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What is a typical work day like for you? Is there such a thing?
Toscani: What's typical is variety—the world turns and we are regularly faced with new challenges and revised indicators of what is up ahead. We have to adjust to these and align our strategies accordingly.
Mantzioukas: I have my own areas of responsibility. About 50% of the time I am busy updating our database—the other 50% I am busy with the CEOS rollout. When I get to the office in the morning, I can never predict exactly how my day will go... Of course, it always depends on the priorities.
What does teamwork mean for you?
Toscani: Teamwork is the most important thing for me, bar none. The reason is: Where different cultures, strengths, perspectives and opinions come together, the end result is more than just the sum of the individual parts. It's critical that everyone adheres to the same philosophy and the same goal. And that's only possible with teamwork. We all enrich and support one another.
Mantzioukas: I completely agree with that. If anyone has spare capacities, s/he takes on a work package from a colleague. In a pinch everyone pitches in here. Which skills and qualities should employees have today to have a career at Continental?
Mantzioukas: To advance at Continental, you should first of all be motivated and enthusiastically involved in your projects. “You won’t get ahead with a “work-to-rule” attitude. It's also important to be able to adapt flexibly to new situations.
Toscani: Right on all counts! You simply have to have the right attitude. This is far more important to me than good grades. Employees have to approach their assignments in a positive frame of mind and be convinced that everything is doable. Why should graduates decide in favor of Continental?
Mantzioukas: Continental is an international corporation with operations at about 190 locations in 35 countries. That – and the fact that the company is so broadly based – means that there are excellent opportunities for development.
Toscani: We offer an open work environment. The hierarchies here are very flat. The result is that everyone can assume responsibility—if they want to. How do you rate the career opportunities at Continental?
Toscani: As Mr. Mantzioukas said: The international scope and the broad business base are a huge plus for Continental and provide excellent opportunities for development. Ms. Toscani, women are still a rarity in management functions. Why is that? How were you able to prove yourself and get ahead?
Prove myself? –I don't see it like that. Whether a woman manages to occupy a top position in a company depends not just on her qualifications but also on the company's philosophy. Conti and I make a good match. How do you manage to juggle work, free time and the family?
Mantzioukas: This juggling act is not always all that easy. I try to draw a clear line between my job and my free time. This doesn't work 100% of the time. Toscani: I don't know if you can talk about a juggling act here. There are professional and personal goals. I strive to achieve both and that is reflected simply in the number of hours that I devote to them each day. How do you spend your free time?
Toscani: I like practicing yoga and I love cooking. Otherwise, I spend as much time as possible with my family.
Mantzioukas: I like to get together with friends in my spare time and go out. At the gym I try to relax from my job. How do you envisage your professional future?
Mantzioukas: It's very difficult to plan for the future. But I can easily envisage remaining at Continental over the long term.
Toscani: I want to continue to have a responsible role in which I continue to contribute to the development of people and structures, leading them on to success. At the same time, I want a company like Conti that creates the overall conditions for this.
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