is really demanding – it is when I must make a business appointment with a male. No matter if it is in the office or elsewhere, every single time, I worry every single time that I could be misunderstood, that he will get my intentions wrong. I cannot be straight forward, to just call and say “Hello, Sir. Let’s meet!” I have to be more restrained and choose my words carefully at the beginning – which is not fair, right? So – the result is I need MORE time, sometimes more than one short conversation to start talking business with male partners.
In general, regarding gender – there should be balance in everything. I don’t like putting anyone in a box no matter if the person is male or female. I like when people are not the same. I believe in the balance of nature.
The gender balance is not a balance of numbers, it’s a balance of skills – women have their skills and men their skills, and both are equally important. When managing a team, it’s not about the balance of the number of women or men. When you are hiring different people with different qualities, this balance comes naturally.
Is this your first role with HPE/Selectium?
I started to work for Hewlett-Packard Bulgaria as IPG partner business manager in 2009 and after a few years, I transferred to Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Bulgaria as Technology Services Country Lead and Sales. I have maintained the same role after HPE transitioned to a new country-presence business model, which lead to the establishment of Selectium in 2018. Last year I received an offer to take on the role of Country Manager for Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium and accepted it.
Moving to HPE/Selectium – what were your first impressions of the company and the Midis Group as a whole?
This was not my first encounter with Midis Group. Shortly before I started at HP, I worked for а company (the official representative of Apple in Bulgaria), which was part of Midis Group. My first impressions of Midis Group are from that period: transparency, correctness, and a pleasant working atmosphere. In other words – a place where you want to work and a company that motivates you to be productive and loyal. Business ethics make a company attractive.
Your current role as Country Manager is a chance to have a major influence on the development of the business on a large scale – what would you say are the biggest tasks in taking on such a role?
In general, the key requirement for this role is to achieve results quickly. I am result-oriented as a person and this requirement suits me perfectly. However, when I took on this role, I found that it is much more important to initially invest in the relationship with the team, as this is a long-term investment in future results. Currently, I am positive that every successful leader must first build trust and then pursue results. But it was and still is a struggle for me – when needed to put the relationship with the team first instead of pursuing results.
What will success look like, in this role, when it happens?
For me there is no such thing, success is a process, not a thing, or a feeling. When executing a managerial position, to say that you are successful, you must have reached the point where the team is so well coordinated that it can work independently. And independently does not mean without supervision. This means that the leader has managed to make the work processes so effective that each team member feels super confident with his or her area of specialization and responsibility. This is a guarantee of great results. This is what success looks like for me.
What is your management style – is it different to how others manage?
I am not sure what my management style is, I am still searching for the best management style. I think that constant learning is a significant skill that every good leader should have. The leader should know that knowledge is not a weakness, but strength and constant learning is the best tool you have in your hand when managing a team. Once you believe you’re the best and you don’t have to learn anything more, you’re done as a leader.
I think I am a manager who is quite liberal but also very demanding – I expect a lot from myself and therefore I expect a lot from others.
Мy goal is to build my relationship with my team on mutual trust: for me to be convinced that they will do their job in the best way and for them to believe that I will support them if they need it. I do my best to follow this important principle daily. I don’t like micromanagement, it’s a waste of time. I want to focus on things that help the company move forward – i.e. not just to meet our targets, but to be a step ahead.
In recent times, what has been a really challenging project or problem, and how did you overcome it?
I took the role of Country Manager in a time of global crisis (COVID-19), and I had to prove that I am the best choice. I admit it wasn’t easy. The first challenge was this ‘remote working’ situation that emerged from nowhere.
Becoming a leader to a team that is not actually present is very difficult. So the challenge for me was to connect with my colleagues – literally. I needed to be accepted by the team and I didn’t have the chance to meet any of them in person. Then my perseverance came to the rescue!
I am persistent and when I start something, I want to finish it. I never give up. And that turned out to be very important in my situation. Communication wasn’t the only challenge – it was hard for me to be unable to see how people react or how they feel; are they OK or do they need some support from me.
For example, some people didn’t like working from home while others were scared to go outside at all – this is some kind of psychological moment that a leader should understand, feel and act appropriately. There is no book full of generally applicable rules for all. The correct perception of this situation is critical – and as a leader, people should have the feeling that you are doing the best for them.
In these early stages of my journey as a manager, I had the strong support of my then direct superior – Iztok Klancnik – who at that time was Selectium General Manager for Slovenia and Bulgaria. His managerial approach helped me a lot and taught me how to be a better leader myself. He found the best way to coach me and at the same time assure me that I can make the right decisions on my own. It was extremely important to me that in these first couple of months I could count on him always and in every situation. So now, I want to show my team that they can count on me. I believe this is one of the main ways to motivate any team.
