Simone, you have been with the company for more than 30 years. What did you do before?

I grew up in the German Democratic Republic, and before I started my career I only knew what I didn't want to do - typically female and medical professions. I was offered the opportunity to become a construction worker. I spent three years learning the trade from scratch - bricklaying, plastering, laying screed. Later I graduated in civil engineering in Leipzig, and then the Berlin Wall came down.

After a short stint as an editor at a subsidiary of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, I came across an advert for Ytong. It really appealed to me. That's how I became the first woman in Ytong's sales department. It took some getting used to!

Is that one of the reasons why you are now involved in the Female Network as a mentor?

For me, it doesn't have anything to do with gender - thanks to my many years of experience in the company, I often get calls. Many people are interested in my opinion on personal and development issues.

How would you describe your first days at Xella, then at Ytong?

I quickly found my way around the specific sales topics and felt at home. Working with so many different people fascinated me, and I grew into the role - and I'm still growing, because something new happens every day. Although I was consulting on aerated concrete at the time, my approach was always holistic. My customers have always appreciated that.

Following the reorganization of Xella Germany's sales structure, you became head of sales in the newly created Systems & Solutions division in April. What are your tasks now?

I see my main task as making sure that we become a good team. We come from the commercial and residential sides of the business. It's exciting to bring those different perspectives together. We have a lot to learn from each other. And I have already received feedback from many sides that we have exactly the right people on board.

What does it mean for your day-to-day work in Systems and Solutions to now work in both areas?

We see ourselves as selling projects. We want to talk to our customers about solutions, not products. This also means getting involved in projects and investors at a very early stage.

It also means working with industry partners with whom we can offer a comprehensive shell construction service - and, if the customer wants, the execution of the construction, i.e. our Construction Services. With this solution, our customer gets everything from a single source. We have the consulting expertise and are slowly making our way.

What will happen by the end of the year?

We have a roadmap for the next 200 days. To be honest, that's a long time, and of course we must take care of the day-to-day business. So, I would be more than satisfied if we had achieved a large part of it by the end of the year.

What role does sustainability play?

Sustainability drives everything we do, from working conditions to recycling. In a year's time, we hope to be able to accept and recycle recycled building materials from demolition sites throughout Germany. On the one hand, we need to position ourselves to offer the best solutions that make it easy for investors to build with us. On the other hand, we need to have good and sufficient people to meet that demand when the economy picks up.

When you're not working, where do you recharge your batteries?

I used to be more of a glass half empty kind of person. But a major turning point in my life made me realize that the glass is still half full. Since then, I've been able to enjoy the little things more. Whether it's the blossoming trees on a walk, a bike ride, or a concert. When I meet friends and family, the laughter gives me energy. When people around me are happy, I'm happy.

And I still enjoy my work, even after more than 30 years. I've always said that if I'm looking forward to the next week on Sundays, then I'm enjoying what I do.