Tag Archives: Interview

Pim Spierenburg, Head of Smart Markets, EMEA, OMNETRIC Group

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Pim SpierenburgAs VP Smart Market EMEA within OMNETRIC he is responsible for the solution architecture of meter data management, demand response and VPP solution in Europe, Middle East and Africa. He has 12 years of Utility experience of which he mostly worked in Meter Data Management and Smart Metering.

Prior to joining OMNETRIC in 2014, Pim was working as senior solution architect within Accenture Smart Grid Services for 5 years. Before that he worked for Itron and CGI.

1. What are you looking forward to explaining to the audience?

Clean energy has arrived in many forms, from PV to wind power, but it’s still hard for operators to integrate it reliably into the grid and manage it effectively.  DERMS – Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems – are helping to solve this challenge, providing a single platform to manage load aggregation, storage and generation.

2. Why did you decide to do a webinar with Business Review Webinars?

The topic of DERMS and managing clean energy is one that is not limited to utilities. Indeed, companies, communities, universities and hospitals for example, are all thinking about how they can better manage their energy generation and use in the future.  Business Review Webinars are a good platform for educating a broad audience effectively.

3.  How did you get into the industry and what do you most enjoy about your role?

My start in the industry was implementing new legislation for metering during the deregulation of the Dutch utility market. I then ventured into the world of meter data management and smart metering as a solution architect. Over the last couple of years, I have focused on the potential of using meter data management platforms for other purposes, such as Demand Response and aggregating Distributed Energy Resources (DER) for virtual power plant purposes. In my current role at OMNETRIC Group, I am responsible for the Smart Market portfolio in EMEA. This provides me with the opportunity to work on the cutting edge of new developments on grid end-points, developing new propositions with my team of Solution Architects and Engineers for clients.

4. What are you hoping to achieve in the future in your personal and professional life?

I want to finish the Defi Wind in Gruissan in 2017. It’s the largest annual worldwide gathering of competing windsurfers with over a thousand amateurs and pros launching from the same start line.

5. Where is your favourite place in the world?

That is a tough one, but I will have to go with Sapa in Vietnam.

Join Pim as OMNETRIC Group present their latest webinar “DERMS – Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems”! 

Martin Schroter, Senior Manager of Business Development, Dürr Systems, Inc.

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rkV1PTm4Martin Schroter holds both a master’s degree and PhD in chemical engineering from the Technical University of Clausthal in Germany, where he began his professional career in the chemical industry. For the following 15 years, he was an environmental catalyst product specialist in the power industry throughout Europe and the United States. Today Martin is developing products and business opportunities for Dürr Systems, Inc. out of Plymouth, Michigan.

1. How did you get into the industry?

I have been interested in chemistry since my introduction to the science in high school. I chose to become a chemical engineer and discovered my love for fundamental understanding. Going behind the scenes and into detail had always fascinated me. However, you need the right tools at hand to create fundamental understanding and my engineering education gave me that. I started as a process engineer for a German petrochemical company analyzing and optimizing their chemical processes. Backed by a team of experienced scientists and engineers, I took part in the design of single process units as well as a complete factory. We were led by a progressive management team with an understanding of the importance of intellectual properties, but moreover the confidence in our expertise of process fundamentals.

In the late 90’s I moved into the air pollution control business and engaged with a Danish catalyst supplier with a strong emphasis on scientific fundamentals and process understanding. From my different roles in sales, project execution and product management I learned that designing a NOx abatement solution for a utility customer requires different expertise than for a customer in a refinery. Facing customers in different industries however, also creates an understanding of the customer’s business situation as a very strong motive for investment decisions. Today, I am the Senior Manager of Business Development for Dürr Systems, Inc., a system integrator in the field of air pollution control technologies. In business development I can integrate my complete skill set, cultivated in different phases of my business career and best of all is that the company’s management is a strong supporter of my work.

2. What are you looking forward to explaining to the audience?

We understand that different players in an industry like the power sector have different motives when listening to this presentation. With this in mind, the audience can expect a basic introduction to Dürr’s catalytic hot gas filtration technology. The presentation will show how Dürr is creating added value by utilizing synergetic effects through integrating a combination of different process steps with the already existing equipment. Finally, the audience will learn that installation of the Dürr technology is creating a ROI and encourages coal fired power plant operators to invest in air pollution technology independent of emission limitation that may or may not be required.

