5 questions for Antonio Annecchiarico, Head of Operations & Management Consulting at Alltax AG Treuhandgesellschaft

Have you ever been asked in a job interview whether you are more of a generalist or a specialist? Most of us have a prepared answer to this question - often along the lines of "a bit of both". Not Antonio Annecchiarico. He is a self-confessed generalist. And with conviction.

After completing his studies at HSG St. Gallen, Antonio Annecchiarico started out in traditional management consulting - an environment in which analytical thinking, perseverance and strategic acuity are required. He developed concepts, accompanied transformation processes and quickly grew into more demanding roles. "I learned a lot - professionally, but also personally. Above all, how to discuss with top management at eye level, even when you're just starting out."

But this phase is only part of his professional history. The next step was to get out of consultant mode and into implementation. Mr. Annecchiarico moved to what was then Orange (now Salt), taking on responsibility in corporate planning and later in product marketing. It was the beginning of a path that would lead him across many industries, roles and perspectives - ever closer to where strategy and reality meet. What follows is impressively diverse: 15 years in various management positions - including as managing director at Pathé, at a renowned ballet school, in the daycare sector and in the catering industry. In addition, he successfully founded and sold two companies. On paper, this seems unusual. But if you listen, you quickly realize that there is a common thread. It was all about establishment, development and operational management. And the courage to get things rolling - even without a safety cushion.

"Strategy is the most profitable investment in the future of a company."
- Antonio Annecchiarico

After a family break, he returned to the professional world - with a new focus and reflected priorities. Antonio Annecchiarico becomes "Head of Operations" at Alltax AG - and soon realizes how great the need for advice really is for many SMEs. Today at Alltax, he is building up the Management consultancy up. A project close to his heart. Because he is convinced that small and medium-sized companies in particular need strategic clarity in order to remain fit for the future. But this is precisely where the challenge lies: "Many SMEs intuitively know that change is necessary. But they see the costs first - and not the potential." His aim is to support small and medium-sized enterprises in strategic issues, help them grow and strengthen operational structures in the long term.

"My approach is to listen carefully, analyze together - and then implement it in practice." It is clear to him that good strategy should not be a privilege of large corporations. Smaller companies also benefit enormously - in economic, organizational and human terms.

In conversation with Mr. Annecchiarico, it becomes clear how much entrepreneurial foresight, personal experience and pragmatic thinking come together in his work - and why it is precisely this mix that makes the difference today.

Mr. Annecchiarico, if you had taken a different path when you were younger, what would you have become?

"Probably a doctor - I obviously have a strong desire to help others. Today, I'm a company doctor, so to speak: I diagnose challenges and develop the right "therapies" together with my clients. Like a doctor, I not only analyse the symptoms, but also look for the causes - with the aim of not only stabilizing companies in the short term, but also making them healthier and more resilient in the long term."

What is your favorite way to start your day?
"Very cozy. After the first alarm clock rings, I like to stay in bed for a moment and treat myself to two or three rounds of snooze. Then I have a really good coffee - and the day can begin. In the office, I then plan my day and set clear priorities."

What does success mean to you personally?
"For me, success means being satisfied - with my own performance and that of those around me. In my private life, it means staying healthy, living without major worries, spending time with my family and loved ones and constantly developing myself. Professionally, success for me means creating real added value - for my customers, for my team and also for myself. I want to help people and companies realize their full potential and make the most of themselves."

What would you work for free for a week?
"There would be a lot. I'm already involved in voluntary work, including on the board of the JAHE association in Riehen, which organizes neighbourhood help. I also like to support young entrepreneurs in setting up their own company. And to be honest: I'm always working for free at home anyway - raising children and managing the household are just as important to me."

What was the best professional advice you ever received?
"It's clear: do what you love - and do it with passion." If you enjoy your work, success usually comes naturally. Another important piece of advice was: cultivate your network. I've neglected this somewhat in recent years for family reasons - but it's something I want to pay more attention to again in the future."

We would like to thank Mr. Annecchiarico for his contribution to this article.

You can obtain further information on Alltax AG's management consultancy services in a free Webinar series - compact, practical and specifically for SMEs.