As of December 2nd, Teet Raudsep has stepped into his new role as CEO of Primend Group. To help you get to know him better, we asked Teet a few questions about his journey, leadership approach, and personal passions.
Why Primend?
I’ve had the unique perspective of being a Primend customer in two of my previous roles, allowing me to see the company’s growth and dedication firsthand. I admire Primend’s commitment to exceptional service, respectful competition, and fostering a fun, engaging workplace. These values align closely with my own.
What’s your experience with IT and creating the best customer experience?
My IT experience spans both customer and technical perspectives. I’ve been a business representative on various IT projects, from CRM implementations to business analytics. My 16 years in telecommunications have provided a solid foundation in IT services, and in 2023, I earned a Conversion Master’s in IT from Tartu University.
On the customer experience side, I’ve spent 18 years leading customer-facing teams across industries, focusing on understanding the real needs of customers. Whether catering to office building owners in telecom or end-users in real estate, I’ve aimed to create user-centric solutions that set new benchmarks in their fields. These experiences include both successes and learning opportunities that I’m eager to bring to Primend.
What excites you most about your new role and the challenges ahead?
Working with an energetic team that’s committed to delivering top-notch services while enjoying the process. I’m also excited to meet our customers, understand their business needs, and explore how we can simplify IT to help them succeed.
What’s your most important leadership principle?
Honest and open teamwork. Great achievements come from collaboration, where people feel safe to share ideas, challenge the norm, and even engage in constructive conflict. My goal is to create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to something greater than they could achieve alone.
Which books or podcasts have influenced your leadership style?
Two books that have had a significant impact on my leadership journey are Patrick Lencioni’s The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and The 4 Disciplines of Execution by Sean Covey et al. For podcasts, I enjoy Juhtimiskvaliteet on konkurentsieelis by V. Valkiainen (in Estonian) and Coaching for Leaders by D. Stachowiak (in English). And though it’s not a podcast, Peep Vain’s audio series Make Your Thoughts Come True was an early inspiration.
We’ve heard Key West, Florida, is one of your favorite travel destinations. What makes it so special?
That’s true. Key West is unforgettable. I have a good friend, who lived in Miami at the time, and who once guided me to unique spots like a modern art exhibit, snorkeling with turtles, and an alligator-filled national park. One highlight was enjoying a stunning sunset over the Atlantic Ocean at a café where time seemed to stand still. The entire Florida Keys experience is something really different.
As a foodie, what are your top dining recommendations in the Baltics?
To be honest, I have not visited so many places in other Baltic states, so it’s difficult to give proper recommendations. But in Vilnius, I recommend Momo Grill for a pleasant experience. In Estonia, try Oregano in Pärnu for the best Greek food, Härg in Tallinn for premium meats, or Siesta Tapas Bar in Rotermann for a relaxed evening. If you’re celebrating, then of course NOA Chef’s Hall is an absolute must.
You’ve been with Primend for over a week now. What are your thoughts?
The warm welcome I’ve received has been incredible. The team is professional, friendly, and open-minded. I’m also impressed by the complexity of our service portfolio—it’s even more advanced than I expected. While there’s a lot to learn about the systems and processes, I’m thrilled by the company’s immense potential to grow and become an even stronger partner for our customers.