3.  What do you most enjoy about your role?

I very much enjoy the education aspect of my role in business development. The dialog with customers from different industries is a continuous learning process for all involved and inspires a ‘thinking outside the box’ environment. Suddenly, you can discover that someone in a different industry has already gained experience in a comparable situation. The most enjoyable aspect of my role is the support from Dürr, which takes pride in the idea of our clients becoming “customer for life”.

4. What motivates you?

My greatest motivation is satisfaction, whether that is the satisfaction of an external or internal customer or partner, as well as the contentment earned after a physical workout, a nice dinner or a holiday with the family.

5. What has been your best holiday and where would you recommend visiting?

My best holidays have been on a small island off the Northern German coast where my entire family, including kids and grandparents, all stayed under one roof. We had such a great time that the family repeatedly met on the same island for 10 years in a row while the kids were small.

Join Martin in the Dürr Systems, Inc. webinar ‘Making Air Pollution Control Profitable‘. Register now!

 

MR. NIGEL TRACEY, HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, HIGHCON

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Nigel TracyNigel Tracey has 25 years experience in printing and packaging, particularly in the folding carton and corrugated board industries. Nigel has held various senior sales and marketing positions, most recently as Head of Sales for the sheet-fed business unit at Bobst Group, where he was responsible for the global sales network and sales operations. Nigel is based in Switzerland.

1. Why did you decide to do a webinar with us?

An important step in converting an industrial process is to enable the upstream buying process and enlighten it to what digital is now bringing.

2. How did you get into the industry?

Some how I got hooked when my father used to take me to printing and packaging shops as a young teenager, the creativity mixed with industrial process was something that appealed.

3. In your 20/25 years’ experience, what was the best moment in your career?

Seeing a piece of packaging in the high street that had majorly changed the way we consumers interface with and product and knowing that I had been involved with it’s design, conception and realisation.

4. How do you relax in your leisure time?

I’m an avid aquaculturist and I enjoy growing and propagating diverse marine life, salt water and electricity are a great distraction to most things.

5. What’s your favourite flavour of ice-cream?

Mövenpick double cream and meringue, the calorie free version…

Join Nigel in the upcoming Highcon webinar ‘Packaging Disruption – Shorter Runs, Faster to Shelf‘ on 17th November. Register here.

Markus Kupper , Application Engineering – oOEM Parts from EthosEnergy

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Markus Kupper , Application Engineering – oOEM PartsMarkus Kupper is a B.Sc.Mech Engineer with 30 years experience in the Heavy Frame Gas Turbine Industry. Starting from design and development Engineering with an OEM, he held various Senior positions in Field Service, Project Management, Sales and Product Management at EE.

 

  1. Why did you decide to do a webinar with us?

I attended one of your previous webinars. It’s a great way of sharing information across a wide audience. Being able to interact with the presenters and getting feedback to comments or issues you may have on hand makes these sessions worthwhile the time.

  1. What will the audience gain from attending your webinar?

Spare parts represent probably 2/3 of the non-fuel operating cost of a GT power plant. Getting away from the traditional “remove-repair-replace” without signing up to LTSA’s and the like, is rather difficult. EE has developed a few alternative parts solutions which ensure your capital is efficiently deployed across your asset. I will be presenting some case studies where EE parts solutions have created a robust bridge between operational and commercial requirements.

  1. What is your favourite thing about presenting to a live audience?

I would like to say “The possibility to look each other in the eyes”. In case of this webinar, and looking at the truly “worldwide audience”, I am encouraged to see that the topic is “universal”. I hope sharing some, I like to call them “Best Practices”, will initiate some thoughts in the audience of getting them to introduce “optimization tools” in to their respective organisations.

  1. What motivates you?

Getting out of bed … seeing my kids venturing off to new endeavors with a SMILE. Giving “my” customers a “WOW” experience and at the same time building robust relationships … that is probably the shortest statement on this question!

