Who is
Alexander
Bringing the energy, the creativity - and the fun - to any project. Highlights of our conversation with Alexander.
"Today there is so much noise, both in society in and within a company. You have to break through that noise to get things done."
How do you think your colleagues would describe you?
People say that I’m technically well-founded. And professional. But one piece of feedback I’ve often had is that I’m very energetic. I bring energy to a project.
Are you a morning or evening person?
I’m a bit of both. On a good day, I jump out of bed and I’m, like, ‘Let’s go!’. And I’m most efficient in the morning. My brain switches off about nine at night and I rarely work after this time.
What’s your idea of a dream project?
Actually, I’m lucky to have worked on several dream projects. And one of the things they all have in common is that they’re completely insane. For example, when I lived in Australia, I designed and produced thousands of beautiful parking metres in Sydney, as an alternative to the monstrosities the city was going to buy.
What apps do you use regularly?
Mobile phones and apps in general just suck energy from you. I’m really not a fan. I’ve disowned Facebook. YouTube is really addictive. I only really use LinkedIn and WhatsApp.
How would you describe yourself and what you bring to a project - in just three words?
Leadership. Execution - as in getting things done. And humour.
Humour? Why is that a good thing?
It’s one of my characteristics, to look on the bright side. It’s very easy to get bogged down in the details, in all the technical stuff. But it helps cohesion in the team if people don’t take themselves too seriously. You have to know your stuff, of course. And I’m not talking about slapstick jokes. I just think there’s a time and a place for a bit of fun, in a creative way.
Creative? That’s not a word people associate with project management.
To be a good leader, you need to be understood. So, communicating using concepts or thinking visually can really help. Maybe that’s why I’m good at Pictionary.
Are you a fan of games?
Yes. During Covid, I played Monopoly with my family using real money. A completely different experience.
If there was a movie made of your life, which actor would you like to play you?
Can’t I play myself? Probably Tom Hanks.
Has anyone given you professional advice that has stuck with you?
Actually, I get the same advice on both a professional and personal level: slow down. I know that sometimes I go at one hundred miles and hour. I find it incredibly hard to slow down but I realise that I have to be very conscious of.
What do you do to switch off?
Mountain biking. Normally two to three times a week. Although it’s zero this week because I injured my thumb.
Anything else less energetic?
Me and my partner are just renovating a house. It’s a diamond in the rough. We move in during December but it’s a five to ten year project.
