Transforming Decades of Global Business Expertise into Impactful Solutions!
Knowledge is thought to be the key to success because individuals who possess it are generally more inclined in their domains. Having knowledge can change someone’s perspective on their outlook on life. “What drives me is the transformative power of learning and its ability to enrich lives worldwide,” shares Matt. In a world where knowledge is key, Matthias W. Strobel stands as a beacon of innovation and leadership in the realm of digital learning. As Chief Revenue Officer at Netex Knowledge Factory, he integrates strategies that not only drive revenue but also foster profound educational experiences for millions of people globally.
His journey began with a passion for strategic development, honed over three decades in various executive roles across Europe and Asia. His early foray into entrepreneurship and consulting laid the foundation for a career marked by versatility and impact. Venturing into the eLearning sector, Matthias witnessed firsthand the transformative potential of accessible education, spurring his commitment to revolutionizing learning experiences.
Netex Knowledge Factory, under Matthias’s guidance, has emerged as a trailblazer in digital training solutions. With a mission to democratize learning, the company serves over 6 million users worldwide, spanning the corporate, healthcare, and academic sectors. His visionary leadership drives Netex’s commitment to providing compelling and effective learning experiences for all.
In directing the versatile sphere of revenue generation, Matthias emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and customer-centricity. He champions integrated strategies that align sales, marketing, and customer success efforts, fostering a culture of agility and resilience. His commitment to balancing short-term targets with long-term sustainability ensures Netex’s continued success in an ever-evolving market.
Matthias’s impact extends beyond business accolades. His coaching approach to leadership has nurtured high-performing teams, driving remarkable growth and earning recognition, such as the ‘Winner of 2020 Sensient Olympics Asia Pacific Group’ award. Yet, for him, the true reward lies in witnessing the growth and success of his colleagues, a testament to his unwavering dedication to fostering excellence.
In a world hungry for knowledge, Matthias’s visionary leadership continues to shape the future of digital learning, empowering millions to unlock their full potential and thrive in the digital age.
Below are the interview highlights:
Could you please tell about yourself and what motivated you to embark on this sector?
With a robust career spanning three decades as a business executive across diverse sectors, my professional journey has been marked by significant experience in Asia, showcasing both versatility and impact. From the early stages of my career, I was drawn to the challenge of developing strategic and operational initiatives to foster business growth.
In one of my initial leadership roles, I was tasked with establishing a new business unit in China through a joint venture with a major local conglomerate. Remarkably, this responsibility was entrusted to me at the age of 25. This pivotal experience propelled my ongoing development, leading me to venture into entrepreneurship and business consulting for a period of time. This multifaceted background equipped me to undertake various roles, encompassing responsibilities such as business development, turnaround management, performance improvement, and post-merger integration. My journey eventually culminated in occupying senior executive roles with full P&L responsibility, spanning across Europe and Asia.
Recognizing the pivotal role of education in shaping lives, a substantial portion of my career has been dedicated to contributing to that, both in business and in private. Observing the transformative power of learning, particularly in underserved communities, has been a driving force in my active participation in the eLearning sector. Being part of an industry that strives to make education accessible, breaking down geographical and economic barriers, is a fulfilling and humbling endeavor with a profound impact on enriching lives worldwide.
Can you please brief us about Netex and its inception story?
Netex has been a pioneer in developing training solutions for over 25 years, catering to diverse sectors including corporate, healthcare, universities, business schools, and EdTech. Our overarching purpose is to enhance people’s lives through comprehensive training. This principle guides every facet of our operations, from product creation to cultivating customer relationships. At Netex, we champion the democratization of learning, striving to make it accessible to all. Our unwavering commitment is to provide a compelling and effective learning experience for every user. With a global presence, we proudly serve over 6 million users, including 300+ blue-chip clients and 40,000 SMEs.
What motivates and drives you in your role as a Chief Revenue Officer?
In my role as Chief Revenue Officer, I am driven by the goal of propelling organizational growth and achieving unparalleled success in revenue generation. I find motivation in the challenges of crafting and executing strategies that significantly amplify sales performance. Leading high-performing teams, fostering collaborative environments, and embracing innovation are key facets that inspire and invigorate my approach.
The dynamic nature of aligning sales, marketing, and customer success efforts keeps me engaged and adaptable in the face of evolving markets. I am particularly enthused by the prospect of utilizing cutting-edge technology and leveraging data-driven insights for optimization. Witnessing the tangible impact of strategic initiatives on revenue growth is a testament to the fulfillment of my professional journey as a Chief Revenue Officer.