Markus will be presenting EthosEnergy webinar ‘Reducing Risks and Costs Inherent in Your Parts Management Strategy’. You can register for their webinar taking place on the 12th March at  11am New York/3pm London here.

 

Grant Adam, Principal Engineer BSc, PgDip, CEng, CmarEng, MIMarEst from Jee

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Grant AdamGrant is an experienced chartered engineer who has been working in the oil and gas industry since 1994. He is the head of Jee’s integrity management discipline and has an in-depth knowledge of the field and its associated areas, including internal and external inspection. Working closely with a number of major operators, Grant provides technical support and pipeline technical authority services, advising on all aspects of design, construction, integrity, repair and the operation of pipeline systems.

Grant has completed a number of integrity management related projects, including creating riser inspection strategies, inspection tool and stuck pig contingency plans, corrosion management strategies and pipeline lifetime extension studies.

With his vast technical understanding and dynamic presentation skills, Grant also presents Jee’s ‘Failure of deep-water pipelines and risers’ course around the world, successfully developing delegates’ competencies. 

1. What are you looking forward to explaining to the audience?

The webinar will discuss the consequences of ineffective subsea pipeline integrity management and why it is so important. I am looking forward to sharing my experience with the audience and hope the lessons learnt will prove to be a useful insight for oil and gas operators and service providers.

2. What is the most interesting thing you’ve done within your current role? 

As part of my role, I also present Jee’s ‘Failure of deepwater pipelines and risers’ technical training course around the world. Utilising case studies of real pipeline failures, this course looks at integrity management issues affecting deepwater risers and flowlines. Teaching provides a fantastic opportunity to travel, but more importantly a chance to give back to the industry and pass on lessons learned, improving industry standards and best practice.

3. What is the ideal outcome you would like from doing the webinar? 

We aim to provide attendees with an overview of subsea pipelines integrity management best practice in addition to examining the primary threats and lessons learnt. The webinar will also discuss how lifetime extension can maximise the profitability of mature assets and how integrity management is applied to decommissioned pipelines. I hope that all attendees go away with a better understanding of pipeline integrity management which will help them in their roles going forwards.

 4. Where is your favourite place in the world and why?

My favourite place in the whole world is my home. No matter where in the world you travel to and the experiences gained during these travels, it’s always nice to get home!

Grant Adam will be presenting the Jee webinar ‘Lessons Learned in Subsea Pipeline Integrity Management’ on the 24th February at 3PM London / 10AM New York. Register here.

 

Dr. Kai U. Ziegler, Vice President Engineering Compressors, MAN Diesel & Turbo

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Kai Ziegler has the overall responsibility of MAN Diesel & Turbo’s compressor engineering departments in Oberhausen. He is deeply involved in project AIRMAX and pushed its development from scratch to market maturity. Ever since he finished his studies of mechanical engineering with a doctoral degree at RWTH Aachen, Ziegler dedicated his professional life to research, development and engineering of compressors. He joined MAN in 2005.

1. What are you looking forward to explaining to the audience?

My colleagues Sebastian Parzigas and Dr. Marco Ernst will reflect on the reasons that have led to the development of AIRMAX “mega-trains” for large air separation units. In short, they are mainly used to produce large amounts of oxygen for the subsequent Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. This is a future-oriented process that is used to produce synthetic fuels out of coal or natural gas. They will have a detailed look on the advantages of AIRMAX for our customers – mainly better price, higher efficiency and highest robustness. The audience will be introduced to the technical configuration of AIRMAX and the development of its new axial/radial main air compressor AR-MAX1. My colleagues will also reflect on the “first-time-right” shop tests, the erection of the first references in world scale coal-to-liquid plants and the latest machine concepts for high pressure air separation.

2. Why did you decide to do a webinar with Business Review Webinars?

We have recently organized physical events for our customers at MAN Diesel & Turbo’s Oberhausen site in Germany. The feedback that we got was extremely positive. Now we are trying to allow even more interested parties to see and discuss our latest developments, independent from their residence and without the need of traveling. We regard a webinar with Business Review Webinars as a good option to continue and enlarge the dialogue with our existing and new stakeholders.

