In July the second round of the Burda Digital Degree was celebrated. CEO Katharina Herrmann and Marc Al-Hames presented the graduates with their well-deserved certificates and a toast was raised together.
His career at a glance: In 2010, he started as a management trainee, spent almost 3.5 years at the digital brand Chip and then moved to C3 Creative Code and Content. Since then, he has made regular career leaps up to the position of Managing Director. In this interview, he talks to us about the highs and lows he has experienced on his career path.
How did you get started at Burda?
In April 2010, I started as a management trainee in the Chip division. There I was able to experience and help shape the close integration of print and digital at first hand. I later worked at Bambi, in sales at Moderner Zeitschriften Vertrieb (MZV), in the Media Innovation Lab and at Burda Creative, the predecessor of C3. It was a brilliant time!
How did you come to C3, and what has kept you there for almost 10 years now?
The foundation for my career at C3 was laid at the circulation station during my trainee program. Compared to more traditional media businesses in other Burda divisions, I was particularly fascinated at C3 by the exciting products created in the area of corporate publishing and content marketing in collaboration with customers. Over the years, I was able to develop and grow in ways I would never have thought possible.
What have been your best moments at C3?
In an agency, the best moments are of course when you win a pitch. My absolute highlight was when we won a current key client in 2016.
A very special phase was the co-development of our consulting unit Cyan in 2020. The management consultancy focuses on organizational design and uses C3's many years of experience. Of course, there were also many great moments with brilliant people. Moments in which we laughed, suffered and learned and, above all, always appreciated each other.
What are your highlights from almost 14 years at Burda?
There are, of course, many experiences that remain in my memory. Especially the trainee period in Berlin, where I met a lot of great people, and the successful relocation of Chip to a new Burda building. My participation in great events such as DLD and Tribute to Bambi will also remain unforgettable. Last but not least, we have successfully implemented many customer projects at C3 and constantly developed ourselves in the process.
What are your biggest fails and lessons learned?
In the last 14 years, there have been a few fails, such as lost pitches or projects that didn't work out for various reasons. However, I have learned more from these mishaps than from successes. This comforts me in such moments and is also one of my biggest learnings.
How has your job profile changed over time, and what have you learned?
Essentially, I still do what I've always enjoyed doing at Burda: Managing complexity and developing new businesses. And I do this in close collaboration with many different people. However, the responsibility has grown over the years - from the project level to the unit level and finally to the company level. You learn a lot during such a journey. Perhaps the most important thing is to always stay grounded and in balance!
In conclusion: What are your three most important career tips?
Discover your strengths and passions and find an environment, in which you can use them. This will not only make you more successful, but also more satisfied and fulfilled in your professional life.
Effective collaboration is based on respect and mutual appreciation. When all team members communicate as equals and respect each other, a harmonious working environment is created. Ideas can be exchanged freely, and common goals can be achieved efficiently.
A personal balance is important for professional success. By reserving time for yourself and your interests, you contribute to your long-term well-being and your professional performance.
Thank you, Matthias, for the exciting insights into your career!
