New Member of the Team: Henry Simanek, Product Manager

1. How did you end up at DPM?

I already knew DPM from the customer perspective way before I started considering working here. So, I knew a couple of people, the way of working, and maybe even some of the values. That made it easy for me to find the right arguments to start here once I decided that I want to move to Munich.

2. What was your career plan after school, and have you stayed true to it?

My initial life plans were blunt and unreflected: simply earn as much money as I can and find a safe job. I figured out that I should study Business Administration, just like everyone else with a similar plan. Luckily, I found out very quickly that what money can't buy are joy and meaningful tasks. That's where my interest in new technologies, businesses, and IT, in general, began to grow and I ended up finding my right spot in the field of product management.

I haven't lost my initial ambitions completely, but I haven't stayed true to my original plan either. In other words: ending up here was not planned, but still makes me very happy.

3. Can you tell us a little bit about your first days working at DPM?

The first day at DPM was a so-called Awesome Friday (everyone can pursue their own projects and personal development), and what seemed to be a pretty normal Friday changed when my new colleagues spontaneously decided to spend our evening in the city together, which included nice drinks, even nicer talks and truly the warmest welcome that I could've imagined. Plus, I found some great spots in the city right on my first day!

4. How do you balance work with your personal life?

I used to be very strict in that regard, although it’s not really necessary at DPM. Working way more hours than you should on a regular basis either makes people frustrated or exhausted. So, I enjoy it a lot to have the freedom of having a lot of flexibility and understanding within the company to organize the way that works best for me. Since my colleagues and I share quite a few hobbies, it is very nice to find that balance naturally, like when we set up dates for bike rides, for example.

5. What makes DPM different from other companies that you have worked with so far?

What immediately came to my mind is that I have the feeling everyone working at DPM wants to work here, and not because they just have to. With that comes a very progressive and joyful vibe, that I haven't experienced so far. Ambitious, but always on eye level.

6. What are the five terms with which you could describe yourself?

Enthusiastic, curious, coffee, bikes, tech