3. What do you most enjoy about presenting to a live audience?

It is clearly the chance to get a direct feedback from the audience and to answer their questions as close as possible to the point of time when they occur. In general, I enjoy uncomplicated ways of communication.

 4. What motivates you?

The development of the AIRMAX air compressor train was an ambitious and challenging task. In fact, it is the result of several years of intensive development work. Together with our development partner MTU Aero Engines in Munich we have combined for the first time the advantages of industrial compressors with the advantages of gas turbine or aero engine compressors, resulting in the new blading generation MAX1. It is extremely satisfying – and in a way overwhelming – how the market has responded. We have sold a total of 19 AIRMAX trains even before we had the first one running in the field. That success, supported by first-time-right shop test results, is highly motivating – for all our staff and for sure for myself.

In my every day working life I’m also motivated by the exceptional team spirit we have. When I’m walking through the offices I can often see that colleagues have put press clippings or pictures of AIRMAX on their walls. They are fully committed to our product. That’s very encouraging.

 5. What has been your best holiday and where would you recommend visiting?

That clearly depends on the life situation. I had my most fascinating vacation, when I was a doctoral student, by car from Germany through Spain and Portugal, including Gibraltar. Today I prefer more relaxed holidays in family clubs in Greece or Turkey, where I can play with my two boys in the pool or the sea the whole day long.

Dr Kai U. Ziegler’s colleagues Dr Marco Ernst and  Sebastian Parzigas will be presenting the MAN webinar ‘A New Generation of Air Compressor Trains for Air Separation Units’ on the 5th February at the following times:

8am London / 9am Paris

3pm London / 10am New York

 

Spotlight Interview: Christian Menegon, Business Development Manager, HP

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Christian MenegonAs electronic engineer, Christian started his career in the field by servicing pen plotters. He then moved to application support for cad cam systems with Scitex for 10 years which led him to production management in a repro house active in cartography and printed circuit boards. 

At Drupa 1995, Indigo was launching the first digital press for industrial applications. Christian joined there as product manager bringing his market knowledge into the development of these revolutionary new products and solutions. Sales support and marketing were to be created, followed by sales management which he contributed to set up. 

From his experience which started at the very beginning of this adventure, Christian became a central platform of knowledge and communication for the industrial products. 

When HP acquired Indigo, while still sharing this accumulated information across regions, Christian extended his activities towards brand owners education. He now acts as business development manager promoting what digital printing can offer the brand owners in terms of benefits, associated or not, with other HP solutions.

1. Why did you decide to do a webinar with Business Review Webinars?

We are today in a work rhythm that is not always allowing us to do the face to face meetings as we would like to. Taking 45 minutes out of our office and daily work is quite tough. And we all recognise the value of the face to face meetings. This is true for us, and true for all business managers who need to access some information.  A webinar is an easy, convenient, and efficient way to stay in the office, and dedicate only the time needed to a chosen type of information. Specifically for the type of information we, HP Indigo, need to pass out, the business review webinars are a great platform connecting in a professional way quality audience with needs, and advisors who have some thoughts on the possible solutions.

2. What are you looking forward to explaining to the audience?

I need to show them what can be their interest in choosing to demand for digital printing packages or labels. Just by the words “Digital printing” one may understand this is a printing technology and not go further. The reality is that even being a printing technology, the services it brings to a brand owner and a printer can be very significant, and clearly far above just printing. This needs to be explained by showing examples and illustrating possibilities.

3. What has been the best moment in your career?

Being an active part of this industry revolution. Since Guttenberg, the printing industry has only improved in technology via innovation addressing quality, stability, speed, …. Digital printing is not only disruptive but also connects printing with the rest of our life. To play a role in this change is really rewarding.

4. What would someone be surprised to know about you?

While I defend digital printing and its environment for almost 20 years, I also fight against an abuse of computers in our day to day lives!

5. And Finally…

Beach or Skiing? No beach, but under water, and skiing slightly out of the regular slopes.

Books or Films? Not the same effect on me: Book for a relaxing moment, film to be taken away from the normal life.

