What fuels our Managing Director, Xaver Matt?

Introducing Xaver; SeventhElement’s founder and managing director. Xaver’s an early digital entrepreneur with four successful start-ups under his belt. In his element forging strong, long-term bonds, and delivering sustainable growth strategies. His unique outlook propels an increasingly eclectic range of businesses.

Intrigued? Scroll down for an insight into our enterpriser…

What energises you the most in life?

Away from digital success, it is all about simple, real experiences for me. Doing something uniquely special, however small, with family, friends or with a good group of people energises me the most. Off the beaten track travel, climbing or skiing a remote mountain, harnessing the power of waves, a good old London night out or just a simple stimulating or meaningful conversation.

Watching my five-year old daughter grow up and learn new tricks is super energising. It reminds me daily of the incredible curiosity we possess as humans, our amazing capability to learn and the power we have to change things. 

I love mentoring start-ups, helping them with business models, audience development and marketing strategies. Being a mentor has a very positive charge.

I am also seriously into intermittent fasting, which in my case, adds another 30% to my daily battery life.

What’s your key to long-lasting collaborations and client relationships?

It’s all about chemistry, understanding, generosity, a good helping of patience and a little forgiveness. Being firm, focused and realistic does help too. Never shy away from the ‘why’ question … ‘why are we doing this?’ I believe it’s important not to stray too far away from your own values and beliefs.

Both relationships and collaborations take time. They never develop fast, but they are beautiful. The long-term client relationships we have built at SeventhElement and our successful collaborations with partners over the years are a real source of pride.

When do you feel in your element?

Digital is something I live and breathe. I am in my element when adding value, working with clients on creative digital solutions that deliver the required outcomes.

Away from digital, I love an eclectic mix of outdoor adventures. Oceans and mountains are my church. That bluebird day in the Alps, off-piste in knee-deep powder. Reaching that peak after a six-hour ascent, enjoying the peace and quiet only a deserted summit can offer. Chasing that one, perfect wave on a secret location in Indonesia…. dream on. I will definitely become a pro surfer in my next life. For now, I’ll stick to what I am good at, my digital habitat.

What’s your go-to productivity trick?

Switching off my mobile phone and email at least once per day for a couple of hours to get the real stuff done. As powerful and vital as today’s digital channels are, they can be super disruptive too. I also prepare to-do lists that are critical every Sunday for the week and every night for the next day. Guess what, I note down seven important things to do 😉

I love Google drive. It transformed the way I work, prepare and share decks, docs and collaborate on ideas, strategies and growth models. 

What does your digital detox look like?

I love mushroom picking in the Black Forest, which, trust me, is more addictive than mobile, gaming, Social Media and dating apps put together. On a more spiritual level: catching waves in Costa Rica,  is also a powerful digital detox for me. Oh, aren’t iPhones waterproof now?

Nitrogen is used as a coolant: how do you keep cool under pressure?

I don’t. I get more explosive and use the energy to help propel me quickly out of pressure situations.

What’s the nerdiest thing you do outside of work?

I used to collect stamps, probably sitting on a fortune and don’t even know it. I am still DJing old-school house 12” vinyl on my Technics 1210s (mostly in my bedroom now), reliving my 90s raving days. I have recently started playing some live DJ sets again to entertain friends during Covid-19 lockdown periods: https://www.mixcloud.com/xavier-mattease/