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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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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, PhD
Feb 29, 202444 min read
Boost Your Career with 4 Essential Categories for Self-Improvement
In every conversation held at Persuasive Discourse, industry experts share their guidance for aspiring professionals while also shedding...
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Jan 15, 202411 min read
The Art of Wine Making & Blind Tasting: Interview with Bordeaux Wine Expert & Guide, Margot Smadja
What does it look like to craft a career in the wine tourism industry? In this captivating interview with Margot Smadja, a seasoned Wine Expert, Tourism Manager, and Guide, we navigate the nuanced terrain of wine appreciation and delve into the intricacies of her remarkable career. By reading this interview, you will learn a simple 3-step guide to hosting a blind wine tasting experience at home, the key characteristics and distinctions to be aware of when purchasing Bordeaux
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Dec 10, 202312 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
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, PhD
Oct 10, 202314 min read
The Careers of UN Staff Spouses: Interview with Paloma Redondo
What does it look like to be a UN staff spouse and embark on a career journey that spans multiple nations and opportunities? In this...
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Sep 12, 202311 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...
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Jul 11, 202314 min read
What if women had the right to age like men? Interview with Author & Journalist Amanda Castillo
What does it look like to be an author and write about the societal challenges faced by women as they age? In the recently published...
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Jun 6, 202311 min read
Innovation and Digital Transformation in the Humanitarian Field: Interview with Françoise Lamotte
What does it look like to work in the fields of digital transformation and innovation within the humanitarian sector? If you aspire...
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
May 9, 20237 min read
Online Volunteer Position
We are looking for an online volunteer to help us transcribe interviews and increase our website's visibility. If you or any of your...
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Mar 27, 20232 min read
UN Today Coverage of Persuasive Discourse
This January, UN Today co-published our interview with Fabien Merz about Switzerland’s UNSC membership (2023-24) and his research on...
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Jan 29, 20233 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
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, 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, 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, PhD
Sep 6, 20228 min read
Switzerland’s UNSC Membership: Interview with Fabien Merz about his Research on Swiss Foreign Policy
What does it look like to work within the fields of counter-terrorism and Swiss foreign policy, in Switzerland? If you aspire towards...
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Aug 9, 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, PhD
May 31, 202212 min read
Stronger Together: International Fundraising with Michel Fornasier Helps Give Children a Hand
What type of work can help children at the international level while successfully combining philanthropy, collaboration, and 3D printing?...
Sorina I. Crisan, PhD
Apr 25, 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, 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
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