Mac or PC? PC because I can trick it and cheat it. Mac is too good!  🙂

Red or White wine? Why choose? Both of course!

Christian will be presenting HP’s webinar: Digitally Printed Packaging – “The Art of the Possible” on the 12th June at 3pm London. To learn more and register please click here.

 

Spotlight Interview: Andrea Magalini from Turboden

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Andrea MagaliniAndrea Magalini,

Sales Director, Turboden

Andrea Magalini began his career as Research Engineer and later as Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Thermal Measurements at Università degli Studi di Brescia. From 2008 to 2010 he worked for McKinsey & Company as Associate Consultant. He joined Turboden in 2010 as Business Development Manager. Currently he is Sales Director of Turboden.

He holds a master degree in Mechanical Engineering.

1. Why did you decide to do a webinar with Business Review Webinars?

We decided to work with Business Review Webinars because of its knowledge and experience in energy webinars.

2. What are you looking forward to explaining to the audience?

How ORC technology can increase the overall efficiency of Oil & Gas sites, allowing to generate power exploiting unused waste heat streams.

3. What movie would you recommend and why?

Something’s Gotta Give (United States, 2003) because it shows how life is full of surprises and it teaches you are never too old to change your habits.

4. How do you relax in your leisure time?

I use to run. I love the sense of satisfaction that clears my mind.

5. What 1 item would you take with you to a desert island?

A mirror

Andrea Magalini will be presenting with Riccardo Vescovo the Turboden webinar ‘Waste heat: free fuel for efficiency improvement in Oil & Gas industry’ on the 26th June at 10am New York/3pm London. Click here to register.

Turboden white papers:
Paper Aistech 2014 | Paper ECEEE 2014

Spotlight Interview: Philip Mullins from Tait Communications

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Philip MullinsPhilip Mullins,

Solutions Marketing Manager, Tait Communications

Philip Mullins comes to Tait as the former Executive Industry Consultant in IBM’s Global Center of Excellence for Energy and Utilities. He served both internal and external clients as a trusted adviser on utility communications and was a leader in the development of IBM’s Global Intelligent Utility Network Communications Reference Architecture and Solution Offering.

Philip has over 32 years of experience in the communications technology and Energy and Utilities industry with deep subject matter expertise in radio based technologies including; Analog and Digital Land Mobile Radio, Microwave, Analog and Digital Cellular, MESH and WiMAX. Over the past 10 years, Philip has focused on Smart Grid related communications, executing strategy and assessment engagements at leading US Utilities and developing intellectual capital assets that supported IBM’s global solution delivery teams.

Philip is also an IBM Inventor, holding five issued patents, with 1 patents pending,

Prior to IBM, Philip was a leader in Texaco’s Global Information Services organization for several years and prior to that spend 14 years as a senior member of the technical staff at Motorola and supported the evolution of wireless technologies through the early development of Digital Land Mobile Radio through Digital Cellular and emerging 3G Technologies.

Philip is also a United States Air Force Veteran that specialized in Ground Radio Communication Systems, and Combat Radio Communications Systems.

1. Why did you decide to do a webinar with Business Review Webinars?

Great way for Tait Communications to present our point of view on Critical Voice Communications and the opportunity to optimize that investment with our GridLinks Solution.

2. What will the audience learn from attending the webinar?

Two key learning objectives, first, that Grid Links can help optimize a “must have” investment in critical voice communications, and secondly, GridLinks can help Utilities minimize the capital and operating expenses associated with Service Management, Private Broadband and Carrier Services.

3. How did you get into the industry and what do you most enjoy about your role?

I first began working with Utility customers over 20 years ago while troubleshooting a critical voice infrastructure failure, and since that time have developed a deep admiration for the important work they do and the critical services they provide our communities.

I immensely enjoy working with customers, understanding problems and developing solutions that solve them in an optimal way.

4. What would someone be surprised to know about you?

I hold patents in several RF technology fields including RFID, Cellular and Wi-Fi.

5. Who or what is your inspiration?

I am inspired by people that don’t give up and invent new ways of doing things. A few examples are Sir Edmond Hillary, Richard Branson, Elan Musk and Dean Kamen.

