Story
From Process Thinking to Entrepreneurship
When speaking to Stefan Unfried, one thing quickly becomes clear: he doesn’t think in tasks, but in systems. It’s never enough for something to work – he wants to understand why it works, and how it can be improved.
This mindset runs throughout his career. What is now visible in his role as an entrepreneur in customer experience, CRM and artificial intelligence started much earlier – with a simple but powerful question: what really lies behind the processes we use every day?
Looking beyond processes
Stefan laid the foundation during his studies at IMC Krems University of Applied Sciences. By combining a bachelor degree in Unternehmensführung und Digitales Management with a master in Digital Business Innovation and Transformation, he deliberately chose the intersection of business and technology. But more important than the degrees themselves was the perspective he gained: a systemic understanding of organisations – and the insight that change only succeeds when people are truly part of it.
A semester abroad in Sweden broadened his horizons early on, offering not only international experience but also lasting connections. At Airbus in Hamburg, theory turned into practice. Working in a global environment, he experienced first-hand both the complexity and the opportunities within large organisations.
Entrepreneurship as a shift in perspective
His first real step towards entrepreneurship came during his time at IMC Krems. In the Creative Pre-Incubator programme, Stefan co-founded the start-up Centralize – turning ideas into tangible solutions. Further experiences at the European Innovation Academy and the Silicon Valley Programme exposed him to international founders and mentors. These moments helped shape a key realisation: entrepreneurship is not an abstract concept, but a choice – the decision to take ownership and build something yourself.
Why CRM is more than technology
Stefan’s professional path led him into complex organisational environments, including the ERBER Group. There, he gradually took on more responsibility – from Salesforce administration to leading technical aspects of international rollouts.
During this time, his core focus emerged: CRM – but approached differently.
For Stefan, CRM is not just a technical tool. It is the central interface between organisations and their customers. It is about design, not administration: How do people experience a company? Where does friction occur? And how can processes be shaped to create meaningful interactions?
This perspective also defined his work as an independent consultant and later at Entero: technology must deliver real impact – especially for the people who use it.
From consultant to entrepreneur
In 2022, the next logical step followed: Stefan became owner and Managing Director of BLINKER.DIGITAL. Today, the company is one of Austria’s leading players in AI, CRM and Salesforce. Together with his team, he supports organisations in rethinking customer relationships – data-driven, AI-powered, and always centred on people.
For him, “customer centricity” is not a buzzword, but a guiding principle shaping every decision. Alongside this, he is active as a mentor, lecturer and co-owner of acolono GmbH – continuing his focus on building sustainable digital structures.
What drives Stefan Unfried – insights and reflections
At first glance, Stefan’s career might appear highly technical. It is shaped by two defining traits: curiosity and pragmatism. He does not aim to reinvent everything – but to deeply understand what works and build on it in a meaningful way. This combination is likely what makes him such a valued partner for organisations today: a clear perspective on processes, a strong understanding of people – and the ability to connect both.
What drives you professionally?
What drives me is curiosity – the desire to explore new ideas, whether technological, procedural or strategic. At the same time, I am strongly motivated by helping people grow – including myself.
I aim to create and shape, rather than follow. That often means taking paths that are not yet clearly defined or widely accepted – which is exactly what makes it exciting.
Another key motivator is variety: working across different industries and challenges means no two days are the same. You are constantly learning – and, importantly, you should never lose the enjoyment along the way.
How did your studies at IMC Krems shape you?
More than I expected at the time. Beyond knowledge, my studies gave me a mindset: how to approach challenges in a structured way without feeling overwhelmed. What stood out most was the sense of community. The network I built at IMC Krems remains active to this day, both professionally and personally.
The broad business education helped me understand organisations as integrated systems early on – which is invaluable when building a business. My Master degree reinforced one key principle: that people must always be at the centre of any transformation.
What is important to you today – professionally and personally?
Real balance – not in theory, but in everyday life. It requires conscious choices. Professional success matters, but time with my family always comes first. My guiding principle is “human first”. Especially in times of rapid technological change, it’s essential not to lose sight of people.
I find balance in simple things: spending time outdoors, playing football, or enjoying nature. These moments help me reset and gain clarity.
Have there been key milestones in your career?
Yes, three stand out in particular:
- Creative Pre-Incubator (CPI) at IMC Krems: My first hands-on experience with entrepreneurship and building a start-up.
- ERBER Group: Taking responsibility for an international Salesforce rollout with around 500 users – a defining learning experience.
- BLINKER.DIGITAL: The transition from consultant to entrepreneur and the development of a leading company in my field.
What would you recommend to future students at IMC Krems?
- Try things out: Success often comes from repeated attempts and taking initiative.
- Stay calm: A clear mind leads to better decisions.
- Don’t go it alone: Collaboration and diverse perspectives are key.
- Build connections: Conversations help you gain perspective and confidence.
- Stay empathetic: Interpersonal skills are a crucial success factor.
Is there anything from your private life you would like to share?
I have always been connected to this region – growing up in Getzersdorf and now living in Krems. The combination of working in Vienna and living in Krems works very well for me.
Travel remains important to me, though my perspective has shifted from seeing as much as possible to experiencing places and people more deeply. Travelling with young children has led to some of the most memorable moments.
Football is a great passion of mine and has taken me to many countries and stadiums. And when I need to unwind, I head to the mountains – ideally to East Tyrol, where I can truly switch off and recharge.