Building Radar founder Leopold Neuerburg had recently given us an insight in the #CoronaUpdate how things are going in the Munich Proptech Now we've taken another look behind the scenes and talked to Felicitas Hauer, Account Executive at Building Radar, about her daily work at the 50-employee company. In our series "How it works," startup founders and employees talk about their favorite tools, routines, and working methods.
Munich Startup: What is your morning routine?
Felicitas Hauer, Building Radar: I set my alarm so that I wake up during my sleep rhythm (about every 1.5 hours to avoid interrupting deep sleep phases). Then I go to Duolingo and learn a round of Spanish or Italian to maintain or improve my language skills. To wake up, I drink a large glass of water and make coffee with my small Italian mocha. While I'm doing this, I quickly tidy the apartment. Then I do 20 minutes of yoga – especially during the coronavirus pandemic, I've realized how important not only exercise but also stretching and taking a moment to pause are. Afterward, I go to the bathroom and dressing room with a coffee. Then I usually have my first client meeting before I hop on my bike and cycle to the office in 5 minutes.
Munich Startup: What is your favorite work tool?
Felicitas Hauer, Building Radar: I never thought I'd say this, because I actually have almost everything in my head. But after twenty or more valuable conversations a day, I'm grateful to have my notes stored in a structured manner in Salesforce. For personal organization, I use Asana or my calendar.
Munich Startup: Which 3 apps are essential?
Felicitas Hauer, Building Radar: Spotify, Whatsapp and Paypal – not particularly original, but it is about indispensable
Munich Startup: Which event in Munich is a must?
Felicitas Hauer, Building Radar: Bits and Pretzels.
How do the Harvard Principle and Pippi Longstocking fit together?
Munich Startup: Which book do you recommend to others?
Felicitas Hauer, Building Radar: The Harvard Principle and Pippi Longstocking. The Harvard Principle not only helps with negotiations, but also simplifies decision-making by simply asking: What is my best alternative? Applied to a business context, this has helped me so far. In a world dominated by conformity, Pippi Longstocking helps you stay a little crazy and do your own thing. Very important to me personally, because the question of the relevance of your own actions is the most central one in life.
Munich Startup: What is your favorite type of meeting?
Felicitas Hauer, Building Radar: It depends on the meeting. I think online conferences are great for 80 percent of meetings. They save time, and everyone keeps things brief, while you can still see each other's faces and understand them better. For some meetings, however, a face-to-face meeting is simply very important because you can emphasize trust, closeness, and common ground much better.
Munich Startup: What hinders your motivation in your daily business?
Felicitas Hauer, Building Radar: When I have too many external to-dos on my plate. The more I work independently, the more motivated I am. From a bird's eye view, it helps me immensely to know where I will be in 6 months, where I will be in 2 years, and where I will be in 5 years or more. The clearer the picture at any given moment, the more important my work seems to me, and the more willing I am to give 100 percent.
Felicitas Hauer: Energy for the whole day
Munich Startup: What is your motivation booster in your everyday work life?
Felicitas Hauer, Building Radar: When I start the day off on a high note. The more things I've already accomplished at the beginning of the day, the more I want to push myself for the rest of the day. My mom once said to me, "The fairy wants to be challenged; if she's bored, she falls asleep." I think that sums it up quite well.
Munich Startup: How do you end your working day?
Felicitas Hauer, Building Radar: I don't really have a routine in the evenings. I work through handwritten notes so nothing gets lost, but that's about it. When I'm on my bike, I reflect on the highlights and then often cycle to friends' houses, where I cook, go out to dinner, and, above all, chat at length.
