#schongenial: Thank you very much for your time and the opportunity to conduct this interview. First of all, perhaps: the Koban-Südvers Group, a leading company in the insurance industry, is the very first partner company of #schongenial - the cross-company social responsibility initiative. What made you decide to support #schongenial with your company?
Klaus Koban: I can still remember it very well. It was an early summer's day last year, at the Ansfelden service station on the West motorway. We had a spontaneously arranged coordination meeting with Dr Fiedler, who has been supporting our company in brand issues for years. He told us about his idea of launching an initiative to make positive things visible and conscious. This idea - but above all the sympathetic realisation with the claim #schongenial - immediately appealed to me.
#schongenial: Apart from the idea, the claim and the logo, not much was visible at the beginning. What motivated you to actively support the initiative at this early stage?
Klaus Koban: In my life, there is a guiding principle that gives me direction in everything I do: "I want to make the world a little better." It is precisely this aspiration that I see realised in the #schongenial initiative. You're right, not much was visible at the time. But a lot of things in life are also a question of imagination - and, above all, trust. There are parallels with my business. With an insurance company, you don't see anything apart from a policy. You sign a contract for a claim that everyone involved hopes will never occur. If it does occur, you expect fast, uncomplicated, professional support. Applied to #schongenial, this means that my expectations have been more than fulfilled. All I can say is: it's already genial what they've put together!
#schongenial: What exactly are you talking about?
Klaus Koban: A brand awareness of #schongenial among the total population aged 16 and over of 15% after such a short time is impressive. Who would have thought that? The way the #schongenial network is developing and how commonalities are being prioritised over divisiveness inspires me. Together. Independently. For the good of all. For a positive mood in society. I am always fascinated by the approach of recognising the opportunities in the challenges of our time and exploiting them together. These are the principles that we need today more than ever and that we have always practised every day in our own company with our customers and partners. Finding solutions, not describing problems - that's what we mean by consulting.
#schongenial: Appreciation is an essential building block of #schongenial. What role does appreciation play in your life and in your business?
Klaus Koban: Appreciation plays a very central role in my life, especially in my professional environment. I am firmly convinced that the more appreciative you are of each other, the more successful you will be in life.
#schongenial: How do you live appreciation in your everyday life?
Klaus Koban: In my opinion, appreciation is a conscious act. You always have to ask yourself: Was my behaviour towards my fellow human beings really appreciative? Genuine appreciation requires taking the time to listen carefully and consciously consider tasks. Recognising other opinions - even if you personally disagree with them - is also crucial. Appreciation also means treating each other with respect. I can say with conviction that appreciation is very important in our company. This is reflected in our excellent working atmosphere and long-standing customer relationships.
#schongenial: If you could make one wish for #schongenial, what would it be?
Klaus Koban: That together we succeed in creating a spirit of optimism for the benefit of all. As I said, there are immense opportunities in all the major challenges that need to be recognised. And we have an excellent, hard-working, committed and creative youth that we must support in their development. If we manage to do that, I'm not worried about the future.
#schongenial: You couldn't wish for a more motivating closing statement. Thank you very much.
Klaus Koban: With pleasure. I wish #schongenial all the best for the common good.