I am committed to contributing to the overall success of the organization, and my passion lies in seeing the direct and positive outcomes of well-executed strategies on revenue growth.
How do you approach building and leading high-performing sales and marketing teams?
To cultivate and steer high-performing sales and marketing teams, my approach revolves around the establishment of clear objectives, the recruitment of top-tier talent, and the promotion of a collaborative work environment. This involves the implementation of effective communication channels, leveraging cutting-edge technology and tools for enhanced efficiency, and harnessing the power of data analytics to facilitate informed decision-making.
Motivation and acknowledgment of team members play a pivotal role, complemented by the setting of measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and the encouragement of an innovative culture. By leading by example, I demonstrate the values expected from the team, fostering a work environment that reflects these principles.
A commitment to continuous improvement is paramount in this dynamic landscape. Regular evaluations of performance against goals, coupled with adaptability to market changes, characterize my leadership style as agile and responsive. This iterative process thrives on ongoing feedback, necessitating timely adjustments to strategies, ensuring sustained growth and excellence in results.
How do you stay informed about industry trends and technological advancements that could impact revenue generation?
I stay abreast of industry trends and technological advancements crucial for revenue generation by actively engaging with industry publications, participating in relevant conferences, and leveraging insights from analysts and influencers. This multifaceted approach ensures that our strategies remain forward-thinking and adaptable to the evolving market landscape. At Netex, we also host once a year a big ´Thought Leadership’ event in Madrid called ‘We Love Learning’ (www.welovelearning.com), in which we have leading global experts in the L&D industry speaking and sharing the newest trends to a wide audience of customers and other stakeholders.
Can you share a memorable success story where your revenue-focused initiatives significantly contributed to the organization’s overall success?
In 2021, we identified a challenge where some product issues coupled with stagnant commercial growth over the past 1–1.5 years posed a significant risk to a key customer. The relationship was strained, and there was a looming threat of losing this pivotal account, which would have had a substantial financial impact. Faced with this urgency, despite having recently undergone a post-merger integration, we undertook a rapid and thorough transformation.
Within months, we not only revamped the entire commercial and technical team dedicated to this account but also restructured the overall framework for larger enterprise customers. Although some final polishing is still ongoing, two years later, this account has experienced an impressive 30% year-on-year growth. This success underscores the necessity, at times, to take bold steps and essentially ‘start from scratch.’ The pivotal factor in this achievement was the remarkable contribution of the skilled, professional, and dedicated individuals we brought into the fold.
How do you balance the short-term goals of meeting revenue targets with the long-term strategy for sustainable growth?
Balancing short-term revenue targets with long-term sustainability is vital for strategic growth. Prioritizing actions that contribute to long-term objectives ensures the business’s health. Careful resource allocation, innovation investment, and customer relationship building are crucial. Achieving harmony between short-term gains and long-term sustainability drives organizational success in evolving markets.
What advice would you give to aspiring Chief Revenue Officers looking to excel in their roles and contribute to organizational success?
Emphasizing a holistic vision that aligns seamlessly with overarching business goals is pivotal. Staying abreast of industry trends, fostering collaborative leadership, and harnessing the power of data for decision-making underscore a commitment to informed and strategic choices. Adaptability stands out as a key trait, necessitating the flexibility to recalibrate strategies based on valuable inputs from customers and shifts in market dynamics.
Achieving a delicate balance between short-term targets and a steadfast commitment to sustainable growth is paramount. Effective communication, the promotion of innovation, and maintaining a resolute, results-oriented mindset are central tenets of my leadership philosophy. By embodying these principles, success in the dynamic role of a Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) becomes not only achievable but also a substantial contributor to the overall prosperity of the organization.
Could you please let us know about any honors or awards you have received thus far in your professional career?
I perceive my role more as that of a coach than a traditional leader, and the real rewards come to me every day in the form of witnessing people learn, grow, and succeed, making a lasting impact on their lives. Consistently, I’ve brought together diverse talents, instilling a renewed vision, motivation, and satisfaction in the teams I lead. The true reward lies in contributing to the creation of cohesive, high-performing teams that continue to thrive long after my tenure, positively influencing the livelihoods of numerous colleagues throughout my career.
In line with this coaching approach, a significant highlight was in 2020, when my team in the Philippines was awarded the ‘Winner of 2020 Sensient Olympics Asia Pacific Group’ award. This internal sales competition among nine business units across the Asia Pacific recognized the highest pipeline growth rates and, subsequently, the most wins. This award holds a special place for me as it reflects the dedication and hard work of a team, focused on achieving outstanding results.
