The opportunity to make the world a little better was one of the reasons Markus accepted the role as our new CEO. Working with meaningful technology and being closer to business development were others. In this interview, he shares his first impressions of the company, what drives him as a leader and what he looks forward to during his first year at Terranet.
What made you accept the role as CEO of Terranet?
Several things attracted me to Terranet. The most important was the vision. I have always enjoyed working in companies that strive to make the world a little better, and the ambition to save lives and contribute to greater safety for vulnerable road users felt both important and meaningful.
The technology was also a key factor. It is an area where I already have experience, and I see great potential both in the technology itself and in the value it can create going forward.
Being able to work at the intersection of technology, business development and people is something I have always enjoyed. In the end, it was the combination of the vision, the technology, the business development opportunities and the chance to contribute that made me say yes.
You have been here for a month now. What are your impressions so far, and what makes you believe in the company?
My first impression has confirmed what attracted me to Terranet from the start. But there is one thing that has positively surprised me, and that is the people.
There is a warmth and energy within the company that you cannot fully understand during a recruitment process. It is something you only discover once you are here. I have received a lot of positive energy since joining, and I hope I can contribute some in return.
What makes me believe in the company is the technology’s potential to solve real problems. I have always believed that technology should create value and not be developed for its own sake. When advanced technology is combined with a clear purpose and real benefits for people, something interesting happens.
There is still a lot of work ahead of us, but I see great potential both in the technology and in the expertise within the company.
What are you most looking forward to during your first year with the company?
I am especially looking forward to meeting potential customers, building new relationships and, together with the team, taking the next step in the company’s development. We have exciting technology, an engaged team and strong foundations for creating value.
It is also inspiring to be part of a smaller company where you can make an impact and where ideas can quickly be turned into action. That combination of technology, people and business development gives me a lot of energy.
What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges ahead?
The biggest challenge is also one of our biggest opportunities. Interest in this type of technology is strong, and the potential applications are many. As a smaller company, we cannot do everything at once, which makes prioritisation especially important. It is about making the right investments and focusing our resources where we can create the greatest value.
To achieve long-term growth, we need to solve problems that are important enough for people and businesses to invest in solving.
Technology is
not the goal in itself.
The value it creates
is what matters.
At the same time, new technologies, not least AI, are creating new opportunities for smaller companies to work smarter and achieve greater impact with their resources.
I also strongly believe in the power of partnerships. The most successful companies rarely build everything on their own. By working with the right partners, we can combine different strengths, create greater value together and build an ecosystem where everyone benefits. That is an important key to both growth and long-term success.
How do you bring out the best in your employees?
I strongly believe in leading by example. As a leader, you need to demonstrate the culture you want to build, not just talk about it. Trust is created through everyday actions and behaviours.
Being close to the business, meeting people and understanding what works well and what can be improved is important to me. If you are looking for me, chances are you will find me among my colleagues rather than in my office.
It is also about creating an environment where people feel comfortable being curious, trying new ideas and learning along the way. Mistakes will always happen, but as long as we learn something from them, they are rarely wasted.
When people feel trusted, have the opportunity to grow and feel that their contribution matters, something special happens. Energy creates more energy. I often compare it to a flywheel. Once it gains momentum, people start lifting each other up, taking initiative and driving development forward together.
That is the kind of culture that creates both strong teams and long-term results.
How would your former colleagues describe you?
That is really a question for them to answer. I think many would describe me as curious, committed, and quite restless.
I often say that you do not build relationships or develop businesses by sitting in your office all day. I enjoy being where things happen, meeting people, asking questions and staying close to the business.
And even when things get busy, I try to bring warmth and positive energy. There is always time for a conversation and, when the situation allows, even a hug.
What is the best advice you have received during your career?
To make sure that words and actions are aligned. If you say one thing and do another, you not only lose the trust of others, but also a part of yourself.
Another piece of advice came from my grandmother. She used to say that being polite costs nothing, but can give so much in return. It is a simple thought, but one that has stayed with me throughout my life.
If you could send a message to Terranet’s shareholders, what would it be?
After my first month at Terranet, I feel both inspired and humbled by the task ahead. I have seen tremendous engagement within the company and I see great potential for the future.
It will take hard work, focus and patience, but I look forward to continuing to develop Terranet together with the team and making the most of the opportunities ahead.
Thank you for your trust and for being part of our journey.