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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
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, 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, PhD
Jan 2622 min read
Bridging Finance and Global Policy: Diana Zamora on Corporate Diplomacy, Private Sector, and Social Impact at Mastercard
What is it like to work in finance and global policy? Diana Zamora, Mastercard’s Global Public Policy Director, navigates the complex...
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Oct 1, 202515 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
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, 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, 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, PhD
Jun 17, 202525 min read
The Story Behind H. Moser & Cie.: Edouard Meylan on Swiss watchmaking, managing a luxury brand & working with family
What does it take to lead an independent Swiss watch brand while preserving heritage, fostering innovation, and navigating a competitive luxury market? In this insightful conversation with Edouard Meylan, CEO and co-owner of H. Moser & Cie., we delve into the world of high-end watchmaking, family business dynamics, and the challenges of running a truly independent manufacturer. Meylan, known for his sharp vision and unconventional approach, has played a pivotal role in transf
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Mar 27, 202522 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, PhD
Feb 3, 202514 min read
The Story Behind Smood: Nicolas de Raemy on sustainability & fair work practices in the Swiss delivery industry
What is it like to work in the Swiss delivery industry while championing sustainability and ethical practices? In this interview, Nicolas...
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Dec 15, 202412 min read
How an International Peacebuilding Organization Works: Itonde Kakoma on Interpeace’s Role in Conflict Resolution & 30 Years of Global Impact
What is it like to lead an organization dedicated to peacebuilding in some of the world’s most conflict-ridden environments? In this...
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Nov 25, 20249 min read
How a Peace Think Tank Works: Bridging Academia, Policy & Practice with Dr. Adam Lupel, VP & COO of the International Peace Institute
What is it like to build a career that bridges the gap between the theoretical world of academia and the solution-driven field of policy?...
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Oct 10, 202412 min read
How Persuasion Will Improve Your Career: A Practical Guide
At Persuasive Discourse , each long-form interview with global leaders and experts offers valuable insights into how persuasion has...
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Sep 29, 20246 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
Women in Media: Caroline Vuillemin on Creating Reliable News in Conflict Zones & Running Fondation Hirondelle
What is it like to effectively lead an NGO focused on helping to create unbiased media in some of the world's most challenging conflict...
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Jul 15, 202415 min read
Women in Academia: Dr. Elisa Cugliana’s Work on the Books of Fortune & in Digital Philology
What is it like to bridge the gap between pre-modern manuscripts and the digital world while pursuing an academic career? In this interview, Dr. Elisa Cugliana, Junior Professor of Digital Humanities at the University of Cologne, discusses her unique and inspiring career trajectory. Specializing in the digital/computational editing of medieval texts and the philology of Germanic languages, Dr. Cugliana's noteworthy scholastic contributions stand at the intersection of traditi
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Jun 30, 202415 min read
Women in Swiss Politics: Margareta Kiener Nellen reflects on her career journey & explains how the Swiss government works
What is it like to craft a career in law and politics in Switzerland? In this inspiring interview, Margareta Kiener Nellen, a prominent...
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
May 29, 202414 min read
NEW PODCAST: The Persuasive Mindset
Welcome to your podcast guide to mastering the art of persuasion. Join us on a journey through the intricacies of persuasion as we...
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Apr 30, 20243 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...
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Mar 25, 202419 min read
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