5 Questions with ... Frank Wickersheim of Kronen GmbH
If anyone can be called a fan of Consulting4IT, it’s him: Frank Wickersheim, IT Manager at Kronen GmbH. Whether it’s a case study or a webinar presentation—he’s always fully committed to helping us out. This is also true for our Academy’s training courses, several of which he has already completed. In this exclusive interview, he tells us how he found them and what he particularly values about them.
Frank, you've completed three training sessions with us—how did you even find out about us?
I actually ended up at Consulting4IT, as the saying goes, by a stroke of luck. It all started when we purchased Varonis and Consulting4IT implemented the software for us. During a casual chat with the consultant, the topics of software distribution and patch management with Matrix42 came up, which we then implemented as well. I came to you for the corresponding training sessions—twice on-site and once online.
Have you already taken similar courses with other providers, and if so, how do they differ from the C4IT Academy?
I’ve attended quite a few training sessions over the course of my career. The big difference really comes down to how you’re welcomed. I’ve been to sessions where you just show up, sit down, and let the information wash over you. But there was simply no sense of warmth or comfort there. At the Academy, on the other hand, you can just tell that the people here are truly committed and passionate about what they do. I’ve never seen anyone here who was in a bad mood. At the same time, nothing feels forced. And as cliché as it sounds: you can just feel that there’s a pleasant, authentic, and relaxed atmosphere here. Last time, I even got to meet one of your managing directors. So even at the highest level, they take the time to engage, and that really shows how much they value us.
Self-study vs. Academy – How would you rate the effectiveness of both options?
For me, nothing beats in-person classes! I’m just not the type for self-study. In fact, being at the Academy almost feels like going back to school—true to the motto: “Oh, I have to pay attention because the teacher might ask me a question.” But I need that incentive, too. I just have to understand it right there in the classroom. Because at home, I don’t sit down again and spend hours memorizing material. That’s just not who I am. That’s why the option of in-person training with you is so valuable to me.
Which brings us straight to the next question: Which type of training (online or in-person) do you prefer, and why?
Surprise! Of course, I prefer in-person events. Simply because I feel more at home there. With online training, I missed the off-topic conversations you have over coffee or lunch—the kind people like to call “networking.” The online training was certainly very good in terms of content, but I missed the personal touch—you could also call it “physical feedback.” For me, for example, that’s the famous “lemon face” I make when I’m struggling with something. In person, a trainer reacts to that much faster than in an online session; I can confirm that from my own experience. Plus, interacting with the other participants in person is much more engaging. You can just quickly ask the person sitting next to you if you’re stuck on a point. Online, nobody really does that.
And our final question—the one close to our hearts: Would you call yourself a true fan of our Academy, and if so, what was the deciding factor behind your enthusiasm?
Absolutely! From the very beginning, what really won me over was the warm, family-like atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Because the facilities are one thing, but the overall experience has to be just right. And here, both are spot on.
