Welcome to the Leader’s Insights, a place where The Future, asks the simplest, yet, the most interesting questions to the executives of well-known companies, startups and innovators.
Today we discuss with Arnis Augstmanis, a forward-thinking and energetic leader, who is making waves as the Chief Marketing Officer at AdTech Holding, a Cyprus-based firm specializing in AdTech products.
Over the past decade, Arnis has played a key role in turning AdTech Holding from a modest startup into a global powerhouse. His innovative approach and sharp marketing skills have driven the company’s remarkable growth and established its strong presence in the industry.
Arnis has built and streamlined the marketing processes and assembled a strong team that now includes several key departments, offering complete marketing support for AdTech Holding’s projects.
Outside of his professional achievements, Arnis is passionate about mentoring young talents and supporting initiatives that promote sustainability and corporate responsibility, to improve the quality of life in Cyprus.
Let’s see what Augstmanis has to say…
1. Do you remember your first day on the job at “AdTech Holding”?
I joined one of AdTech Holding’s projects over ten years ago, so my first day is a blur. During those first days, I jumped into my tasks as quickly as possible, learning all the processes and communicating with other departments to get a complete picture of how everything worked.
At the time, it was one of the first large companies I’d worked with. It was proliferating, and many processes were still being established, making the experience exciting and a bit nerve-wracking.
We’ve grown to several hundred people, and sometimes I realize I don’t know everyone personally, even as the CMO. It feels like a whole lifetime has passed since those early days!
2. What is more difficult: being interviewed to join a team or doing the interviews yourself?
Although I don’t remember the last time I went through an interview, experience and competence do most of the work for a candidate.
Conducting the interviews is more challenging for me. It’s challenging to assess someone in just an hour of conversation – to understand if you’re a good match, if you share common values, and to predict how long you’ll be working together, whether they will strengthen the team, and how the team will accept them.
It’s often about making a tough choice, taking on a high level of responsibility, carefully analysing, and making challenging decisions.
3. What do you most value in your employees?
I am particularly proud of what our team has become because it was built from scratch. I value my team’s incredible dedication to everything they do; their unique approach to work, and the high quality of their work are truly inspiring.
If a leader appreciates the team’s contributions, the sky is the limit.
4. Which is a motto/quote you use in your work?
“The best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing.” And to follow up on the previous question, “Teamwork makes the dream work.”
5. If you were back to the start, what would you advise yourself for a great career?
You’re doing everything right, keep going and doubt less.
Many leaders experience doubts – am I doing it right? Did I make the right decision? But there is no single standard or system to follow. There is no one correct answer. Constantly analyze your work results, be wise, trust, delegate, listen to your colleagues, and don’t stop – that is the path to success.
6. How do you pump up your creativity?
I’ve just built a team that does it better than anyone else in the market.
We thrive on collaboration, brainstorming sessions, and constantly pushing each other to think outside the box. Our backlog is overflowing with ideas that we can’t implement fast enough.
7. What is a talent you would like to have?
I would love to have the talent of learning new languages quickly, like in 2-3 months. I’m learning Greek right now, and it has been challenging. For example, I would love to speak Hungarian, but I doubt I will ever master such a complex language.
8. How do you balance work and personal life?
I used to be like that, dedicating all my energy to work. In your 20s and 30s, there’s not much impact on your health, but it will only last for a while. I strictly monitor my balance and encourage my team to do the same.
How do I balance? A structured daily routine and working on my mindset have helped me. Always ensure that work doesn’t spill over into your personal life and vice versa. Take care of yourself, and remember that there is life outside the office. Remember, working just for the sake of working doesn’t make sense, nor does doing a task for the sake of doing a task. There needs to be a greater purpose behind everything.
9. Your top five foods you like in Cyprus?
Kleftiko! I love it. What could be better than slow-cooked meat with a glass of Maratheftiko on a chilly winter evening? The best I’ve had so far was in Omodos.
I also love grilled sea bass with a drizzle of lemon and olive oil – it’s the perfect light dish for summer. And, of course, gyros, stifado, and grilled halloumi with jam.
10. Can you name your top five favourite places in Cyprus?
Cyprus is unique – I’m still regularly repeating this after seven years on the island. It may seem small, but it’s incredibly diverse! I travel around the island often and keep finding hidden gems.
It’s difficult to choose just five places. Let’s go with Omodos, Latchi, the Paphos Forest, Protaras, and the Troodos Mountains.
11. Which personality, throughout history, do you admire most?
Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos are truly inspiring for their talent and hard work in turning big ideas into reality.
12. Who is your favourite author/book that helped your career?
At the beginning of my career and during my university studies, I extensively read Dale Carnegie‘s books (“How to Win Friends and Influence People,” “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living”), which were incredibly helpful to me. I was also inspired by “Getting Things Done” by David Allen, which significantly enhanced my productivity.
As I got more into marketing, “Blue Ocean Strategy” and “Decoded: The Science Behind Why We Buy” turned out to be useful.
13. Where would you advise our readers to go this summer?
Summer is here, so it’s time to hit the beach! To beat the intense heat and enjoy crystal clear water, head to Vrissi Beach in Protaras or Makronissos in Ayia Napa. For a magical sunset experience, Latchi Beach in Polis Chrysochous is a must-visit.
If you need a break from the sea, the Troodos Mountains are perfect for cooling off and soaking in stunning views. And for a refreshing drink, swing by Tsakkias Winery for a delicious rosé wine.
