Michaël Berly, IT Consultant at UDITIS, blends technical savvy with empathy and pragmatism in his approach to client management and team support. He values the power of collaboration, the impact of artificial intelligence on their work, and the importance of learning from challenges. Beyond his professional role, Berly is deeply engaged in politics and community, highlighting his multifaceted life that spans technology, public service, and personal passions.
Could you generally explain your role, your missions, and choose 3 words that characterize them?
As an IT generalist, I focus on everything related to the end user and the technologies they use on a daily basis. Over time, I've expanded my area of responsibility by also taking on the role of technical account manager for some clients, which involves understanding their operations, needs, and specific expectations. I also strive to contribute to the essential tasks of the service desk and advise our younger colleagues in this field. However, being currently allocated 40% of my time to this, my involvement is somewhat limited.
- Empathetic: Listening to the user and effectively responding to their requests is crucial.
- Curious: It is important to seek to understand the client's operations and needs.
- Pragmatic: Our profession demands a solution-oriented approach with a practical and efficient methodology.
What do you prefer in your job?
What I prefer is the contact with clients and my colleagues. Being naturally sociable, I particularly enjoy our culture of collaboration and collective intelligence. Mutual aid is a reality at UDITIS, where we can truly count on each other on a daily basis.
The recent integration of artificial intelligence into our tools is also exciting. How will this change our professions and those of our clients? Hard to say at the moment, but we play a central role, both technically and in terms of business and sector-specific skills.
If you had to give advice to new recruits?
I would pass on the advice that Michel Perrin, our former CEO, gave me on my first day at UDITIS 22 years ago: don't be afraid to try and make mistakes. The essential thing is to learn from these mistakes to progress. Those who dare to make mistakes often succeed more subsequently.
If you could spend a day in the shoes of a colleague, who would it be?
After 22 years in the company, knowing the different professions well, I would be curious to live the day of a salesperson.
What has marked you the most in your career at UDITIS?
What comes to mind are not so much the moments of work but rather those of great camaraderie during our numerous off-work events, like the 24 hours of UDITIS. Having participated in all, it is impossible for me to choose a particular event, as each edition is unique. Among the anecdotes, I remember about 20 years ago, a client had a virus infiltrate their systems. We spent the weekend cleaning each PC. The client migrations to CSEM, where we spent weeks in the basement installing new PCs, contrast with the current tools that automate this process.
"Don't be afraid to try and make mistakes.
The essential thing is to learn from these mistakes to progress.
Those who dare to make mistakes often succeed more subsequently."
What are your passions?
My first great passion is politics, which has eventually become my profession. I have been actively involved in the general council of the commune of Le Locle for 19 years. Since May 1, 2023, I have been serving as a part-time (60%) municipal councilor. This role offers me privileged contact with citizens, public space, the sports and educational field, which is extremely enriching for me. I particularly appreciate working on concrete projects, such as the renovation of the municipal pool or the development of spaces dedicated to young people.
Football is another of my passions. I had the opportunity to coach a team, which allowed me to transmit important values such as respect for instructions.
Additionally, I regularly play floorball with friends, which demonstrates my taste for sport and team play. Finally, family activities hold a central place in my life. Whether it's hiking in summer or skiing in winter, sharing these moments with my family is essential for me. These experiences strengthen our bonds and allow us to create unforgettable memories together.
If you had an Aladdin's lamp, what would be your wishes?
I would add 8 hours to the 24-hour days! With my current position at 40% at UDITIS and my political mandate at 60%, which is in reality more demanding, my days are extremely busy. I would like to be able to stop time to take a step back and detach myself from daily tasks. And I wish to resume sports full-time for a few months.
Do you have a book to recommend?
I'm a fan of Scandinavian crime novels and thrillers. I would recommend The Kingdom by Jo Nesbo, a noir novel that takes the time to establish a suffocating atmosphere typical of family dramas loaded with heavy secrets. Jo Nesbo has created a captivating series around Detective Harry Hole.
If you had to choose a mentor, who would it be?
Thierry Linder, the current CEO, for his inspiring journey, having climbed the ranks from the bottom.
What do you think of Sequotech?
I initially had some apprehensions about the loss of UDITIS's independence. These fears turned out to be unfounded. Observing their mode of operation from the outside, it appears well-structured and integrated. The organization into different entities allows for more efficient synergy, which contributes to improving the operation of each involved entity. This structure promotes more dynamic and innovative collaboration while preserving the identity and strengths of each part.