There are people who make you feel seen from the very first conversation; people who listen before they speak. This is the case with Oli, who joined our zentroom community in November. Understanding and empathy are fundamental to his approach. They shape his work, his relationships, his decisions—and also the path that led him to us.
From buying chips to entrepreneurship
Olivier Arnold is someone who rarely talks about his "career"—but always about "joy." Oli's professional career began in a traditional commercial apprenticeship—already in the food sector—and led to full-time studies in food technology and his own company.
The history of his company Orakei has its roots not in a business plan, but in a journey. While studying, Oli visited food companies in Scotland, stumbled across some incredibly good crisps – and a lecturer's question about how to generate cash flow in the short term. The spontaneous idea of bringing these very chips to Switzerland laid the foundation for today's company. What began as imports for friends and family became a trading company and a link between cultures: it brings specialties from the British-Australian-New Zealand region to Switzerland. Products with character and origin that are not simply consumed, but consciously chosen.
This reveals something essential about Oli: his entrepreneurship does not stem from pressure, but from curiosity, encounters, and the courage to seize opportunities. This attitude continues to shape him to this day. Oli does not believe in growth at any price. He is convinced that a company can only remain healthy if decisions are made organically and values are more important than key figures. Quality is more important than quantity, and enjoyment is more important than scaling. His approach thus deliberately contradicts the widespread notion that success can only be achieved by "always more."
With joy, serenity, and empathy
He modestly explains his success by saying, "It just happened that way."
In reality, it takes a great deal of sensitivity, dialogue, and the ability to build relationships with producers, retailers, and customers.
Oli is also open when it comes to dealing with failure. He talks candidly about products that nobody wanted and ideas that didn't work out despite his passion. Such moments used to weigh heavily on him, but today he sees them as part of the process. For him, the important thing is not whether something fails, but understanding why it fails. This composure, combined with curiosity and a keen sensitivity for people and markets, is what makes Oli's path successful.
And what motivates him? Here's a little anecdote: Last summer, Oli was sitting in the park with a friend. Two boys joined them and sat down on the grass not far away. Both took out a drink—Bundaberg, one of the products Oli brings to Switzerland.
He watches them quietly, sees how they look forward to taking their first sip. And for a moment, international trade becomes a human encounter: no business, no KPIs; just two young people enjoying themselves.
"These are the moments that motivate me. Something happens between people."
Focus and responsibility are key for Oli
In addition to his business, Oli also observes current developments and notes that many people want more and more, but at the same time are acting with less and less focus. In his view, short-lived trends, sensory overload, and the desire for instant gratification are leading to a loss of depth. People start many things, but few are actually completed.
He sees a second development associated with this, with regard to the global economic environment: a growing focus on the self, in which the effects of one's own actions on others are hardly considered. Decisions are made exclusively for one's own benefit – without consideration for the other party.
That is precisely why he consciously lives the opposite. He acts deliberately, weighs things up, thinks in terms of context. In a world that often loses itself in superficialities, he holds on to something that is quiet but powerful: responsibility, empathy, and an awareness of the big picture.
Experiences that bring people together
The family year in New Zealand had a particularly formative influence on Oli's life. He talks about it with shining eyes—and once again, the same terms come up: empathy, respect, community.
"New Zealanders have an incredible ability to look out for one another. That has shaped us all."
These experiences now influence his work and his life: making mindful decisions, acting consciously, taking people seriously. An attitude that harmonizes perfectly with coworking at zentroom.
Oli isn't loud or overly present, but his manner is calm, thoughtful, and connecting. He feels at home at zentroom because our values align with his. And we are delighted to have someone like him working here—someone who shows how much power there is in empathy and understanding.
