An Interview with Arie Braun

So what’s your ideal job?

There are so many great places where I would love to work. I’ve worked with start-ups, mid size companies, I’ve done my own consulting, and I’ve worked in Fortune 100-500. I like a place where innovation is the driving force. I believe that no matter the market, there is always room for innovation.

Having said all that, I really like learning new things and challenges, given a project and I can put structure. I like working in a company where they are the leader/driver of their industry best. Behind these organizations, there are always entrepreneur minded people enacting change and innovation.

Describe your ideal work environment?

I really like to make a difference by contributing to the team. An environment where there is value contribution, communication and challenges. Other important factors are stability, growth and financial upswing and leader/driver of industry.

What management style do you like the most?

I prefer to work in a situation where the best manager empowers me to make decisions and I have the freedom to carry-out projects and where the manager can count on me to set the agenda.

What success have you had in business plan strategy?

I have been successful in setting the strategy, processes and assuring the business plan is aligned with the company’s vision, mission and implementing.

How do you ensure effective product management?

First of all a smooth transition from preceding product, forecast management, monthly review of revenues & cost and that product communication strategy plans are up to par.

Tell me about your sales experience?

I have negotiated sales contracts, provided quotes and custom project proposal. Also, I have negotiated SOW’s, MSA’s and contracts between clients and company . I have also created presentations to prospects and clients regarding the product service offerings leading to quotations and consulting services and contract/proposals for clients. I have also conducted business to key clients in Latin America.

What hurdles have you had to overcome with contracts?

Cost negotiations, alterations to company’s NDA, SOW, RFQ, MSA, discounts, payment terms and negotiating company’s terms and conditions.

What percent of your past roles were Tactical vs. Strategic?

40% Tactical to meet short-term revenue goals and daily business challenges.

(i.e.) Identifying improvements to P&L that can positively impact revenue and goal attainment to optimize business performance and defining and executing go-to market strategies.

60% Strategic to meet long-term business plan.

(i.e.) Solutions-oriented approach to business clients, prospects which are mutually beneficial to the customer and the company.

How has technology changed your lifestyle?

I’ve always been on the human side of things. Give someone a choice and they rather have human contact with someone than deal with a computer. But I think that’s certainly changing now. On the other hand however, today I can grab my iPhone and within a few keystrokes I can surf the web, make a bank transfer, or a stock transaction. Totally cool !

What do you think about the whole buzz of social media?

I’ve recently been foraying into the world of social media. I have over 200 contacts on LinkedIn but I’m beginning to just tap the surface. I think this whole buzz is a reflection of how our culture is moving from a world of information overload to a way of parsing information.

What are your long term goals?

I’ve learned in this day and age, of restructuring and work force reduction driven by, I’m happy to see how we progress together.

Why would you be a good fit for this role?

The strategic skills and attitude which I could bring to a company’s team include, results oriented and flexibility, along with a strong work ethic and solutions-oriented approach to daily business challenges, which are mutually beneficial to the customer and company.