
Götz Ardey - Chief Business Development Officer
As Chief Business Development Officer, Götz Ardey looks to develop a “beautiful” company and thereby overcome the boundaries between experts, disciplines and organizations.
You have completed several courses of study, why?
Technology has always fascinated me. Engineering studies proved to be an excellent school of thought. I was passionate, but I soon asked myself: “Where is the human part?” I have therefore decided to undertake parallel studies in industrial design. In that domain, sociology, psychology as well as art played a central role. I found this combination to be perfect until I, as a project manager, saw how the implementation of good ideas highly depended on their financial advantages being highlighted. That is why I “completed” my curriculum with an MBA, so that I could translate the language of engineers into that of financial experts.
Which skills are important to you today?
Basically the same as at the beginning of my career. But my creative activity has shifted to a higher level: Today I aspire to develop “beautiful” organizations, where design and perfection align for the sake of people. Of course, I’m not an expert in all areas. But since I have been working in different disciplines for a long period of time, I have developed a good feeling of what is plausible. And I have learned to believe in people. Even if, as a high reliability organization (HRO), we naturally have and need clear processes and rules in security-relevant areas.
What was your day-to-day work like during the COVID-19 crisis?
Completely different. We immediately switched to working remotely. Many meetings took place digitally and I met some of my teams every morning for a virtual e-coffee. That worked very well, but I lacked the “real” contact. That’s why I was very happy to meet my people face-to-face again. However, through this particular crisis situation, we have also experienced skyguide’s strengths. We set up a task force very early on that calmly and quickly dealt with all health and operational aspects. It certainly helped that we in air traffic control keep preparing mentally for crises anyway – risk management is simply in our DNA.
Which projects are particularly important at the moment?
One of our most important projects is the establishment of a virtual center, which will make the aviation system safer and more efficient, as well as open up new opportunities for international cooperation. Another project is the expansion of the Swiss aviation system. Here we are deepening our cooperation with all stakeholders in Swiss aviation: Together we are driving forward projects that are important for our country.
«As an expert, you have to look beyond your own limits and actively seek out ways to collaborate with others.”
(Götz Ardey)