In this role or other recent ones, what project, task or success are you most proud of?
Actually, I feel proud everyday of the work that we are doing as a team because it’s not easy. I would be proud if I achieve what I talked about a little earlier – building a strong and effective team. Winning a deal, no matter how difficult and complex it is, is not a thing that can make me proud. Winning deals is my job after all.
How do you relax when you are not working?
Relax isn’t something that comes easy to me. As I said earlier, I am very result-oriented person, and it is very hard for me to find effective ways to free my mind from the constant stream of thoughts about work.
I found out that to relax I have to keep my brain busy with non-work related topics. I try to do things that focus my attention on areas that are very far away from the subject of my work. Math games, logic games and puzzles proved to be very handy amusements.
Playing the piano is another way for me to rest, which regrettably I do not do often enough. I have been playing the piano since I was 6 years old.
MDS System Integration Group in the UAE rewards long service employees
MDS SI Group affiliates in the UAE organized two events to appreciate and reward employees who have invested their very best professional efforts in their work for the Group over many years.
One key sign of a good employer is how long people stay with a company. Good employee retention leads to a high level of professional expertise, extensive market knowledge and a wise and ethical approach to business. For Midis Group and its affiliates, good people are a treasured business asset and one of the key reasons the Group has an edge over competitors in the marketplace.
The Dubai presentation event took place at the lavish Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Photo credit – MDS SI
The first event in Dubai took place at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel on Sunday April 17, with around 200 employees present from MDS Site & Power Dubai, PACC, Integrated Industries, MAGNOOS, MDS CTS, EBM Dubai, eHDF, CDA Dubai, MDS SI, eSolutions Dubai, MDS Dubai and MDS ap Tech.
The long service awards commemorated work anniversaries for 15, 20 and 30 years. In Dubai, 23% of the workforce were rewarded for their loyalty and long service. 27 excellent employees won awards for their service of 15 years, 10 of those present for 20 years, six for 25 years and three for an impressive 30 years. During the event, a draw was held where more than 20 employees won amazing gifts from Apple, including iPhones, Apple watch and Airpods.
72 people were thanked for their long service at the Saadiyat Beach Club. Photo credit – MDS SI
The second event in Abu Dhabi took place at the Saadiyat Beach Club on April 21. More than 250 employees attended from Pacc AUH, EMB AUB, MDS Computers, LiveRoute, MDS ap Tech, Site & Power AUH, CDA AUH, MDS TSS, eSolutions, MDS TS, MDS Computer Systems and MDS UAE.
During the event, 72 people representing 30% of the workforce in AUH were awarded for their long years of service. 34 had worked for the Group for 15 years, 20 for 20 years, nine for 25 years, six for 30 years, the President, Sami Abi Esber, for 35 years and two more have given an impressive 40 years of excellent service. To make sure everyone had a chance to be thanked, around 25 employees were selected randomly to win Apple products and gifts.
Csaba Gyarmati’s journey to iStyle Regional CEE manager
Csaba Gyarmati, Regional Manager of iSTYLE for Central Eastern Europe, was recently interviewed in depth by Roman Nováček of Epico for the first ‘APR Talk’ podcast. Talking with Roman, Csaba explored key aspects of how his career has developed, including how the IT and the tech sector have changed over the years and the intricacies of developing and managing teams of high standing.
The first minutes of the interview covered the early years of Csaba’s career which included his time working within the FMCG industry, which he says formed a really important foundation for his profession.
Csaba found the move across from FMCG to the tech sector quite a culture change: “In the technology industry, the yearly new devices, the big fluctuations between the market share of the producers, the constant innovations, were all very new to me and it was very, very interesting to get used to that kind of working environment.”
Csaba Gyarmati talked with Roman Nováček, owner of European mobile accessories company, Epico. Photo credit – Epico
Roman asks Csaba if he realized early on that Apple was going to build into the biggest tech company in the world. Csaba didn’t necessarily feel it, he says: “What I did sense at that time about the company was that there was a very strong vision behind what they’re doing. There was strong execution, there was very strong attention to detail, and there was a high level of perfection in whatever they did – whether it is product, whether it is marketing, or just building their presence.”
Roman asks Csaba if there was something that he learned in those companies and cultures that he is trying to replicate now at iSTYLE? “They really had a profound, profound impact, yes. I think one very important asset is the people. The first aspect of the people side of things is that the team need to work with the best. So that is very important – that the business output is only as good as the weakest point in your organization.”
“And the other thing is that those people need to work as a team. And that’s super important – and that also has another component in that they need to have a vision, and need to have some alignment – I really call this alignment. When we all go for reaching certain targets, we all go for reaching certain goals, and the more we are aligned in this, the more we understand.”
