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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 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
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-Matthey de l'Endroit, 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-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
Women in Finance: Beatriz Sanchez describes her work in the finance industry & shares advice on how to build a purpose-driven career
What does it take to build a lifelong career in the finance industry while staying grounded in purpose, inclusion, and social impact? In this insightful conversation with Beatriz Sanchez, a distinguished banker, board member, and philanthropist, we delve into the dynamic life and legacy of a woman who helped shape the modern financial services industry. Sanchez, renowned for her leadership across institutions like HSBC, Goldman Sachs, and most recently as Chair of the America
Sorina I. Crisan-Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
May 1, 202520 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 de Raemy, Deputy CEO of Smood, reflects on his career milestones and describes how the company is redefining itself as the “Swiss Army knife” of instant delivery. He also highlights Smood’s unique commitment to fair employment practices in an industry largely dominated by the gig economy. De Raemy underscores the importance of aligning busi
Sorina I. Crisan-Matthey de l'Endroit, 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 insightful interview, Itonde Kakoma, President and CEO of Interpeace, reflects on his professional journey and shares his experiences guiding an organization committed to sustainable peacebuilding. With a focus on local ownership and collaboration, Interpeace has spent decades working in conflict-affected regions to support communities in creati
Sorina I. Crisan-Matthey de l'Endroit, 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? In this insightful interview, Dr. Adam Lupel, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the International Peace Institute (IPI) in New York City, reflects on his 18-year journey at IPI, his transition from academia to policy work, and the critical role of persuasion in today’s polarized global environment. As he explains, “IPI is a peac
Sorina I. Crisan-Matthey de l'Endroit, 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-Matthey de l'Endroit, 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-Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
Aug 29, 202418 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-Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
Jan 15, 202411 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-Matthey de l'Endroit, 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 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
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 book, “What if women had the right to age like men?”, author Amanda Castillo tackles the pressing issue of ageism and its impact on women. Through a thought-provoking exploration of topics such as pro-aging vs. anti-aging, social menopause, and the hyper-sexualization of women, Castillo sheds light on the double standard of aging that still pers
Sorina I. Crisan-Matthey de l'Endroit, 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 towards a career in the humanitarian field and are curious to learn from the experiences of someone who chooses this honorable and crucial life path, then the work and personal story of Françoise Lamotte will greatly inspire you. Lamotte is leading the Digital, Data, Innovation, and ICT strategy and transformation efforts at Terre des hommes (Tdh
Sorina I. Crisan-Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
May 9, 20237 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-Matthey de l'Endroit, 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-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
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