Welcome to the Leadership Echoes, a place where The Future, asks the simplest, yet, the most interesting questions to the executives of well-known companies, startups and innovators.
This time, Sebastian Niehaus, Founder & CTO of SEKASA Technologies Ltd, shares his secret. Originally from northern Germany, studied a combination of Business and Informatics, focusing on statistics, operations research, and machine learning. Immediately after completing his studies, he became the Head of Data Science at a MedTech company, where he established and led a team of data scientists.
He also conducted research as a guest researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, working on the application and development of new methods in the field of AI. Sebastian is the author of several patents, peer-reviewed publications, and articles in the field of AI.
Sebastian moved from Germany to Cyprus to establish, together with his co-founder, SEKASA Technologies, which combines machine learning and finance to develop a groundbreaking software product for the financial industry. As the CTO of SEKASA Technologies, he drives the development of the company’s core product for AI-powered price predictions for equities, commodities, FX, and bonds.
Let’s see what Niehaus has to say…
1. Do you remember your first day on the job at SEKASA Technologies?
Yes, I remember exactly. Since founding SEKASA Technologies from scratch, we structured our processes from day one and pushed our technology development aggressively from the very beginning. Besides that, I had just moved to Cyprus a few days ago, which made the whole thing even more exciting.
2. What is more difficult: being interviewed to join a team or doing the interviews yourself?
In my opinion, conducting an interview is more difficult because it can entail a string of challenges. Not only do you have to find the right person for the job, but you also have to determine in a short space of time whether the candidate will fit in well with the existing team dynamic and not disturb it.
3. What do you most value in your employees?
I value solution-oriented thinking and the flexibility to adapt to different roles without insisting on fixed positions. At the same time, it’s crucial for employees to know their competencies and limits. This combination is, in my opinion, very important for serving customers’ needs quickly and at a high level.
4. Which is a motto/quote you use in your work?
I like Lewin’s postulate: “Nothing is more practical than a good theory.” [Kurt Lewin, a physicist and social scientist, described a management model known as Lewin’s change theory]
5. If you were back to the start, what would you advise yourself for a great career?
Trust in yourself and stay persistent.
6. How do you pump up your creativity?
I leave my bubble – I talk to smart people from other professions, with different backgrounds and different experiences.
7. What is a talent you would like to have?
I would like to have a gift for foreign languages, being able to effortlessly and quickly speak any new language.
8. How do you balance work and personal life?
In my opinion, you have to allow yourself some spare time, and you need to enjoy it.
I am passionate about golf, as the sport demands intense concentration and it provides an escape from everyday life. I also appreciate fine wines paired with exquisite food. Exploring new wines in beautiful surroundings with the right company is always a refreshing change for me.
9. Your top five foods you like in Cyprus?
- Grilled Octopus
- Moussaka
- Tzatziki
- Halloumi
- Grilled Sea bass
10. Can you name your top five favourite places in Cyprus?
- The Elea golf course
- The salt lake in Larnaca
- Green Bay in Protaras
- The promenade along Mackenzie Beach
- Limassol Marina
11. Which personality, throughout history, do you admire most?
Two people from recent history: Jim Simons and John Nash
12. Who is your favourite author/book that helped your career?
Love and Math: The Heart of Hidden Reality – by Edward Frenkel
The biography focuses on a mathematician who faced challenges but remained dedicated to their tasks despite difficult circumstances.
13. Where would you advise our readers to go this summer?
Go to the beach – Grab a cool drink, put your feet in the water and have inspiring conversations with friends, colleagues or family. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in Limassol, Paphos or Larnaca.
