FTAPI Diaries: Meet our Office Managerin Romana
Who are the people behind FTAPI? What motivates them, and what do they love most about their work at FTAPI? Get to know the team! We’ll introduce you to the faces behind FTAPI and show you the people who contribute to our success every day - with heart, passion and dedication.
Since February 2022, she has been bringing order, clarity, and a great deal of warmth to the FTAPI office: our office manager has become an important part of our daily work routine. She keeps everything running smoothly and is the first point of contact for (almost) every issue. On this blog post, she discusses her journey from sales to office management, how she handles daily challenges, and a very special moment at FTAPI.
What do you love about your role as office manager?
I love the mix of organizational and administrative tasks. Constant communication with service providers and colleagues keeps me engaged in dialogue, but at the same time allows me to work very independently. Every new request makes my working day different. It's precisely this variety and the responsibility of actively shaping processes that motivate me every morning.
As an office manager, you are often the first person people will contact. How do you deal with a wide variety of concerns and personalities?
Anyone can come to me with any concern. If I can't help immediately, we'll work together to find a solution. My philosophy is: “What goes around comes around.” So always stay friendly😉 I enjoy listening, giving practical advice, or simply offering an open door. This type of appreciative communication is what makes my job special.
You worked in sales for many years. How did you end up switching to office management?
After our daughter was born, I wanted to balance my job and family life. The amount of traveling and my performance expectations in sales no longer fit with my new everyday life. Since I have always enjoyed organizing, supporting, and taking care of things, I returned to my roots in assistance. Here, I can meet people, advance processes, and at the same time be there for my family.
What makes a good, well-functioning office for you, and what do you pay attention to in order to keep things running smoothly?
A good office is based on respect, helpfulness, and an awareness of shared resources. People who say “please” and “thank you” and treat everything as carefully as if it were their own lay the foundation for a pleasant working environment in everyday office life. I like the fact that everyone at FTAPI is very helpful and we treat each other as equals. For me, it's important to make sure that information flows, processes are clear, and everyone feels responsible. That's how things run smoothly, even when things get stressful.
Is there a moment at FTAPI that has particularly stuck in your memory, whether it was funny, surprising, or simply wonderful?
It's really hard for me to decide because there are so many great moments: our summer parties in Baierbrunn, spontaneous hugs in the office, creative team events, cheerful Christmas parties and visits to Oktoberfest, or moving into our new office. For me, FTAPI is all about team spirit, and I especially love seeing everyone's smiles when we bring in homemade food for lunch.
