Frederique Constant – Interview with Niels Eggerding – People and interviews

WorldTempus wants to showcase all kinds of writers, from veterans to newcomers to the watch industry. Today our intern takes you to Frederique Constant to meet CEO Niels Eggerding.

What is the daily life of a CEO like?
It’s very intense. I wake up every morning and go to the gym every day before I go to work. For me, exercising in the morning is very important in preparation for a busy day at the office. I travel more than 50% of the time from regular meetings with management, production and sales teams. I never stop He also needs frequent feedback on his KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) for the company. But this busy lifestyle is not a constraint. I always love a good challenge and that’s what motivates me. Of course, plenty of coffee! To take a break and free my mind a bit, I do a lot of sports and also enjoy meeting new people.

What advice would you give to a student who wants to succeed in the watchmaking industry?
If you want to be successful in the watchmaking industry, be “purposeful, passionate and patient”. Besides learning more about the business, it’s also important to find growing markets where making real connections is more interesting. The next generation needs to have a clear vision and be free of distractions. As I say, “passion comes from the reason you wake up every morning”, it takes a lot of trying to find that passion, even if it takes years. Things take time, so don’t lose that motivation and stay focused.

Can you name two things on your list of things you want to do?
I want to go see the aurora borealis. I think everyone should see it once in their lifetime. I also want to travel with her family across Canada to explore its beauty.

Which model would you recommend to a student looking to buy their first serious watch?
For freshly graduated students, I think you should choose a timeless model. The Moonphase 206 would be a good choice. A classic, fresh and beautiful model that sets you apart from the rest.

slimline ladies moonphase © Frederique Constant

What qualities and key skills are you looking for when hiring young people (students)?
Young people should be passionate and have a positive attitude. We are looking for multifaceted, humble, entrepreneurial and passionate individuals. Think about what your best skills are. Teams develop them with specific tasks so they can learn more.

What did you want to do for a living as a child?
At first, I wanted to cook and become a chef, but around the age of 16, I realized that I was not good at it. A few years later I started an internship at a Dutch distribution watch company that worked with Zenith, Benetton, Bally Watches and Frederique Constant. Around this time, it was clear that I had a strong interest in watch craftsmanship, so I fell in love with the watch industry.

What is your leadership philosophy? What makes a good leader for you?
In today’s environment, it matters what vision your team has, how you approach it, and how you empower your team. Therefore, the leader becomes as strong as the team’s performance. A good leader should manage team performance, use KPIs to measure goals, and present results to the team monthly so everyone knows where they are and what needs to be improved. . It is obliged to take people further. Employees must feel they are part of something. They should not only trust the company, they should be motivated by the company as a whole and stay in touch as needed.