Success story of a multi-talent: Mike combines technology and law

As a teenager he accompanied his father on the job and also on construction sites abroad, living in the camp with the construction workers’ families, where he learned how to build large structures. At that time, work was carried out under very risky conditions. At the age of 16, Mike worked as a locksmith and welder for numerous internships and holiday jobs. His love of adventure, fascination for construction sites, and technical know-how remains undiminished today. Despite pursuing a technical education, he continued on to join the legal profession.

Back then, he applied on his own initiative and we quickly found a place for the multi-talent in our company. Today, Mike is head of the Public Authorities Management department and is responsible, among other things, for the legal construction and operation of our plant and buildings at the sites in Linz, Steyrling, and Traisen. The team of seven is very familiar with a whole range of regulatory and legal texts on the topics of air, noise, vibration, waste, and many more.

He coordinates the necessary secure processes internally with roughly 70 process managers and 50 experts.

More than 100 public authority projects are being implemented on schedule for greentec steel, Austria’s largest climate action program alone. Mike and his team therefore plan the public authorities’ capacities into their time management as delayed approval procedures throw us into disarray and cost a lot.

• Respect
• Honesty
• Transparency

For his demanding job he needs a good understanding of technology and law, analytical thinking, and accurate time management. He likes it when every working day is different, his work is valued and he can help shape the future of the company. He emphasizes the fact that he can work independently and think outside the box. What does he have to say about his day-to-day work?

If someone needs a break at short notice, a team member jumps in and picks up the task, working transparently, flexibly, and purposefully. This cohesion is what turns colleagues into voestalpine colleagues, part of one big family.

He advises young people to pinpoint their values and interests and to compare them with those of the company. Being honest with yourself and the people around you allows you to focus on what really matters.