#justasking: Milan Reen, Chief of Staff, talks all things Project PROMOS2030

Hello Milan, great that we got to speak! How long have you been with PROMOS and what was your career path like in the company? What do you like about your current position?

Milan: Thanks for having me. I’ve been working for PROMOS since 2023 and began my career with easysquare, before changing to a different area and position. My background is orginally in marketing and when I started in PROMOS one of the first things I did was getting to know lots of new products and taking part in strategy workshops. These were really important for the easysquare field. Those workshops ultimately led to my current position, which is a combination of project management for internal change and working closely with our CEO. As Chief of Staff I particularly enjoy being able to help shape the working life of PROMOS employees. I don’t just mean career possibilities – it’s the practical work too. We test our internal tools, for example, to ensure that they meet employee needs.  This New Work understanding goes far beyond just providing office equipment.

Congratulations on your new position! I’d really like to hear about your experience with internal change projects and project PROMOS2030. Can you tell us more? What does PROMOS2030 stand for and what role do you play in it?

Milan: Project PROMOS2030 will carry the company to the next level. PROMOS turned 25 years old in 2023 and, of course, we expect it to reach at least 50. Our goal is to position ourselves for the next generation. This is a challenge, because it means a generational switch in the workforce. I’m concentrating on maintaining and developing our core competencies, while meeting new challenges. I’m delighted to be part of this process and help shape the working life of our colleagues. One important aspect is the streamlining of internal processes and reducing bureaucracy to help create a better work life balance. In addition to this, we are working on establishing our consulting and training bootcamp. This three month training program offers new PROMOS crew members an optimal entry into our company and this industry.

I belong to the core PROMOS2030 team which carries the responsibility context wise and works closely with management. My task is to coordinate the organisation of the project and to ensure that all aspects of the project are carried out.  In addition to that I am responsible for organisation development and improving our internal tools. It’s a exciting task which challenges and fulfills me, because I can do my part to strengthen PROMOS for the future.

What exactly is meant by the term Consulting & Training Group?

Milan: The Consulting & Training Group is an element of PROMOS2030. It’s a type of bootcamp for newcomers as well as experienced workers in the consulting industry. The aim of the Consulting & Training Group is to optimize the initial training process, to bring new PROMOS crew members into contact with clients at an early stage and to actively involve them in client projects and boost team spirit. The three month training program is uniformly modelled and prepares all participants for their individual tasks. We kick off with our “Welcome Week” during which new colleagues are familiarized with the culture of the company and its structures through a series of short presentations and workshops.

PROMOS2030 sounds like a large scale project and a number of challenges must certainly go hand in hand with this. What are these and how do you meet them?

Milan: One of the biggest challenges is the demand on the PROMOS operating capacity. We have so many priority client orders that sometimes change projects need to take a back seat. Long term planning becomes important as does recognising that quick solutions often don’t work.  It is important to set realistic milestones. Reaching them is both a goal and a challenge. Communication is another important aspect. We have learned to include our colleagues from the beginning and to communicate openly even when these large organisational changes make this sometimes difficult.

In a company with a long history, many employees and multiple viewpoints it can be a complex mattter to implement such changes. I value the company’s openness to new ideas. It stands us in good stead that change is based on functional reasons, not just the desire for change itself. It’s important for all involved to realise which changes need to be implemented, so that they can actively take part in them.

What are the long term effects of Project PROMOS2030 on employees, clients and the industry as a whole?

Milan: For employees there are challenging as well as positive aspects. The project will lead to a rejuvenation of management which will bring new career opportunities and clarity about development opportunities. At the same time, we will redefine leadership roles, so that all team members can play to their strengths. For clients this means improved availability and an optimized service process, but also more innovation in the coming years. By integrating new products and reacting quickly to market changes, customer loyalty will be strengthened. As regards the industry as a whole, the project has the aim of continually reimagining the market and maintaining our leading position. By integrating new technologies and providing solutions for real challenges, we will secure a good position over the competition.

We are driving the integration of artificial intelligence into our processes, while following an agile approach, in order to keep the process lean. Project PROMOS2030 will keep us on our toes, but I am sure that with our continuing drive and innovational spirit, that we will reach this milestone successfully.

​​​​​​​Thank you so much for the detailed insights into PROMOS2030 and our upcoming boot camp. We can’t wait for further exciting news about the project!