More than good and bad news
Out of the dead end ...
Despite this, Kaeser was unable to progress at the world's leading manufacturer of dental implants. As a result of the restructuring of the - formerly Swiss - company, which was taken over by the US conglomerate Danaher, the communications manager with marketing expertise ended up in a professional dead end, and in July 2017, after eight years with the international group, Kaeser moved to Blaser Swisslube, a company with around 600 employees. It develops, produces and sells lubricants, in particular cooling lubricants. Blaser is also known for its own ballooning group, which carries the company's name through the air into the wide world. And this is what Kaeser has to say about his move:
... to a real pearl
OLIVER KAESER I have found a real gem in Blaser Swisslube: an internationally active family business with short decision-making processes, a lot of responsibility, creative freedom and appreciation for my work and no more bosses between me and the CEO. Leaving the huge American conglomerate was the best decision I made last year. There may be a little less pay, but there's a lot more variety, enjoyment and satisfaction, and I'm being really challenged again. And not through bureaucracy and endless coordination meetings across too many hierarchical levels, but through the quantity and variety of my tasks. From global and local marketing plans to the development of individual online and offline activities across all channels, from internal communication to crisis communication in the USA and the opening of a subsidiary in Russia, from logo development for our balloon group to selecting the curtains in our meeting rooms - I am involved everywhere with my team.MK Why did you decide to work in the communications sector?KAESER I studied English and German literature and linguistics and worked part-time as an English teacher at various schools during my studies. As I couldn't see myself as a full-time teacher, I wanted to switch to "business", which I managed to do with a trainee program at Swisscom. With my background, I naturally ended up in the communications department. And this has been the common thread in my CV ever since: communication with the ambition to be able to do more and more marketing as well.
MK What have you learned on the job in your "craft"?
KAESER Probably most of it. All the specialist knowledge I acquired in my two post-graduate studies is useless and will be forgotten if it can't be put into practice in everyday life. What practice has also taught me is that it doesn't always stick to theory. In addition to specialist knowledge and experience, success also requires the ability to see through company-specific characteristics and the agendas of those involved and to act accordingly.
MK What skills from previous jobs are useful to you today?
KAESER Certainly my knowledge of English, as Blaser Swisslube is present in many countries around the world. In addition, my studies have taught me to get a quick overview of large areas and to focus on the essentials. And as a former teacher, I know that the how is just as important as the what if you don't want to lose the attention of your audience.
MK What benefits have you gained from the training and further education courses you have completed, in particular the further training to become a federally certified marketing manager?
KAESER As a trained marketing manager, my opinion is also sought on topics that go beyond the communication of good and bad news. It was only during my further training as a marketing manager that I acquired in-depth knowledge of strategy, processes and structure, which is invaluable for my current position.
MK Who are (professional) role models for you?
KAESER All employees who are still open, curious and capable of actively supporting and driving change, even after 30 years of professional activity.
MK Where do you see future development potential or know-how that you would like to acquire for yourself and your work?
KAESER The digitalization of marketing is progressing rapidly. I look forward to learning a lot here and using the new possibilities as effectively and efficiently as possible.
