Margot Königshofer’s journey into the world of entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in a life-changing event: the birth of her first daughter, Livia. Before this pivotal moment, Margot had a well-established career with Nestlé, where she served as the Head of Procurement. The role required extensive travel, which soon became incompatible with her new role as a mother. This transition sparked a desire for change, not just in her personal life, but also in her professional one. Margot wanted more freedom, self-determination, and the chance to carve out her own path. This led to the founding of her company, PROCFIT, a sourcing agency specializing in European sourcing. We at CIO Global are proud to feature Margot Königshofer as Cover Story of the edition: Successful Businesswomen in Europe, 2025.
Starting her own business was not without its challenges. One of the most significant hurdles Margot faced was time, or rather the lack of it. While many entrepreneurs take a year or two to establish their companies, Margot did not have the luxury of focusing exclusively on this new venture. The birth of her daughter and the transition from her corporate job to entrepreneurship were happening simultaneously, creating a very demanding period in her life. In the beginning, she was responsible for every aspect of the business: generating leads, handling projects, managing finances. When asked how she managed all of this, Margot laughs and admits that she doesn’t quite know how she did it. She was simply so busy that one thing led to another, and somehow, the company began to take shape.
“I’m satisfied if I can give my family and my employees a good life through Procfit.”
Today, PROCFIT stands out in the market because of its exceptional level of expertise and its unique approach to European sourcing. Margot’s team is made up of highly skilled professionals, not juniors, which ensures that the company delivers high-quality service. In addition, PROCFIT has built a robust network of suppliers, a vital asset in the sourcing business. The company’s specialization in European sourcing sets it apart, as there are few, if any, agencies that offer such in-depth and professional services in this area. This expertise and the extensive network are what make PROCFIT a leader in its field.
Balancing the demands of running a successful business with personal life is no small feat, but Margot has found ways to maintain harmony. One of the key strategies she uses to stay balanced is taking conscious time-outs for herself. Healthy eating, regular exercise such as yoga and tennis, and most importantly, laughter, all play a role in her well-being. Margot believes that one of the best ways to stay balanced is to not take everything too seriously. A strong mindset is essential for any entrepreneur, but so is having a supportive environment. Margot is fortunate to be surrounded by a loving husband, wonderful children, and supportive parents and friends, which helps her maintain her personal and professional equilibrium.
Reflecting on her journey, Margot points to a moment a few years after founding PROCFIT when she realized that her company had truly become established. The orders were coming in, projects were being managed smoothly, and she had built a strong, capable team. The processes were well-rehearsed, and Margot found that she had more time for herself, something that was once a distant dream. This realization filled her with immense pride and satisfaction, knowing that the company she had started had grown into something substantial and successful.
Innovation and technology play a crucial role in the growth and sustainability of PROCFIT. Margot understands that the world is constantly evolving, and her company must adapt to remain competitive. In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is a hot topic, Margot acknowledges the importance of utilizing these tools to support human efforts. However, she is quick to point out that AI can only supplement, not replace, the crucial role that human expertise plays in the supplier search process. The key to success lies in combining technological advancements with the knowledge and experience of a skilled team. Margot is aware that the data behind AI is only as good as what is put into it, so it is essential to use these tools wisely.
“You have to imagine that we source almost everything… Exciting, isn’t it?”
Throughout tough times, Margot draws motivation from the diversity of her projects and clients. She enjoys the variety and finds it keeps her engaged and excited. Personally, Margot is someone who quickly seeks new challenges and dislikes staying in her comfort zone for too long. Running a business that sources an incredibly wide range of products—from furniture and gadgets to outdoor products and vegan drinks—ensures that she is always working on something fresh and exciting. This diversity helps keep her curious and motivated, as there is always something new to learn and explore in the world of sourcing.
For women who are considering starting their own businesses, Margot offers advice inspired by the character Pippi Langstrumpf: “The wind is getting stronger, but so am I!” She believes that while the business world can be challenging and exhausting, perseverance, discipline, and a supportive environment can help anyone succeed. Margot stresses that success doesn’t come easily, and often requires trial and error. Too often in society, people expect instant results, but building a successful business takes time, effort, and the willingness to push through the tough moments.
One of the driving forces behind PROCFIT’s success is the satisfaction of helping clients source products in Europe or relocate production from Asia to Europe. Margot finds that each day brings new opportunities to assist clients in achieving their goals, making her job incredibly rewarding. While it would be difficult to single out one success story, the company’s ongoing work with a diverse range of clients speaks to its capability and reputation in the industry. Margot encourages those interested in learning more to check out individual customer interviews available on the PROCFIT website.
“The wind is getting stronger, but so am I!” – Pippi Langstrumpf
Managing a remote team spread across Europe presents its own set of challenges, but Margot has managed to keep her team engaged and motivated. The team coordinates virtually on a weekly basis, and they only meet in person about twice a year. Despite the distance, Margot has cultivated a work environment built on trust, respect, and a sense of humor. Employee turnover is low, which Margot attributes to a careful selection process and a team that shares a high level of motivation. She believes that work should be enjoyable, as people spend a significant amount of time on their jobs. If work isn’t fun, life loses its joy, and Margot is committed to fostering a positive and engaging work culture.
For Margot, the qualities that define a successful leader are motivation, appreciation, and the ability to delegate. She understands that as a leader, it is crucial to inspire and appreciate your team while recognizing that no one person can do everything on their own. Delegation is key to ensuring that tasks are distributed effectively and that everyone on the team has the opportunity to contribute their expertise. When it comes to the business landscape for women in Europe, Margot feels that little has changed in recent years. While many women balance both work and family, the lack of state support for these individuals makes it difficult to reach leadership positions. The challenge of balancing family responsibilities, particularly during long summer vacations for school-age children, remains an ongoing issue. While countries in the Nordic region may have better support systems in place, Margot believes that Austria and Germany still have a long way to go in terms of creating a more supportive environment for working mothers.
“Success doesn’t come easily; it requires perseverance, discipline, and a supportive environment.”
Looking ahead, Margot has big plans for the future of PROCFIT. In the coming year, the company will be increasing its advertising budget in order to reach a broader audience and expand its customer base. Scaling the business is a top priority, and Margot is determined to ensure that PROCFIT remains the premier sourcing agency in Europe. In addition to the business growth, she will be appearing as a speaker at several high-profile events and launching a new website in March 2025. These developments are just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the company.
When asked about mentors or inspirations, Margot shares that she has never had a single person who guided her on her journey. Instead, she values communication and the support of her husband, who has been her sounding board, confidant, and coach throughout her entrepreneurial journey. Together, they have navigated the highs and lows of building a business, and his unwavering support has been invaluable to her success.
In terms of legacy, Margot is content with the life and business she has built so far. While she may not aspire to leave a large, global legacy like some of the biggest corporations, she is satisfied knowing that PROCFIT has provided a good life for her family and employees. She would love for one of her daughters to take over the company one day, but she emphasizes that this is a personal decision, and she would never pressure them into such a role. For Margot, the most important thing is that everyone follows their passions and does what makes them happy.
“If work isn’t fun, life loses its joy.”