Oliver Herren: «I Find it Hard to Be Proud.»
He would rather do without cars, is not interested in wine and finds it hard to be proud. The co-founder of Galaxus, Digitec and True Wealth, Oliver Herren, talks about curiosity and why there are no defeats.
Every Wednesday, interesting personalities from the world of finance and beyond share their personal preferences on finews.privé.
What is the best thing about your job?
The freedom to pursue my own ideas and create innovations that simplify and inspire the lives of the Swiss.
A moment that changed your life?
There is no «one» moment. Rather, there are small steps and the luck of meeting the right people - both privately and professionally.
What car do you drive? What is your favorite?
Ideally, I would do without cars if public transport was better. But with a large family, the multivan has proved its worth for over 12 years and has taken us safely to our destinations.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old-self?
I don't have any abstract advice. My 20-year-old-self would first need to tell me what advice they're looking for; otherwise, my words would be empty.
What are you particularly proud of?
Being very Swiss-Protestant – although I don’t consider myself religious – I find it hard to be proud.
What was your biggest defeat?
There are no fundamental defeats with agile working methods. Only the realization that things could be done even faster and more successfully.
What is your favorite wine?
I’m not interested in wine. I only drink it on social occasions and then others choose.
Are you working on a current project?
Yes, what else, I can’t work well on a project that’s not current.
And without quibbling: At Digitec, Galaxus, and True Wealth, I’m fully committed to enhancing the customer experience and driving our vision forward.
What is most important to you at the moment?
Family, health and sport – hiking, skiing, running and always trying out new things.
What is your favorite fashion brand?
I don't care at all.
What would be the biggest surpise for someone taking over your job for a day?
That it’s mostly office work – answering emails and interviews like this one. And, all too often, too many meetings.
What is your personal motivation?
The neurons obviously want to fire. My curiosity drives me to keep learning new things and to understand how the world works.
What are you afraid of?
Of illness, accident or death for myself, my family and friends.
Your favorite watch brand?
None. I don't wear a watch.
What do your employees value the most about you?
Probably clarity of objectives, a consistent vision and the ability to innovate.
Your best investment?
Digitec and Galaxus – they have been with me for decades and are fun almost every day. Then True Wealth. Being an entrepreneur myself is more fulfilling than just investing.
Oliver Herren is co-founder of Galaxus and Digitec. He founded True Wealth together with Felix Niederer in 2013.
