An Interview with Gerhard Pölz: The Modern IT Executive in 2025 – Between AI, Transformation, and Corporate Culture

What are your thoughts on the role of AI in everyday business operations?

Gerhard Pölz. An Interview with the CEO of ASTRUM IT

Gerhard: “AI is no longer just a topic for the future; it is already having a significant impact on our daily work. It boosts our efficiency, opens up new business opportunities, and helps us implement innovative solutions more quickly. At the same time, the adoption of AI raises ethical questions and entails a responsibility to provide ongoing training for our employees. For me, therefore, striking a balance between technological progress and humanity is the key to success.”

How exactly is ASTRUM IT shaping the digital transformation?

Gerhard: „We believe in closely integrating technology with corporate culture. Only when employees feel trusted and have the freedom to act can they reach their full potential and drive innovation. In this context, digital leadership skills are particularly important to me. In today’s world, it is essential that leaders not only understand technological developments but also possess the ability to digitally lead and motivate their teams and actively guide them through change. For me, being a digital leader means acting with empathy and adaptability, recognizing individual needs in an increasingly hybrid and technology-driven work environment, and fostering communication and collaboration. I see this competency as one of the most important prerequisites for the success of digitalization and transformation and for providing employees with the best possible support.”

What does it mean to be a leader today?

Gerhard: “For me, leadership today means acting as a bridge-builder—between technology and people, between strategy and implementation. We live in a world that is constantly changing. This makes it all the more important for us as leaders to inspire others, boldly break new ground, and at the same time create an environment where mistakes can be made and lessons learned from them.”

In addition to technological challenges, Gerhard also sees the social responsibility of IT companies taking center stage: “Sustainability, diversity, and respectful collaboration are now integral parts of how we operate.”

What personally motivates you in your role as CEO of ASTRUM IT?

Gerhard: “I am a small business owner through and through. Small businesses have a special strength—you can see that every day here. What motivates me most is that, by working together, we create tangible value for both our customers and our employees. For me, it’s not just about today, but about sustainable growth and a culture where innovation and humanity go hand in hand.”

Question: How are you tackling the current challenges of digital transformation?

Gerhard: “Digital vitality is a key priority for us. It’s not just about technical innovation, but about the ability to continually reinvent ourselves and respond to change with agility. The combination of experience and fresh thinking is crucial in this regard. We create a space where creative ideas can flourish and foster a corporate culture that encourages experimentation and facilitates the exchange of knowledge. This ensures that we don’t just keep up—we lead the way with our solutions.”

Question: How important is a strong corporate culture to you?

Gerhard: “Corporate culture isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the foundation of sustainable success. Openness, appreciation, and trust are the pillars of our culture. At ASTRUM IT, we prioritize transparent communication and a strong sense of community where every employee can thrive and contribute their ideas. For us, diversity and mutual respect aren’t just buzzwords—they’re values we live by every day.”

Question: How do you see the role of AI in day-to-day operations at ASTRUM IT, particularly with regard to our research projects?

Gerhard: “AI is no longer an experiment, but an integral part of our daily lives and our strategic direction. Our current research projects are intensively focused on the responsible use of artificial intelligence. In doing so, we develop solutions that not only automate and optimize processes, but also enhance human capabilities and enable innovation—from intelligent assistance systems to data-driven decision-making processes. We place particular importance on translating research into practical applications so that our employees and customers can benefit from the latest findings. This also includes promoting continuing education so that everyone can actively shape technological change.”

Is there anything else you’d like to add by way of summary?

Gerhard: “For me, digital transformation isn’t a one-time project, but an ongoing mindset: digital vitality. It’s about constantly rethinking things with curiosity and courage, using the right technologies responsibly, and above all, empowering people to succeed together. At ASTRUM IT, we combine technological innovation with a culture that fosters trust, respect, and development. In this way, we aim not only to be successful today, but also to shape the IT solutions of tomorrow and bring our employees along with us on this journey.”

Thank you for the interview, Gerhard!