The air was charged with excitement and anticipation: it was time for the Delivery Excellence Challenge Switzerland 2024. This year in the picturesque Stockental against a breathtaking mountain backdrop. The time had come again for the test of driving skill and 23 of our best drivers got ready to demonstrate their prowess in a series of challenging competitions. From precise manoeuvres to thrilling skill tests, this day was all about driving skills and team spirit.
In the end, although hearts and minds were won by many, one true champion arose: Mischa. But how did Mischa manage to win this coveted title? And what challenges did Lutfi overcome as project manager before and during this year’s challenge? We had the opportunity to interview the two of them and delve into the details.
DPD: What is behind the Delivery Excellence Challenge?
Lutfi: The Delivery Excellence Challenge is an annual competition organised by our Geopost Group, which ultimately identifies the best drivers at an international level. Each country starts with its own national challenge to find the most talented driver from each business unit (BU). All depots are included to ensure that the winner(s) get to represent their own country in the international challenge.
DPD: How were the different challenges selected for the drivers?
Lutfi: The various challenges were selected from past group challenges and defined in consultation with the TCS Centre. Let me briefly say that it was great working with the TCS Centre again this year.
DPD: Were there any special moments in the planning and execution of the challenge that you are proud of?
Lutfi: I’m a little nervous when it comes to planning, as I want everything to run smoothly. I also always thank the various departments at DPD who support me in this. I am particularly proud of the motivation of the drivers, which impresses me every year. Above all, the high fun factor makes a significant contribution to this event. The interactions between the drivers also make me proud every year.
DPD: What unexpected challenges did you encounter during the event?
Lutfi: The weather is always challenging, but this year we were lucky and it was sunny and warm.
DPD: How could the next challenge be even better?
Lutfi: We always look back to see what we can improve. Next year, for example, we will split the drivers into smaller groups and incorporate even more challenges. I can’t reveal the surprises for next year yet, but there’s something exciting in store for you. 😉
DPD: How did you structure the event to make it both entertaining and challenging for the participants?
Lutfi: The event is very entertaining as we gather at the hotel the day before and eat together. This is where we chat and get to know each other even better. In the programme, as mentioned, we attach great importance to the fun factor, which has the highest priority, and, of course, to the performance of the drivers. All the drivers are generally at a high level, which is why the results are always very close. That’s what makes it so exciting. You might say it is the Champions League of drivers.
DPD: What were the drivers’ criteria for taking part in the challenge?
Lutfi: The criteria for taking part in the challenge were the drivers’ Predict and NPS ratings over a predefined period of time. Based on this data, they then qualify for the final, where 23 of our best drivers compete against each other.
DPD: Would you say that the Delivery Excellence Challenge Switzerland 2024 was a resounding success and if so, why?
Lutfi: I can answer this question with an absolute ‘yes’. It was a lot of fun and the feedback from our drivers was also thoroughly positive. I am happy that Switzerland will once again perform well in the international challenge this year, as our finalist Rasim, for example, took fourth place in the international competition last year. This year we hope to win first place in Madrid with Mischa. That would be the icing on the cake. I am certain that he will smash it and wish him all the best and every success.
DPD: What was the biggest challenge for you during the event?
Mischa: For me, the theoretical part was the biggest challenge. Otherwise, everything went very well.
DPD: How did you prepare for the competition?
Mischa: Actually not at all, but I was very excited about the challenges this year. I really enjoyed taking part again.
DPD: Was there a moment when you were sure you would win?
Mischa: I was very precise in the emergency braking challenge and from that moment on I thought I could end up in the top three.
DPD: What tips do you have for future participants?
Mischa: Perhaps ‘be as precise as possible’. I learned about DPD in the theoretical part and in the practical part, I tried to do everything precisely, as a small mistake can have a huge impact.
DPD: What does this victory mean to you?
Mischa: A lot. I am very much looking forward to travelling to Madrid and representing Switzerland with pride at the international Delivery Excellence Challenge.
DPD: Which of the individual challenges did you enjoy the most and why?
Mischa: The course with forward and backward parking and the challenge of keeping to the time was what I enjoyed most.
We would like to thank Lutfi and Mischa for their exciting insights and wish Mischa every success and lots of fun at the international Delivery Excellence Challenge in Madrid. We are already looking forward to welcoming the best drivers to another exciting challenge next year!
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