«I would advise anyone to engage intensively with their counterparts, to not only accept different cultures in their diversity, but also value them as an asset and a source of inspiration.»
Stefan Mächler, Group CIO Swiss Life
Interview with STEFAN MÄCHLER
«Stronger when equal»: We are all stronger, when equal. What does this mean for you personally?
Successful companies know how to retain collective knowledge and expertise. This requires unrestricted access to all colleagues, regardless of their hierarchy, generation, origin, or gender.
To me, however, «equal» also means assuming responsibility – for each individual person, regardless of their position within an organisation. I was fortunate enough to start my professional career in such an environment and was able to take up a job in Japan at the age of just 30. That was a huge challenge, but also a unique opportunity, and I am very grateful for that to this day.
What advice about creating a diverse and inclusive workplace would you have liked to have as a young leader?
I would advise anyone (not just CEOs) to engage intensively with their counterparts, to not only accept different cultures in their diversity, but also value them as an asset and a source of inspiration. Diversity gives rise to innovation, strength, and ultimately collective success.
At the same time, you should always keep your feet on the ground, take advantage of the opportunities you are offered, and meet the expectations placed on you in the best way possible. A CEO’s success is ultimately based on long-standing, sustained team performance.
«For me, equality does not mean levelling down. Rather, everyone should do their best for the community (family, career, etc.) and for themselves.»
How should we raise our children in order to get to gender equality faster? How would you advise young people who want to have a career and a family?
I am convinced that this is possible if you know how to maintain a balance in such a way that neither your career, your family or your own needs are neglected. It is important to make the right compromises. You shouldn’t only focus on one of these areas, otherwise things will be out of balance. I was raised in a very liberal way. I realised at an early stage that every action involves responsibility, and every action causes a reaction. For me, equality does not mean levelling down. Rather, everyone should do their best for the community (family, career, etc.) and for themselves.
I would recommend going to live and work in a foreign country, if possible, as this opens many doors – both privately and professionally. On the other hand, such an experience gives you the opportunity to get to know other cultures and customs. I found it highly educational.
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?
Diversity is not just a matter of gender, but also of attitude. In my opinion, a culture of different influences is essential in order to retain and use a company’s collective knowledge and expertise.
Our experience in the area of talent acquisition shows that female candidates are strongly underrepresented for our job profiles on the labour market. I am referring here to market data and actual applications. I would like this to change, and for us to have the same number of male and female candidates for our vacancies.
We have launched a number of initiatives in recent years to increase our attractiveness as an employer for men and women. Job sharing, including in management positions, mobile office, flexible working hours, above-average maternity and paternity leave and our attractive internal AM Academy training and development programme are just a few examples.
These offers are very well received and are actively used. With our membership of Advance and our sponsorship of the tenth anniversary, we are further emphasising our commitment.
swiss life asset managers HAS CHOSEN THE «ADVANCINE» by FRANZISKA VENRATH & NATALIE FRICK «FEMALE JUSTICE FOR ALL»
Partner companies of the exhibition could choose an «Advancine» as part of their sponsorship, which will continue to inspire employees, managers and customers alike after the exhibition at the company headquarters.
Discover the artwork «Female justice for all» by Franziska Venrath & Natalie Frick!
in discussion with swiss life asset managers
How is Gender Diversity connected with the business success of your company?
The investment strategy of Swiss Life Asset Managers has a long-term and sustainable focus to ensure full synergy with our insurance liabilities. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations play a key role here. As a result, all dimensions of diversity are vital for the commercial business success of Swiss Life Asset Managers. Equality between all our employees is essential in this regard.
what are your most successful initiatives and measures to balance the gender representation in management?
EDGE certification
Swiss Life Asset Managers is currently aiming for independent EDGE certification. EDGE (Economic Dividends for Gender Equality) is a leading global certification system for gender equality in the workplace. This involves a comprehensive analysis of different aspects of gender equality, on the basis of which initiatives are launched to improve gender equality. Role models, i.e. the internal and external visibility of women in management, as well as specific training, for example on «unconscious bias», already play a major part. We have already implemented various formats for this purpose. Gender balance is taken into account in recruitment, succession planning and nomination for talent development programmes.
Awareness and visibility
Role models, i.e. the internal and external visibility of women in management, as well as specific training, for example on «unconscious bias», already play a major part. We have already implemented various formats for this purpose. Gender balance is taken into account in recruitment, succession planning and nomination for talent development programmes.
Why did swiss life asset managers choose THE artwork «FEMALE JUSTICE FOR ALL»? What are the messages that swiss life asset managers would like to convey to their co-workers and beyond?
The concept of the artistic duo «deuxschwo» (Venrath/Frick) won us over with its original theme of «Stronger when equal», the slogan with which Advance is celebrating its tenth anniversary. The coin dress is very appropriate for our sector and suits us – Swiss Life Asset Managers – as a leading asset manager in Switzerland. We see Advancine in her coin dress as a snapshot, and use it as an opportunity to consciously draw attention to the issue of inequality.
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