Information technology without emotions doesn’t work (eng)
Andrea Hendrickx is curiosity personified. The 52-year-old manages the German operations of the Indian technology company Infosys. In her private life, she is committed to environmental protection and development aid - and collects medical lasers. That in turn has made VIVID curious. Time for a chat!
Andrea Hendrickx, Geschäftsleitung Infosys Deutschland, Friedrichstraße 56, 40217 Düsseldorf
www.infosys.com
At the end of 2019, you took over as the head of German operations for the Indian company Infosys. Prior to that, you also held a management position for almost 20 years at the IT consultant Capgemini. What attracted you to your new role?
I was fascinated by the company from the very beginning. Infosys’ return on sales is twice as high as that of other IT companies. I quickly realized that it was due to the combination of a truly global company organization and the very special energy of the employees worldwide. The willingness to learn and the commitment within the Infosys family are enormous - and of course this also has an impact on the company’s success. Although Infosys has been on the market for almost 40 years, it has retained its start-up mentality. The desire to innovate is also comparatively high: half a billion US dollars is invested here in new technologies and innovations. But it’s no surprise that an Indian company is so successful, because nowadays IT can no longer do without the know-how from India. I was already familiar with the Indian culture from my previous job. Everything simply fits very well for me. So, I accepted when they made me the offer.
“Although Infosys has been on the market for almost 40 years, it has retained its start-up mentality.”
In November 2019, you moved into Infosys’ new Technology and Innovation Centre at the “Fürst und Friedrich” on Friedrichstrasse. What will happen in the future at this site?
The first pillar here at the new Düsseldorf location is project business. In addition to classic IT services, this involves topics such as artificial intelligence, big data or hybrid cloud. It also deals with new assembly line technologies for customers from the industrial and automotive sectors, smart city concepts for the public sector and many other IT innovations. The second main pillar is training and education. Thirdly, we offer exhibitions and showcases to show customers how they can use IT for their purposes. One example that I personally find very exciting is a software for measuring brain waves. People with limited mobility, for example, could one day use this technology to control their wheelchairs. Our customers get to know such innovations right here on site.
What has been the response so far from experts and university graduates to join Infosys at the Düsseldorf location?
We have about 5,000 square meters of space for 300 employees and we are already half booked. That’s a great response for the few months we’ve only been here. We are in close contact with the Heinrich Heine University, the Hochschule Düsseldorf and other universities in the area in order to attract further committed staff.
The COVID-19 pandemic shook the world economy only a few months after the opening of the Düsseldorf location. How are you experiencing the crisis and what effects are being felt?
The corona virus presents companies and entire industries worldwide with an unprecedented challenge that we have never experienced before. We, too, had to react quickly and adapt to the new circumstances, for example by working on the move - the protection of employees, customers and partners is the top priority, along with maintaining operations. However, the crisis also holds potential, particularly in terms of digitalisation. In Germany in particular, many companies are still in the early stages of their digital transformation and must now quickly rethink, develop strategies and introduce digital technologies in order to be competitive in the “new normality”. This goes hand in hand with the necessary “upskilling”of employees, i.e. the workforce must be regularly trained in the use of new technologies such as robot process automation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, etc. This applies not only to companies, but also to the public sector such as government agencies or even schools and universities.
“we are bringing together the best of two nations here.”
From Big Data to Artificial Intelligence: In the Infosys Technology and Innovation Centre, Andrea Hendrickx and her team present IT solutions to try out.
What is your impression of the Indian work mentality? And to what extent does it possibly complement the German one?
I believe we are bringing together the best of two nations here. Germany is known for its thoroughness. It is often still noticeable at nine places after the decimal point (laughs)! Companies from India are known for their great ambition and for quality. In addition, many Indian entrepreneurs and employees bring a great deal of verve, agility and zest for life with them - things that we unfortunately sometimes lack here in Germany ...
You studied economics. What brought you to IT?
My first job after my studies was in the insurance industry. Already here IT projects fell into my area of responsibility. From there I went into management consulting. That’s how it all started. To be honest, there was not much calculation or planning behind it. My first job was the only one I applied for, after that I was always asked: Do you want to take on this or that job? That was of course a very comfortable situation. It’s still the same today: only if I really have the secure feeling that it fits, I say “yes”.
“I’m keen on numbers and I’m a woman -
that’s a good combination, right?”
So, would you describe yourself more as an emotional person?
I’m keen on numbers and I’m a woman - that’s a good combination, right? IT without emotions doesn’t work anymore: In the past it was all about bits and bytes - today customers want buying experiences, today we discuss user friendliness and the like. So emotional factors play a very important role here.
Which topics are important to you besides your job?
Medical topics interest me very much. I trained as an alternative practitioner, but due to my new position the official registration has to wait. For a while I took over the sponsorship for a child in Ecuador, currently for a family in Bangladesh. As soon as time allows, I will visit them. In addition, I used to be actively involved in disaster control with the relief organisation ADRA, but now I can only support them financially due to time constraints. Furthermore, I am a forest patron of the Nature Conservation Association and support the planting of trees in Rwanda and Ethiopia. Oh, and I also have a passion for collecting: I collect medical lasers.
You’ll have to explain that!
These are lasers that can be used, for example, to remove tattoos or soften scars. I know that sounds very particular, but I am excited about the possibilities of medical laser technology. Maybe it’s because I enjoyed watching Star Wars as a child ... In the Eifel, where I live, I have set up a small practice for laser treatments, but this is a project for a hopefully busy “retirement”. Now I am looking forward to my new tasks at Infosys! •
Words: Elena Winter
Pictures: Melanie Zanin