Petra Dimow

How do you structure a typical workday in consulting, and what tools do you use for organization?

I structure my workday according to current priorities with a clear focus on ticket support. I use Jira and Odoo for organization. My technical setup is based on Linux as well as container and virtualization solutions; for deeper log and code analysis (primarily in the Python environment), I specifically use IDEs. For network issues, I also use Wireshark to precisely isolate error sources in the traffic.

In support, I follow a systematic approach: I analyze tickets, validate bugs directly in the code, and document them for development. I reproduce configuration issues in local test environments, often in close communication with the customer via video call. This mix of technical debugging and direct communication makes my daily routine very diverse. Occasionally, I also provide support in consulting, especially with new installations of Checkmk. Here, I selectively accompany the clarification of requirements as well as the technical implementation, helping customers to make optimal use of the product right from the start.

What is special to you about customer relationships in the B2B/IT sector?

In the B2B/IT sector, customer relationships are above all long-term and collaborative. It's not just about solving individual problems, but about supporting the customer in a sustainable way. Trust, technical understanding, and responding well to the respective situation are particularly important here.

How do you proceed when advising a customer who may already have deep knowledge of the system?

I generally meet all customers as equals and first briefly clarify the goal and context. After that, I focus on specific technical details and potential solution approaches instead of explaining the basics. What matters to me is delivering real value through new perspectives or targeted problem-solving.

What do you see as your greatest personal strengths when dealing with customers?

One of my greatest strengths in dealing with customers is my empathy. I can easily put myself in their shoes and quickly understand what they really need or expect. This allows me to offer targeted solutions and react calmly and customer-oriented even in difficult situations.

Many of our consultants pass on their knowledge through tutorials or training sessions. How important is this "knowledge sharing" to you?

I also really enjoy sharing knowledge, in the form of knowledge base articles, or when my time permits, I'm happy to be active in the Checkmk forum.

We have colleagues who went from being pure users of our product to consultants for our company. How do you manage to immerse yourself deeply in a new product and identify with it?

To familiarize myself deeply with a new product, I follow a structured, hands-on approach: First, I systematically work through the basics using the documentation to understand the intended logic and all functions fundamentally.

At the same time, I jump into active applications to understand typical use cases from the customer's perspective. For complex topics or specific plugins, I dive into the code, which helps me especially with debugging and developing custom solutions. My onboarding is rounded off by direct exchange with developers and colleagues. This way, I quickly build up a sound understanding to support customers competently and in a solution-oriented manner.

In your opinion, what makes Checkmk or your team so special?

What makes Checkmk and my team special to me is the strong sense of togetherness. Even though the team is distributed internationally – including in Germany, the US, and Asia – collaboration works very well and is based on open and direct communication. This becomes especially clear during in-person meetings, for example at the annual Checkmk Conference or during internal events, where you really feel the strong team spirit once again.

Do you remember a particularly interesting, exciting, or nice experience at Checkmk?

If so, could you tell us about it? Every year, I particularly look forward to our CMK Conference week. When the international team comes together, we use the time not just for work, but also for personal exchange. Sitting together in a relaxed atmosphere in the evenings and having a good time with each other is what true team culture means to me.

What made you decide to join Checkmk? How did you come to Checkmk?

I’ve actually known Checkmk for a very long time – it has accompanied me since my training days. Back in 2012, as part of my final project, I was assigned to introduce a monitoring system, including installation and configuration. I was already working intensively with Checkmk back then.

The topic continued to accompany me throughout my further career: As a system engineer in the monitoring environment, I was responsible for, among other things, the support and further development of Checkmk – at that time still on the customer side.

The desire to apply directly to Checkmk had therefore been there for a while. Ultimately, I was made aware of the specific position through a headhunter – and it was a perfect match, as I now want to contribute and develop my past experience directly with the vendor.