Alexander Eggers: Microsoft MVP Interview Part 2
The Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) Award is the highest honor that can be awarded annually by Microsoft since 1995. One of those honored is Alexander Eggers. In the first part of our interview, we learned what Mr. Eggers enjoys doing most in his free time. Click here to go to the first part of the interview. Who is the greatest inspiration for the MVP award winner? What was his most formative experience in the past, and what projects has he planned for the future? All of this and much more can be found in the following second part of our interview.
Interview with Alexander Eggers – Part 2
How did your interest in Microsoft come about?
Together with my brother, I have owned and run a system house for 25 years. We have always relied on Microsoft. I am convinced that Microsoft, as a solutions provider, has developed the best products, allowing us to serve our customers optimally.
Who or what inspired you in particular?
People with an idea, a vision, a goal: Those are the great leaders like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, or Elon Musk. They were all absolute personalities, implemented their ideas, and never let themselves be deterred from them, no matter how rocky the path was. Completely straightforward – that fascinates me.
How did you come to focus on Microsoft?
When Teams was just getting off the ground, we had a project that – to put it bluntly – went completely wrong. I quickly realized that what was needed here was someone other than an IT specialist. The reasoning behind this is quite logical, in my opinion: Microsoft Teams changes the way we people communicate and work. This is a cultural issue, not a technical one. Since my passion has always been people, I was able to leverage my strengths here. Of course, I also just have a ton of fun with it.
Why exactly this area?
Beyond the basics, Teams is primarily about processes. How does communication flow, how do we want to structure our work? Are there rules, where can I find what, and what are the correct procedures? All these questions (and naturally many more) must be clarified in advance to avoid chaotic sprawl. My strength lies in supporting as a moderator. I initially don’t know the processes within a company. The goal is to capture all important information, evaluate it, and transfer it accordingly into Teams – that is one of my strengths.
What did you originally want to become when you were younger?
In fact, I have always wanted to be my own boss – this wish has accordingly been fulfilled, and I am very happy with it.
What are your most important projects from the past?
For me, every single project is important because I know that there are people behind every project. However, an absolute passion project was the “Teams macht Schule” initiative, which I co-founded with colleagues in April 2020 – at a time when the coronavirus pandemic had also forced schools to their knees. We were able to quickly recruit around 300 consultants across Germany for this campaign and volunteered to help over 100 schools start digital remote learning. That was certainly a milestone.
What projects do you have planned for the future, assuming you can share a little bit about them?
My MVP colleague Ragnar Heil and I have created the “Alex & Ragnar” show, a weekly entertainment show about Microsoft Teams. It airs every Thursday at 9 PM across all channels such as Twitch, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. Just on my channel alone, there are then about 100 live viewers. We are thrilled about the growing response, and the guests bring incredible prizes along with sensational know-how every time.
Are you actually in contact with other MVPs around the world?
Yes, within my product group, the contact is already very intensive. Microsoft promotes this exchange through corresponding events to get to know the colleagues as well. That is a great opportunity, just like at conferences or online meetups. And of course, contact can be easily established and maintained intensively through social networks.
What would you advise a freshly minted MVP Award winner?
Make sure to allocate enough time. There is an incredible amount to discover, and it is highly packed with experiences.What is the most defining experience during your time as an MVP?
The opportunity to work with the product developers in Redmond, Washington, is particularly rewarding. After all, the developers actively seek our feedback and adjust the solutions accordingly. For example, I work closely with those responsible for the English-to-German translations in Microsoft Teams, sharing my ideas along the way. These suggestions are typically implemented quickly—it’s a fantastic feeling to know we can contribute and become a small part of the solution.
Thank you for this insightful and engaging interview, Mr. Eggers.
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