top of page
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.
Search
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-Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
May 2825 min read
The Path to Financial Freedom: Charlene Cong, CFA, on Creating FinFit Solutions, Financial Empowerment and the Success Mindset
What does it take to work at the intersection of finance, journalism, and education while empowering everyday expats and young professionals to invest simply and achieve financial freedom? Charlene H. Cong, CFA, Founder and CEO of FinFit GmbH, has built her career bridging these worlds. After starting in finance and banking journalism, earning the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification, and working in asset management at JP Morgan, she left corporate life three years
Sorina I. Crisan-Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
Apr 1913 min read
The Story Behind Citrix Secure Developer Spaces: Dr. Laurent Balmelli on How Secure Developer Platforms Get Built, Swiss Innovation & the Start-Up Mindset
What does it take to build secure developer platforms in a world defined by cloud computing, speed, and constant technological acceleration? In this interview, Dr. Laurent Balmelli—General Manager of Citrix Secure Developer Spaces—reflects on a career that spans cutting-edge research, global corporate leadership, and entrepreneurship. Trained at the height of the telecommunications boom and shaped by the intellectual cultures of Bell Labs and IBM Research in New York and Toky
Sorina I. Crisan-Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
Jan 2621 min read
Turn Complexity Into Clarity: A Strategic Persuasion Framework for Experts & Innovators
Explaining complex ideas is one of the central challenges facing researchers, founders, and professionals across fields. Whether the task involves describing a scientific breakthrough, a deep-technology innovation, or a novel approach to social problems, clarity is not merely a stylistic choice. It is a strategic advantage. Across years of interviewing experts, conducting doctoral research in persuasive communication, and teaching “Beyond the Lab: Podcasting, Interviewing, an
Sorina I. Crisan-Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
Nov 28, 20257 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-Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
Sep 27, 202519 min read
Aligning Principle with Profit: Dr. Dorothée Baumann-Pauly on Business, Human Rights & Ethical Leadership
What is it like to help reshape global business practices to prioritize human rights? In this captivating interview, Dr. Dorothée Baumann-Pauly, Director of the Geneva Center for Business and Human Rights at the University of Geneva and Research Director at NYU Stern’s Center for Business and Human Rights, shares her journey as a passionate educator and advocate for ethical change. Renowned for her pioneering case studies on cobalt mining in the Congo, sustainability-linked l
Sorina I. Crisan-Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
Aug 21, 202522 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-Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
Jul 31, 202513 min read
Global Finance, Swiss Precision: Prof. Cédric Tille’s Lessons from U.S. Federal Reserve, Swiss National Bank & Academia
What does it take to shape global finance and inspire the next generation of economists? In this compelling conversation with Prof. Cédric Tille, a distinguished economist, we explore the remarkable career of someone who has profoundly shaped international economics and education with Swiss precision. Tille, renowned for his insights into Switzerland’s financial system and monetary policy, has masterfully balanced scholarship, policy impact, and teaching innovation. His illus
Sorina I. Crisan-Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
Jun 17, 202525 min read
Etiquette for the Modern World: William Hanson on building a better future through respect & writing 'Just Good Manners'
What does it take to persuade people to embrace etiquette in their daily lives? In this insightful conversation with William Hanson, a distinguished etiquette expert, author, and Executive Director of The English Manner, we explore the dynamic intersection of respect, modern manners, and persuasion. Hanson, renowned for his ability to bring etiquette into the 21st century, has mastered the art of making civility approachable and relevant in today’s fast-paced world. As Hanson
Sorina I. Crisan-Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
Feb 3, 202514 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-Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
Aug 29, 202418 min read
The Story Behind Beekee: Dr. Sergio Estupiñán talks about co-founding a startup & making education available for all
What does it look like to revolutionize education technology and empower learners globally? In this illuminating discussion with Sergio Estupiñán, Ph.D., co-founder of Beekee, a pioneering startup operating at the intersection of education technology and humanitarian aid, we delve into his multifaceted journey from academia to entrepreneurship. Estupiñán shares captivating insights into Beekee's origin story, its evolution from a local educational tool to a global solution fo
Sorina I. Crisan-Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
Mar 25, 202419 min read
The Woman's Voice: Prof. Patsy Rodenburg Reflects on Her Career, Overall Work, and Latest Book
What does it look like to help individuals reclaim and fortify their authentic voice by teaching them the foundational principles of breath work, presence, and vocal preparation? In this illuminating and comprehensive discussion with Patsy Rodenburg OBE, an esteemed Author, Teacher, Voice Coach, Theatre Director, and Humanitarian, we learn about her latest book, impactful work in teaching and advocacy, as well as details on her meaningful career. The interview starts with Rod
Sorina I. Crisan-Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
Feb 29, 202444 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-Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
Nov 14, 202320 min read
Tips for Career Reinvention & Leadership Speaking: Interview with Dr. Laura Penn
What does it look like to embark on a journey of career reinvention, master the art of leadership speaking, and advocate for positive change in the world by empowering leaders to enhance their leadership speaking skills? In this illuminating interview with Dr. Laura Penn, the founder of The Leadership Speaking School, we explore four central themes that shape her remarkable story. Dr. Penn's tale of transformation begins with her candid admission, 'I had taken three years off
Sorina I. Crisan-Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
Oct 10, 202314 min read
Empowering NGOs & Fostering Organizational Development: Interview with Beatrice Schulter
What does it look like to create positive change in the non-profit sector and foster collaboration among diverse organizations? Beatrice Schulter, Founder and Director of Roots to Rise and Executive Director of the Swiss Network for Education and International Cooperation (RECI), shares her insights and experiences in this thought-provoking interview. With over 20 years of experience in international development cooperation, in over 18 countries, Beatrice Schulter’s passion f
Sorina I. Crisan-Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
Jul 11, 202315 min read
Rights Violations, Domestic Conflict, Protest & Comics: Interview with Emily Hencken Ritter, PhD
What does it look like to study and teach the topics of political violence, international human rights law, and war, in the U.S.? And how can you use the power of comics to translate your complex written work into simple drawings and messages to reach and persuade a larger audience? If you are a researcher, academic writer, scientist, or producer of any type of complex written work, and you are looking for ways to positively impact more people with your findings, then Dr. Emi
Sorina I. Crisan-Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
Nov 18, 202221 min read
Political Violence, Design, Critique & Prevention: Interview with Jonathan Luke Austin, PhD
What does it look like to work in the field of political violence prevention? If you want to learn about how the worlds of policy, practice, and academia come together to address this crucial topic, then the work Dr. Jonathan Luke Austin will not only educate but also inspire you. Dr. Austin is one of my former PhD classmates and an Assistant Professor of International Relations at the University of Copenhagen, in Denmark. This past April, I had the opportunity to have an in-
Sorina I. Crisan-Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
Oct 18, 202222 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-Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
Sep 6, 20228 min read
Insights from Working in Afghanistan & Ukraine: Interview with Cristina Teleki, PhD
What does it look like to be an ICRC female Field Delegate in countries such as: Afghanistan, Ukraine, or Georgia? If you aspire towards a career in the humanitarian field or are curious to learn from the experiences of someone who chooses this honorable, important, and courageous life path, then the work and story of Dr. Cristina Teleki will greatly inspire you. Dr. Teleki is a legal scholar and a humanitarian professional whose academic research and practical work focus on
Sorina I. Crisan-Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
May 31, 202212 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-Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
Mar 23, 202212 min read
Read Interviews
bottom of page