Portrait: Constance Stickler

Angi: Thank you for joining me, Conny! Let’s dive in—can you describe where you live and what you like about that place?

Constance: I live in a village near the headquarters, about 15 to 20 minutes by car from the office. I like that it's small and manageable, and everyone knows each other. I lived in Vienna for a long time, and while a larger city has its advantages, as a family, I’ve come to appreciate the benefits of a smaller community. One of my personal conditions was to live within cycling distance of Lake Constance—I love swimming there.

Angi: That sounds lovely! Tell me a bit about some interesting aspects of your career.

Constance: My career has been quite the zig-zag. Initially, I wanted to be a journalist, so I studied political science, German, and history. While working on my thesis, I started at an IT company and stayed in the field. Over time, I took on various roles in event, project, and product management, while also working on design and graphic projects. In 2006, I decided to become a freelance project manager and graphic designer, and then in 2022, I joined Identec Solutions as an employee.

One of the most interesting aspects of my career has been constantly learning new things—whether it’s event sponsorship, rights handling, usability, design, or mastering new tools and technologies. Every step added something unique to my journey.

Angi: That has been quite the zig-zag, hahah. Looking back at your career, was there a turning point or decision that shaped where you are today?

Constance: There were a few, but one that stands out is my first boss. He always believed in me, even when others in the company had doubts. I ended up holding five or six different positions in a row because he had trust in me. He would say, “Constance, she will do it” - that belief gave me the confidence to take on challenges and succeed.

Angi: Speaking of your position now, what do you do at Identec Solutions?

Constance: As I mentioned, I started in January 2022 and work in the marketing department with three colleagues. My focus is on Marine & Ports, specifically our solutions Reefer Runner, Reefer Runner 5G, and Terminal Tracker. My tasks are quite diverse, ranging from writing blog posts and creating LinkedIn content to making sales presentations, graphics, and videos.

Angi: Now to the fun part - what do you like most about your job?

Constance: The variety. I love that marketing involves such a broad spectrum of activities and requires diving deeply into different topics. You are always learning something new, which keeps things exciting and never boring.

Angi: Do you have a guiding principle at work?

Constance: Definitely. I have carried over a lesson from project management: focus on what’s important and urgent first. I usually tackle the big tasks or less pleasant ones right away—it is my way of staying productive and on track.

Angi: Yes, the unpleasant ones first is a really good one - I don't like doing them, but love to prove myself wrong while completing them. What is one of the biggest challenges you have faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?

Constance: Working as a freelance graphic designer was a significant challenge. I was experienced in digital graphics but less so in print. To overcome this, I taught myself the necessary skills and was not afraid to ask for help. Most people are happy to share their knowledge. I believe in “daring to be bad at something new” because you are often better than you think, and the learning curve can be steep.

Angi: Definitely! Now onto the most rewarding part of your job - what would you say is that?

Constance: Knowing that the solutions we offer at Identec Solutions are genuinely useful and make a difference. It is easy to stand behind products that provide real value. I also enjoy the creative side—like when we brainstorm and produce something like a video entirely in-house. Seeing those projects come to life as a team is incredibly rewarding.

Angi: How do you stay ahead in such a fast-changing field, especially in marketing and technology?

Constance: I stay curious and observant. I keep up with marketing news, but I also draw inspiration from other industries. New technologies are everywhere, and I test them out to see if they fit my tasks and deliver what I need.

Angi: When working on creative projects, like videos or graphics, what is your process for coming up with new ideas?

Constance: I start by researching what’s already out there—what I like and dislike about similar work. A lot of ideas come from discussions with the team, especially you, Angi. Of course, I also turn to AI for inspiration once I know what I’m looking for.

Angi: Yes, it is always nice to get some new inspiration by talking about a specific topic or whatever the graphics, videos, or assets should be. Speaking of the foundation and inspiration - at Identec Solutions, we have five core company values: Visionary, Open, Responsible, Leading, and Global. Which one resonates the most with you?

Constance: Responsibility, for sure. It applies to all areas of life. I aim to act responsibly and sustainably in everything I do. It also means being reliable—if I can’t do something, I make sure to communicate early in the process so we can find a solution.

Angi: What do you do in your free time—any hobbies or passions?

Constance: I’ve always been a bookworm, often reading several books at once. I also have a passion for history, which I indulge through books, documentaries, and podcasts. On vacation, I try to knit in a bit of history without annoying my family too much—like in Florence, where you’re practically wading through history.

Angi: Your love for history—do you have a favourite historical period or event?

Constance: Yes, I’ve been fascinated by the Middle Ages for some time. It’s a period that’s often misunderstood. I find it intriguing how new insights are constantly being uncovered, challenging long-standing assumptions. I also enjoy exploring histories outside the Eurocentric narrative—it helps bring us closer to the truth of what happened.

Angi: Thank you, Constance, for sharing your incredible journey and insights with us. It’s inspiring to hear how your curiosity and passion have shaped your career and personal life.

Constance: Thank you, Angi! It’s been a pleasure.

Image Sources:
Constance Stickler; Sebastian Schwemmer; Bröll Fotografie; Barbara Pölzgutter; Karina Wiebe