Q&A with Fabian Linhardt, Manager Amazon Business Operations

Fabian Linhardt hails from Germany, where he completed a dual study program at DHL, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Logistics. After a successful 7-year tenure at DHL, he joined Amazon in 2020 as an Area Manager for Outbound, where he supported the launch of a delivery station in his hometown Bayreuth. His journey continued with further launches, including Amazon's entry into the Netherlands, leading to his promotion to Operations Manager, where he transitioned into the fulfillment sector.

Since 2022, Fabian has been building and leading a new team in Munich focused on Amazon Business Operations (AB Ops), covering MEU, France, Italy, Spain, and UK - During this journey, he has risen to the role of Manager. Fabian's team plays a critical role in supporting the launch of new B2B-friendly processes and technologies, acting as a vital link between Sales and Operations.

Why did you choose Amazon?

Through my logistics studies, Amazon's industry presence was a recurring theme, often used in lecture examples. So when I heard that a delivery station was opening in my hometown, I was immediately interested.

Given my prior experience at DHL, the prospect of joining the Amazon team felt like a natural next step in my career. I had heard countless positive accounts, particularly regarding the company's "Every Day is Day One" mindset. I also admired how everyone lived the Leadership Principles during the interview process.

What is your favorite Leadership Principle and why?

First of all, I was positively surprised by how deeply the Amazon Leadership Principles are integrated into the everyday work at Amazon. It's difficult to single out a favorite, as my team and I strive to embody these principles in all our decisions and actions. That said, I believe the foundation of any successful collaboration or achievement is trust. When you approach your work and colleagues with honesty, integrity, and compassion, you can weather any challenge or setback with poise and clarity. This focus on trust and humanity is truly admirable.

I'm also inspired by the "think big" mindset. The recognition that even the smallest ideas can grow into something transformative motivates me daily. It's this innovative spirit and sense of possibility that makes working here so rewarding.

Overall, the Leadership Principles have not only become integral to how I approach my role, but how I strive to show up in all areas of my life. I'm grateful to be part of a culture that so deeply values principled leadership.

What is your favorite Amazon memory?

One of the most meaningful experiences I've had during my tenure at Amazon was the opportunity to co-manage the 2021 country launch of our last-mile delivery service, AMZL, in the Netherlands. Entrusted with this responsibility despite having less than a year of experience, I was tasked with navigating the complexities and demands of a new country as Outbound lead.

While the challenges were considerable, witnessing the collaboration and determination of the launch team and our Dutch counterparts was truly inspiring. Over the course of this endeavor, we evolved into a real team, continuously learning from each other's diverse skill sets and perspectives.

Ultimately, it was this spirit of teamwork and customer-obsession that enabled us to achieve a successful launch in the Netherlands. Moments like these underscore the impact that can arise when individuals are empowered to tackle ambitious goals. I remain deeply grateful to have been entrusted with this experience.

What brings you passion/excitement to your role and team?

What excites me most about my role and team at Amazon is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on both our customers and the business. In my current position as Manager, I'm energized by the prospect of tackling complex challenges and delivering innovative solutions that raise the bar for our industry.

Beyond that, I'm deeply motivated by my teammates and the spirit that permeates our work. I'm constantly impressed of the diverse expertise, relentless work ethic, and customer-centric mindset that my colleagues bring to the table. Consensus-building, sharing knowledge, and learning from one another are central to how we operate.

This focus on continuous improvement, both individually and as a team, is what I find most rewarding. I'm proud to be part of an organization that empowers its people to think big, experiment, and deliver results that matter. It's this combination of high-impact work, top talent, and commitment to raising the bar that makes coming to work each day such a privilege.

Fundamentally, I'm passionate about the work we do right now at AB Ops, because I believe it has the power to positively transform the lives of our business customers - Consolidated delivery, at the fastest possible time and at the desired place are just a few examples. Being entrusted with that responsibility and collaborating with this team to fulfill it, is what truly drives me.

What do you do for fun/work life balance?

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a top priority for me, and I actively make time to nurture my personal interests and well-being alongside my professional commitments. To recharge, I enjoy playing soccer, training for a triathlon (though it's a long-term goal!), and spending quality time with friends and family.

Best place you have ever traveled?

This is actually not easy to answer, but Costa Rica has impressed me the most so far. The numerous national parks, the diversity of animal species and the beaches were very impressive. I was also able to gain my first surfing experience here, although it was less successful.

But I'm always happy to get to know new cultures and exchange ideas with local people.

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