Hello Freddy! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Zalando?
I'm originally from Heidelberg and moved to Ulm in 2010, where I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Professional Trade and Commerce. In June 2022, I joined the Zalando Store in Ulm as Store manager and since then we have grown together as a team.
Tell us more about your job!
As a store manager, it is my job to ensure that all processes work seamlessly together to offer our customers the best possible shopping experience. I also want to inspire my team with my passion and motivate them to perform at their best.
What do you like the most about your job?
I'm the type of person who likes to make strategic decisions and take responsibility but also needs the action in day-to-day business on the sales floor, at the checkout or in the warehouse. A strong hands-on mentality is crucial, because I believe in the principle “Only those who lead by example will be followed.”
What do you think are the main reasons that talent is attracted to your teams?
First and foremost, I can proudly say that I have great people around me who are all working towards the same goal. To achieve this, cohesion, teamwork and trust are essential. We are honest with each other, challenge each other every day but also support each other wherever necessary to get the best out of ourselves. New colleagues are integrated into the team from day one and their opinions are taken seriously from the outset.
What advice would you give to others willing to do what you do?
Always be your team's biggest fan. Because only with people who support you and stand behind you is it possible to achieve great things together.
How do you approach team connectivity and flexibility?
For a team to work well, everyone has to agree on a common goal! Everyone takes on a role, and it's my job to ensure the balance of these roles and their execution. Whether it's lending a sympathetic ear and offering support in any situation, I serve as a backup so that the team can develop its own dynamic.
In terms of collaboration style, what advice would you give to someone who would be reporting to you?
Stay true to yourself and always try to be one step ahead of me. That means knowing the answer before a question is even asked. No matter who you ask in my team, the first answer would be: “Freddy would say: “Do things systematically and work properly!”
How do you manage the diversity of your team members?
I grew up in a family with African-American roots. In my opinion, diversity is something you can only benefit from and our team is the best example of that. It's not about where you come from, but where we want to go together.
