Interview
with
Dr.
Gery
Colombo
-
Looking
into
the
future

Dr. Gery Colombo reveals to us in the second part of our interview series what potential he sees for Zippsafe and what he is particularly looking forward to in 2021. We talk about opening up new markets, increased competition in the market and the never-ending process of learning. Be curious!

Vanessa: As already mentioned, in the second part of our short interview series, I would like to talk about the future. Where should Zippsafe's focus lie in 2021?

Gery: The product is relatively mature. Nevertheless, more is always possible. In the new year, we will continue to strengthen customer value in order to continue to clearly differentiate and protect ourselves from possible product copies. In 2021, the focus will therefore be on sharpening our USPs, opening up new markets, and driving the scaling in production.

Vanessa: Regarding the development of new markets and, of course, the penetration of existing ones - what chances of success do you see?

Gery: The growth of Zippsafe seems to be picking up speed noticeably. The pull effect has set in. It is becoming more and more clear that our product meets a need on the market and is demanded actively. We can now benefit from this and expand further. 

Vanessa: That's true. The requests now come from a wide range of industries, reaching far beyond the healthcare sector. What developments do you expect in this context?

Gery: Well, lockers exist in thousands of institutions. I see this huge potential as both an opportunity and a threat. Zippsafe has found a great way in the past to focus and not want too much too soon. In 2021, we will continue to pursue this strategy while increasingly targeting healthcare-related sectors. I am convinced that Zippsafe will also attract a lot of interest here.

Vanessa: You mentioned copies earlier. Are you expecting increased competition?

Gery: That will come, I'm sure of it. Competition actually only underlines the fact that there is a need in the market. For us, this means always having to be one step ahead. We will do everything we can to develop our products further and thus protect ourselves from imitations.

Vanessa: Absolutely understandable. Still, maybe not the most pleasant topic. When you think about the new year - what are you looking forward to in particular?

Gery: Difficult question. The interactions have always been very pleasant so far. So I'm looking forward to whatever may come. The first general assembly as Chairman of the Board of Directors will certainly be something special. Due to the current situation, I've hardly seen our shareholders yet. I look forward to getting to know them, moving forward in a broad way and hopefully making another valuable contribution to Zippsafe.

Vanessa: Thank you very much. I have three quick questions to finish up. These same questions are asked on one of my favorite podcasts (“Hotel Matze”) to each guest at the end of the interview. Do you still have some time?

Gery: Sure, go ahead.

Vanessa: Very good. First question - What book would you recommend to our readers?

Gery: I'm a big fan of "Sapiens: A Brief History of Mankind" by Yuval Noah Harari. It's already a few years old, but this book really inspired me.

Vanessa: Next question - What are you learning right now that you're not so good at yet?

Gery: A lot. Probably more than I've learned in a long time. (laughs) It's not that I would learn Italian and take a course, for example. I'm lacking the time for that at the moment. But a lot has changed for me in 2020. I no longer have a fixed job, I started four new mandates at the same time, I had to learn how to deal with Corona, like everyone else... As you can see, I'm learning a lot at the same time.

Vanessa: Last question - Imagine you have a billboard at Zurich's main train station and you decide what should be written on it. What would you like to tell passers-by for 2021?

Gery: Something on the topic of "global democracy". As part of the GloCo.ch program, I'm working in depth on what I see as an extremely crucial topic. If I had to put it strikingly, it would probably be something like "Only by implementing a global democracy can we solve global problems."

Vanessa: I like that. Thank you very much for your time - I enjoyed it very much.

Gery: With pleasure. Many thanks also from my side for the exciting questions.