In our section: 'Employee in the Spotlight,' we love to show the people behind our organization. Every day, Archive-IT works to support organizations in the transition from a paper-based to a digital working environment. Additionally, software is developed to ensure secure digital accessibility. But who does what? And what are the motivations of the employees in the Archive-IT team? Time for a look behind the scenes.
This month we would like to introduce you to Christophe Cogneaux!
How Long Have You Been Working at Archive-IT and How Did You Get Started?
"I started in 1999 at Jalema, the former sister company of Archive-IT. When I began at Jalema, I was an IT technician, responsible for installing software for clients. About three years later, my manager in the IT department decided to leave the company, and I was given the opportunity to become the IT manager. At that time, Jalema and Archive-IT worked together in several areas. Because I have a strong affinity with IT and new technologies, and I saw great long-term opportunities at Archive-IT, I made the switch in 2008."
Can You Tell Us More About Your Role at Archive-IT?
"Currently, I am working as the Sales and Presales Manager for Archive-IT France. As Sales Manager, I am responsible, along with the account managers, for acquiring new clients and maintaining and expanding existing client relationships. I also travel a lot throughout France because we want to grow and make ourselves known in various sectors. However, I’ve never distanced myself from the technical side, so as Presales Manager, I focus on the technical aspect of installing our software solutions and help my colleagues with their daily tasks."
What Do You Enjoy Most About Your Job?
"The best part of my job is the many contacts I have. With clients, relationships, and also internally. Additionally, it’s inspiring that I get to travel all over France. From north to south and east to west. The combination of IT and Sales makes my job very varied and never boring."
Nice to know: About 10 years ago, Christophe was a sound manager in a rock band with his friends. They played at various festivals and bars. They also organized a festival for three years in a row, featuring different bands from the region. They started the first edition with 150 visitors, and the last edition had no less than 350 visitors. To their great regret, they had to stop.
What Does Your Average Workday Look Like?
"It's hard to say what an average workday looks like. A day can be dedicated to sales or IT. I also collaborate with our account managers to ensure everything runs smoothly. Furthermore, I assist Thibault, our consultant, with daily tasks and am busy working with our colleague from the financial department to gain a clear understanding of the status of Archive-IT France. We also stay in close contact with our colleagues in the Netherlands. So, every day is different, but that’s exactly what makes my job so enjoyable."
What Are Your Goals for Yourself and for Archive-IT?
"My goal is to make Archive-IT even more successful together with the team. We see daily that there are many opportunities, and we try to seize these chances with both hands. We work a lot in healthcare, and one of our goals is to expand into other sectors. I think it is important that we remain innovative and continue to follow trends and developments, so that we can continue to support our clients not only now but also in the future with digital archiving."