NovaTech – The AI Startup

NovaTech is a fast-growing technology startup based in Berlin. The company develops artificial-intelligence tools that help hospitals analyse medical images more quickly. The founder, Lina Hoffmann, started the business only three years ago after leaving university.

The company now employs 75 workers, including software engineers, data scientists and marketing staff. Because the company is growing rapidly, Lina has hired three managers to help run the business.

Manager 1: Viktor – Head of Software Development

Viktor runs the software engineering team. He believes the fastest way to meet deadlines is to give clear instructions.

When launching a new product, he assigns tasks to each programmer and tells them exactly how the software should be built. If someone disagrees with his plan, he usually ignores the suggestion and insists his approach is correct.

Viktor often says:

“We don’t have time for debates. Just follow the plan.”

Recently, several developers complained to HR that they feel their ideas are ignored. Two experienced engineers have left the company to join competitors.

Manager 2: Maya – Marketing Director

Maya manages NovaTech’s marketing department. When planning campaigns, she holds regular meetings where staff share ideas.

The team discusses strategies together before Maya makes a final decision. Employees feel they have a voice in the department.

However, this approach sometimes slows down decision-making. During the launch of NovaTech’s latest product, the team spent two weeks debating advertising strategies before agreeing on a campaign.

Manager 3: Kenji – Operations Manager

Kenji believes that employees perform best when they are trusted. Most of NovaTech’s engineers are highly skilled and experienced.

Instead of supervising them closely, Kenji allows employees to choose how they complete their tasks. His management philosophy is simple:

“You were hired because you’re talented. I won’t tell you how to do your job.”

Productivity in his department is generally high, although some new employees feel they lack guidance.

Manager 4: Sofia – HR Director

Sofia manages human resources. She strongly believes employees should feel valued and supported.

When NovaTech experienced rapid growth, Sofia introduced flexible working hours, mental health support and paid training programmes. She often tells employees that the company is “one big family”.

However, some senior managers believe her policies are too expensive and reduce profits.