 

Philip Mullins is presenting the Tait Communications webinar ‘Crossroads in Grid Automation and M2M’ on the 1st July at 10am New York/3pm London. Click here to register.

 

Spotlight Interview: Aneta Manningtonova

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We will be bringing you new monthly interviews from our team, sponsors and key industry leaders.

Our first spotlight interview is with our new Marketing Manager, Aneta Manningtonova.

Find out more about Aneta, her ideas for Business Review and where to find the best Pizza in London!

 

 

 

1) As our new marketing manager, could you introduce yourself?

I am happy to announce that I have recently started work as part of the Business Review Webinars team with my role focusing on marketing and communications. Having found my feet and been introduced to the team, I would like to introduce what I want to achieve in my role. I am planning to re-launch our new blog and increase activity on all of our social media channels, improve communication between BRW & our audience and re-launch our monthly newsletter. Sign up to our new and improved monthly newsletter. The purpose of my role is twofold. Firstly to improve the marketing presence of  Business Review Webinars (and support our groups) and secondly is to improve communications with our various partners, groups and of course our customers. The overall goal of these activities is to grow our business, continue to inform our customers of the value of webinars and increase live attendees. As a result we want to hear more from our customers and increase the interaction during our live webinars.

2) What motivates you?

My best motivators are my dreams in life! The reason why I am doing this is that I keep believing that after all these years of sacrifices I would come up with decisions that could contribute to my best ever success and help my team members to excel .

My motivation is to excel and be successful in my professional career and my personal life outside of work. I am a ‘stay busy’ type of person who thrives on accomplishment and forward motion. Sometimes, in life, we all blunder and those instances are learning experiences to propel forward and strive to attain our maximum potential.

3) How are you hoping to help Business Review Webinars to grow in the near future?

Webinars allow people throughout the world to learn and to communicate. Particularly in the past two years, webinars have rapidly gained prominence as an important component of many marketing plans. No longer considered an afterthought, a well-crafted and successful webinar can greatly enhance a company’s reputation, sales and benefit the audience as a progressive learning tool. I am hoping to help increase our webinar traction, boost  our live attendees and create more interesting topics. Ultimately the key is to understand what our audience is looking for. One of the reasons for this rapid growth and success is the lowered costs of both creating and attending a webinar. Without requiring the expenditure of significant amounts of time, energy, and money traveling to in-person events, webinars allow attendees and presenters to easily attend events via the internet. These savings in time and money for the presenters are significant, ranging between 60 – 90 % when compared to the cost of live location based events. Social media is a very powerful medium for meeting people and for doing business. This industry has rapidly matured in the past ten years, however, one of its biggest hurdles is the amount of time and effort required to build and maintain a loyal following. In most cases, sales that are done through or as a result of social media are one-to-one. Though effective, it’s not time efficient. Conversely, webinars utilize a one-to-many approach, making them highly effective and providing them with the ability to reach a worldwide audience through a single online presentation.

4) In your experience, what makes a successful webinar?

The single most important tip is to approach our work from the audience’s perspective. This philosophy should influence everything from initial planning, content preparation, delivery style, and follow-through after the event. That is not to say that our own goals are unimportant. We should have a clear and explicit statement of intent for our webinars. Why are you hosting it in the first place? Look beyond the surface-level delivery of information. If we hold an educational event, it is obvious we want to educate our audience. But why do we want to educate them? What are the benefits that the organiza­tion receives if the webinar is successful? Ideally we want to introduce potential customers to our services, enthuse them about our webinars, and make them receptive to our webinar topics.

5) As a pizza taster, what has been your favourite pizza you’ve eaten and where?

I highly recommend Franco Manca in Chiswick. It’s one of the best Pizzas I have tasted. The Pizza is made from slow-rising sourdough and is baked in a wood burning brick oven made on site by specialized artisans from Naples. This oven produces a heat of about 500C (930F). The slow levitation and blast- cooking process locks in the flour’s natural aroma and moisture, giving a soft and easily digestible crust. As a result, the edge is excellent!!

A big Thank You to Aneta for taking time out to answer our questions. If you’d like to reach Aneta, please contact her at [email protected]