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Interviews with Industry Leaders & Academic Experts
Our interviewees will help you discover what it is like to work with various companies and universities in Switzerland and abroad. You will also learn about persuasive and effective oral and written communication.
Whether you are a junior professional looking for career inspiration or simply curious about the latest work and research in economics, communications, international relations, education, and related fields, in the section below you will find valuable insights and motivation to explore new research, ideas, and career opportunities.
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Science Serving Society: Dr. Michael O. Hengartner on Leading the ETH Domain, the Craft of Teaching & Persuasion
What does it take to lead one of the world's most influential scientific institutions? Prof. Dr. Michael O. Hengartner, President of the ETH Board, reflects on teaching, science policy, persuasion, and the mindset behind leading the ETH Domain.
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
May 2825 min read
Mapping Philanthropy: Dr. Lucia Gomez Teijeiro on Data Transparency, Computational Thinking & AI for Social Good
What does it take to make the hidden world of giving more visible? In this captivating interview, Dr. Lucia Gomez Teijeiro—senior researcher at the University of Geneva and assistant professor at Bern University of Applied Sciences—explains how the Mapping Philanthropy project is transforming our understanding of philanthropy through data transparency and artificial intelligence. Launched in 2019, the initiative uses AI and natural language processing to map active philanthro
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Sep 27, 202519 min read
Nudging Smarter Choices: Mario Herberz on Behavioral Science, Sustainable Decision-Making & Persuasion
In a world where our choices shape everything from personal habits to global sustainability, Mario Herberz, PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer at the University of Geneva and Behavioral Science Consultant based in Switzerland, unveils the subtle art of nudging and persuasion in this captivating interview for The Persuasive Discourse’s series “Educators: Academic, Non-Academic & Hybrid.” Through his groundbreaking research on consumer behavior, particularly in promoting
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Jul 31, 202513 min read
How to Manage Harvard Kennedy School: Prof. Joseph S. Nye Jr. Reflects on His Marriage, Overall Career & Writing Craft
What is it like to have a career that spans both academia and government? In this captivating interview with Joseph S. Nye, Jr., a distinguished scholar and former U.S. government official, we explore the multifaceted life of a man who has profoundly influenced the field of international relations. Nye, a University Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus and former Dean of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, is renowned for creating the concept of 'soft power,' a corner
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Aug 29, 202418 min read
The Story Behind #OUR_racism: Interview with Fumi Kurihara about Podcasting & Pursuing a Ph.D.
What does it look like to challenge the conventional narratives surrounding race, discrimination, and societal norms? Fumi Kurihara, the creator and host of the thought-provoking podcast series #OUR_racism, provides a compelling answer. In this in-depth interview, Fumi takes us on a journey through her exploration of racism, spurred by the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement. She discusses the main goals of her podcast—creating a space for diverse voices to share personal encoun
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Nov 14, 202320 min read
Academic Success: Career Advice for Junior Scholars from 5 Experienced Academics
Review of the academic career advice offered by the last five academics interviewed on this site, who work in Denmark, USA and Switzerland.
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Dec 29, 20226 min read
Analyzing the Swiss & U.S. Financial, Political & Academic Elites: Interview with Felix Bühlmann
What does it look like to research and analyze the Swiss and U.S. elites? If you are curious to learn about some of the specific characteristics of the financial, political, and academic elites living in Switzerland vs. the U.S., then the work of Felix Bühlmann will greatly intrigue you. Dr. Bühlmann is an Associate Professor of Social and Political Sciences and a Coordinator of the Swiss Elite Observatory (Obelis), at the University of Lausanne, in Switzerland. In this inter
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Sep 6, 20228 min read
Swiss Education & Hospitality Industry: Interview with Anne-Sophie Delval, PhD
How is Swiss education perceived internationally and why do hospitality schools located in Switzerland choose to capitalize on this perception? In her recently published book, Dr. Anne-Sophie Delval not only answers the aforementioned questions, but also discusses and deconstructs what the concept of ‘international,’ “really means, and what it implies for organizations and individuals.” In this interview, you will be able to learn details about Dr. Delval’s book on the inter
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Mar 23, 202212 min read
How to Succeed in Academia: Career Advice for Junior Scholars from 5 Experienced Academics
Review and brief analysis of the academic advice offered to junior scholars by five academics interviewed by Persuasive Discourse.
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Mar 3, 20226 min read
World Politics & UN Peacebuilding: Interview with Sara Hellmüller, PhD
How does the emerging multipolar world order influence United Nations peacebuilding approaches? If you are an international relations scholar, a peacebuilding practitioner, or someone who wants to learn about current peace research, then Dr. Hellmüller’s work will greatly appeal to you. In this brief interview you will learn about: Dr. Hellmüller’s strategies to coin her research questions, the methodological approach she’s taking to structure and conduct her work, the unexpe
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Jan 18, 20226 min read
Human Coding, Machine-Learning Techniques & Discourse Analysis: Interview with David Sylvan, PhD
Are you interested to learn about current research employing both human coding and machine-learning (ML) techniques, within the social sciences? If so, in this short interview, you will be able to read about Dr. David Sylvan’s reasons for undertaking such a methodological approach within his own research and the benefits/dis-benefits of utilizing human coding versus ML techniques to conduct discourse analysis within the field of international relations/political science. Dr.
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Dec 16, 20217 min read
Studying & Teaching Security Studies in Pakistan vs. the U.S.: Interview with Sannia Abdullah, PhD
Do you ever struggle with following the path on which your heart might lead you? If so, to help motivate and gently nudge you to follow your dream, here is a riveting and deeply personal interview with Dr. Abdullah, that shows how even amid the great challenges that life might bring, one must embrace uncertainty, persist in achieving their dreams, and confidently follow the path on which their heart may lead them. In this inspiring article you will read about Dr. Abdullah's p
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Nov 9, 20217 min read
The Spatial Turn in Peace & Conflict Studies: Interview with Annika Björkdahl, PhD
Have you ever wondered: Where does peace take place? If so, you are not alone and Prof. Björkdahl’s work is here to answer your question. In this brief interview you will learn about: the role and contributions of spatial analysis to peace and conflict research, how spatial features may be understood as “manifestations of peace and war,” that learning about the spatial approaches employed by “geographers of peace” is a useful undertaking for political scientists, and that und
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Oct 26, 20215 min read
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