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Hello Matthias!
It’s been almost a year since you joined hearts and brains. Could you tell us how you came to be a part of the team?
I’ve known Elke for more than 4.5 years. We worked together at another executive search firm. We quickly realized that we had similar professional and personal interests. When Elke started receiving inquiries for the Finance & Controlling sector at hearts and brains – which didn’t exist at the time – she asked me if I would help her establish this new competency area. Having worked in various finance roles for many years myself, it was an exciting new challenge for me. So, we started exchanging ideas and discussing how our collaboration could look like. Since February 2023, I’ve been wholeheartedly involved with hearts and brains. It’s been a journey with its ups and downs, as executive search jobs usually are (smiles). But building and expanding the Finance & Controlling department is genuinely enjoyable for me every day.
Share a little secret about yourself!
I love buying books, even though I often know beforehand that I won’t have time to read them in the near future. I have a small library of unread books at home, just waiting for me to dive into them. 😉
As the lone male and finance expert in our team, what are your tasks and challenges?
Currently, I am indeed the token male at hearts and brains (laughs). The primary focus is on building the new Finance and Controlling business area. This involves creating a candidate network, acquiring clients, attending networking events, and giving expert talks. The main emphasis right now is on establishing and promoting the new business field among clients. I recruit in the Finance and Controlling sector, from financial experts and consolidation specialists to Head of Accounting & Controlling and CFO positions. It involves juggling many responsibilities and aiming to be recognized as an expert in financial position recruitment in the market. Hopefully, as quickly as possible. 😉
“"It's a big challenge to build a new business field, but as they say, one grows with challenges!" ”
hearts and brains is your job, but who are you outside of work?
That’s a good question! Much of what I do passionately in my job is reflected strongly in my personal life. I started playing football at the age of 8 and progressed from regional selections to various Austrian youth national teams and eventually to the professional level. At 17, I moved alone from home (Bregenz) to Munich to join the football academy, pursuing my childhood dream of becoming a professional footballer. This step made me very independent and self-reliant at a young age. Although I didn’t make it to the very top, football will accompany me throughout my life. However, these days, you’ll find me only in the stands of Austrian football stadiums, not on the green field anymore (laughs). 😉
The time as an athlete has positively shaped me. Through sports, I acquired essential values such as commitment, passion, teamwork, perseverance, sacrifice, and a certain tolerance for frustration. These are all qualities that come in handy in the job, especially as a headhunter.
"For success, it's worth going the extra mile!"
Traveling is also one of my great hobbies and passions. I’ll share more about that later, as I’ve already given a little spoiler. 😊
In summary, sports, family & friends, travel, and animals play an important role in my life.
You like animals? Why are they important to you, and do you have any favorites?
My girlfriend Jenny has a very sweet and lovable dog named Finn, an Aussie Retriever, whom I get to take care of occasionally. We love spending time together on long walks or paddleboarding on the lake. Finn, like me, is a true water enthusiast. 😀
Since October 2022, I’ve been volunteering with the marine conservation organization Sea Shepherd in my free time. Sea Shepherd is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting marine wildlife. Social engagement with Sea Shepherd is something that is personally important to me.
And now, as expected, your question: Ocean or mountains?
Definitely the ocean. I am a passionate diver and often plan my vacations so that I can still do some diving. There are few leisure activities as relaxing and fascinating as diving! As soon as my head is underwater, I can disconnect, focus on my breathing, enjoy the tranquility, and marvel at all the different and fascinating marine creatures underwater. Pure relaxation for me – almost at the push of a button! By the way, I prefer diving with sharks. The bigger, the better! (No joke!) 😉
Like all of us at hearts and brains, you’re a foodie too – savory or sweet?
I really enjoy savory cuisine. My favorite dish is red Thai curry! But my mother’s Kaiserschmarrn is also delicious – “My mom is simply an excellent cook!”
Spontaneous or planned?
Spontaneous! I’m always ready for anything! (laughs). I often go spontaneously with friends to Frau Gerolds Garten for a drink. It can happen that a friend rings my doorbell spontaneously: “Are you coming to Gerolds Garten?” “Of course – I’m in!” If the timing works, I’m always up for a spontaneous beer!
Bookworm or movies?
I love watching movies and series. But I would actually love to read much more again. At the moment, I just lack the time for it.
Thank you, dear Matthias, for letting us learn more about you today!
On our website we have consciously decided against gendering. We see no reason whatsoever to emphasise differences when it is actually about recognising everyone as equal. We see and value everyone as an individual, regardless of gender and for us everyone is equal and equally welcome.
