Customer focus, responsibility – and why patience is sometimes required
In short Business Rap we meet Michael Gackstatter, founder and CEO of TODAY.
Innovation mindset:
Is it better to minimize risk or push innovation?
Minimize risk
“We work with highly sensitive information, so we minimize our risks. For internal hackathons, we like to use the latest AI models or agentic frameworks of the week.”
Consulting philosophy:
Advice from humans or a future with AI agents?
It's all in the mix
“I believe that when it comes to financial matters, customers want to feel understood, learn new things, and have their opinions validated. Today, this is provided by competent advisors who are supported by AI agents such as TODAY.”
Snack choice in Copenhagen:
Hot dog or soft ice cream?
Hot Dog
“I occasionally treat myself to a hot dog – either homemade or from one of Copenhagen's numerous stands.”
Focus on user centricity :
Ship product features or incorporate user feedback immediately?
Integrate user feedback immediately
“Some issues are more complex and take longer to resolve. Nevertheless, we ship small improvements requested by our customers several times a day. Speed and ‘delivery’ can also be a competitive advantage.”
Weather setup:
Rain jacket or umbrella?
Rain jacket
“I'm definitely team ‘rain jacket’ – it's the only solution on a bike and in Copenhagen's sometimes heavy storms.”
Product strategy:
A detailed roadmap or ‘just start and learn as you go’?
‘Just start, then learn’
“We test our hypotheses and learn so much every day that my time is better spent talking to customers than standing in front of a whiteboard.”
Efficiency in everyday life:
Automated documentation or personal coaching feedback?
Automated documentation
“While we started with coaching and AI role-playing, more consultants are asking for automated documentation—it's a very emotional topic. That's why we're currently improving our logging and documentation.”
Tool integration:
Want to get started quickly or integrate everything properly first?
It depends
“As a former triathlete and Ironman, I am naturally a ‘full throttle’ team player, but I practice patience when complex dependencies come into play.”
After-work classic:
Carlsberg or Tuborg?
“The main thing is that it's alcohol-free, as I've been avoiding alcohol for about 5 years.”
Scaling approach:
Focus on customer relationships or KIPs?
Focus on customer relationships
“We have staying power and are grateful for our fantastic partners.”
