«Stronger when equal»: We are all stronger, when equal. What does this mean for you personally?

‘Equality’ makes us stronger and better, but so do variety and diversity in our teams. Different people with a range of views and approaches open up new ways of thinking and acting. Diverse teams have been proven to be more creative, productive and successful. ‘Equal’ therefore does not mean that we are all the same, but rather that we all have the same opportunities and rights – regardless of gender, background or identity.

What advice about creating a diverse and inclusive workplace would you have liked to have as a young CEO?

It might sound a little arrogant, but: none. I grew up in a feminist environment with a mother and two sisters. To me, it was always obvious that women and men are equal – or should be. So that is how I have always operated in a business environment as well.

What would you tell young people who would like to have a career and a family? How should we raise our children to achieve gender equality faster?

I would advise them to listen to their heart. Before planning a family, they should think about where they want to go and what they want to do or achieve in their life, then reconcile this with their professional and personal environment and reach agreement: How will we handle family management? Who will be responsible for what levels of care?

When raising children, I think it is important to be open, give them an unbiased upbringing, and offer children more than just the usual role models. They should meet various models in different family configurations. Showing them this diversity gives them the freedom to find their own personal way as adults.

10 years Advance, engaging for a gender equal workplace. What is your wish for progress in gender balance in the next 10 years? And how do you see the role of leaders on this journey?

In the technical environment, unfortunately Switzerland still has a shortage of young (female) talent. We are working hard to get girls interested in technology, for example via programming courses or campaigns such as ‘Mädchen-Technik-Los!’ (‘Girls-Technology-Go!’). However, we need to engage children at a younger age and do more to enact real social change. It is vital that more women opt for a technical career. I hope that in ten years’ time we will have made significant progress towards this goal, and will have been able to establish total equality in the technology sector.

Leaders are key to the success of this journey. I view this as covering two areas: firstly, role models are important, and secondly, leaders need to serve as multipliers. This may include part-time options and creating job-sharing positions.

How much time do you invest in domestic work? If you have a family or live in a partnership, is this work equally distributed? What is your preferred type of housework?

Unfortunately, not enough during the week, but I catch up at the weekend. I do not fundamentally dislike housework, and at home, I am the only one who does the ironing. I iron (and of course fold) all of my own shirts. I also love cooking on weekends, which includes kitchen work – i.e. tidying and cleaning the kitchen.

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