The interview was in two parts – first part on video and accessible via LinkedIn, and the second part via Spotify or Apple Podcasts. In the second part of the interview, Roman asks Csaba more about his management style, and in this part of the chat, Csaba explained how he and his team have developed their own approaches to recruitment via trial days. Csaba also talks about the difficulty – and importance – of finding a good work-life balance.
There’s much more to learn in the whole interview about Csaba Gyarmati and his career and views on management, technology and how business success might come, in future, from a mix of online and real-world retail.
e-Commerce CEE Regional Manager: Leading with an open mind
András Tar is eCommerce Regional Manager for iSTYLE CEE and he is one of the rising stars of the Midis Group. Here, András tells us how he developed his career, how he manages people and how he views the current explosive growth in e-commerce.
Q: You have been in the Apple Premium Reseller (APR) business for more than 12 years – how did you get started?
A: I was obsessed with Apple products for a long time and bought my first iPod on the secondhand market when I started university, and then my first Mac in 2006. At that moment I knew that it would be a life-changer. Basically, immediately, I applied for a job as a Sales Representative in the first of the APRs in Hungary, and after six or seven months I got in. In those days, the iPhone was a totally new product, and we felt it will change how things work in our day-to-day lives.
Q: What did you study in college or University?
A: I studied Physics in two universities but already worked full-time for the most part, so after a while, I chose my career over formal education. But the time I spent there totally changed my mindset. The scientific view became a very important way I approach issues, and I do my best to stay open-minded and re-evaluate and even reform my past acts when necessary.
Q: You have had a great career path so far – starting as a sales consultant, then store manager, retail manager, then onto being a development and purchasing manager for iCenter Hungary. On joining iSTYLE, your role changed to a regional one – Operations Manager and now, from last year, as the eCommerce Leader for CEE. What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a career like yours today?
A: Yes, I’ve had quite a lot of positions in my career; my experience – and this is my advice to everyone – is that you have to find something you’re really passionate about because that will be your main motivation even in the hardest times. You will fail many times, but never be afraid of failing; our biggest drawback is when we can’t admit our faults, because it gives us no ground to evolve. Think, act, evaluate and rethink, this is my advice.
András: ‘As an iSTYLE family member, your attitude to work is always more important than what background you have, and if you’re persistent, you’ll have the opportunity to grow here.’ Photo credit – iSTYLE
Q: What would you say about the way that Midis Group/iSTYLE is nurturing talent?
A: I feel very lucky to meet so many of my colleagues, and if I have to highlight one thing above all, it’s really important in iSTYLE that we’re always trying to promote colleagues from within the Group, to fill our vacancies from within our own teams and give people opportunities. As an iSTYLE family member, your attitude to work is always more important than what qualifications you have, and if you’re persistent, you’ll have the opportunity to grow here.
Q: In the last few years, e-commerce and digital transformation have changed business. Impacted by COVID, online markets are growing more than anything else. What challenges has this brought for iSTYLE and for you, as a regional lead?
A: Yes, the last years have made the e-Commerce business accelerate as never before. It is a great challenge from many angles. We have had to rethink our whole operation to serve the needs of our customers the very best we can, in the shortest period. I’m very proud of all our colleagues in the whole region; they have shown great skills to adapt to many new challenges. We still have a lot to learn and change, but every single person I know has worked really hard to reach the point where we’re at today.
Q: How do you see the e-commerce business in the following years? What we should be preparing for?
A: The recent past tells us – even the ones who have never tried online shopping – that the way of things is changing. People are realising what can be done from the safety of their homes, and this process won’t stop here. We’re working every day to provide the Apple Premium Reseller services and feeling to our customers, regardless of whether they are buying from their chairs or in one of our shops.
Q: What about team management? How is that working for you, blending management and leadership skills in your leading efforts?
A: I think leadership is very different these days, and I don’t mean this in the manner of thinking. We are lucky today in that we have countless tools to work effectively even from great distances, but we also have to find the right balance to use these tools, not weaken productivity. Our team leaders and teams in the nine countries I’m responsible for are showing great skills of autonomy. Our communication is always open and I try to avoid micromanagement.
Q: What are you most proud of in this job and what would you change as a New Year resolution?
A: I’m most proud of the bridges we build in iSTYLE between the different teams and countries. What I see these days is that there is a thriving culture of ‘helping the other’, even on days when everybody has more on their plate than they can deal with.
But I never do New Year resolutions! I believe in constant change and development, but if you ask about the next challenge we’re taking on, it is to ‘kick up a notch’ how we’re serving our customers. I won’t go into details, but let’s just say it includes the pace and the quality too.
