Role Model Event
Zurich, December 17, 2019

Personal success stories from three inspiring leaders in pharma and politics demonstrated that the path to success looks very different for all of us. Each story has inspired and encouraged us to make our own way to success.

10 Commandments for women – Role Model Anita Fetz

We were honored to have Anita Fetz, the longstanding politician and elected representative of the Basel Kanton in the Stöckli (Swiss Ständerat / parliament) as a first speaker.

Anita gave an overview on her political career which was through and through dedicated to strengthening women’s rights in the Swiss society, with special mention to the year 1971, when the Swiss women finally obtained the right to vote.

According to Anita, one of the problems in Switzerland is the still existing idea of a “Rabenmutter”, a word that only exists in the German speaking regions and that is used to criticize working mothers as less caring ones. A few years ago, Anita and her friends wrote the 10 commandments for women who on one hand aim for more in life than motherhood only but who on the other hand do not have the feeling that they need to become a “Superwoman”.

Work hard but do not forget to live fully – Role Model Claude Lutringer

Our next speaker, Claude Lutringer, worked for Roche for 20 years in various positions, most recently as the Regional CIO EU, EMEA & India. During a business trip to Bombay, he experienced what he describes as a life-changing event. The hotel he was staying at was attacked by terrorists but he luckily survived. From that moment on, he made sure to put more emphasis on enjoying life. By joining Biogen, he selected what many viewed as “the worst offer” but he was keen to accept it as the new role gave him more time for himself and his family.

Claude enjoys helping people and patients and this is visible in his dedication as a mentor and as a coach to others. His advice for career planning is to focus on what we like to do and to get trusted feedback from people who you know well and who can help you identify your strengths. There might not be a direct path to your dream job, however, every new assignment should help you to improve your skillset. Do not be afraid to say “no” to opportunities that do not fit your career plan but make sure you know exactly why they don’t.

Be the Best Version of Yourself – Role Model Dr. med. Katharina Gasser

Katharina Gasser, the General Manager of Biogen Switzerland AG and board member of Advance, had a clear goal from early childhood: she wanted to become a “boss”. Katharina loves motivating and working with people and driving teams to deliver their best.

With a fascinating background in medicine, nutrition, clinical trials and business unit lead functions, Katharina refers to the importance of education and of additional trainings to pursue one’s life’s goals.

Her advice to the audience: do not become a clone of other successful leaders. Don’t simply try to repeat the careers of others but do what you really like most because when you do what you like, you will be good at it. She also underlined the importance of diversity in well performing teams. Wouldn’t it be boring to have the same type of people around you all the time? Therefore, be courageous and keep your own edges and corners.

More Wisdom from the Q&A round

• Give up trying to be the “Superwoman”.
• Do self-marketing: speak about it, sell your own ideas.
• Be modest, ask for help and collaborate but do not limit yourself. Your team can be your success.
• There is more to life than just work. Enjoy life outside work and start each day fully recharged and ready for the next challenge.

THANK YOU

A BIG thank you goes to Biogen for organizing this inspiring event, with special acknowledgement to Laura Guggiari and Grit Bär.

We also want to thank Anne Halbritter, Mentoring Program Manager at Advance. Anne led us through the evening with loads of charm, challenging questions and focus on the importance of gender equality.