Excellent International Leadership – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Everyone wants to succeed in their business and achieve their dreams, just like Yuri Szarzewski did when he opened Partage, a successful restaurant in Las Vegas. 

The challenge lies in facing naysayers and overcoming doubts, as Yuri Szarzewski did when people discouraged him from pursuing his American Dream. 

Yuriy Szarzewski , an executive chef in Las Vegas, shares his journey from a small town in France to owning a successful restaurant near the Strip. Yuri highlights his culinary training in France and working at top Michelin star restaurants, emphasizing the importance of pursuing one's dreams and pushing boundaries to excel in your field. 

Don't miss his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and the importance of believing in yourself no matter what others say. 

Let’s dive into this week’s episode. 

What You’ll Learn From This Episode. 

• Discover the journey of Yuri Szarzewski, from apprentice chef in France to owning a successful restaurant in Las Vegas. 

• Learn how Chef Yuri Szarzewski balances innovation, creativity, and family life in the culinary world 

• Why is it important to gather feedback to continously create memorable dining experiences for customers 

• Yuri’s Advice for entrepreneurs to believe in themselves, ignore naysayers, and go big in pursuing their dreams 

 "....to make things happen in your life, there is a process to go through. If you do it step by step, one day it will be worth it." - Yuri Szarzewski 

Topics Covered: 

• [00:02:39] - Progression in culinary career: Yuri Szarzewski shares his journey from starting in a culinary school in France to working in Michelin-starred restaurants, emphasizing the importance of going through the whole process and not skipping steps to excel in the culinary domain. 

• [00:08:57] -  Challenging restaurant industry in Vegas: Yuri Szarzewski discusses the competitive nature of the restaurant industry in Las Vegas, highlighting the need to prove oneself and differentiate in a city with a high demand for food and intense competition. 

• [00:13:17] -  French culinary influence in America: Yuri Szarzewski talks about how his French background influences his approach to cuisine in America, noting similarities in the culinary structure but differences in the speed of progression up the corporate ladder. 

• [00:19:27] -  A demanding monthly menu revamp: Yuri Szarzewski explains the challenging task of revamping the menu monthly, creating nine different courses each time to keep the restaurant innovative and fresh, showcasing his commitment to continuous creativity and excellence. 

• [00:23:41] -  Developing people in the kitchen: Yuri Szarzewski shares his experience of developing his team, including promoting dishwashers to kitchen roles and encouraging a learning environment where new techniques and approaches are embraced, demonstrating his dedication to nurturing talent in the kitchen. 

• [00:29:36] - Finding joy in family involvement: Yuri Szarzewski expresses the joy he finds in involving his family in his culinary journey, particularly mentioning his young son's interest in the kitchen and the importance of sharing experiences and creating memories with loved ones. 

• [00:31:14] -  Believing in oneself: Yuri Szarzewski reflects on the advice he would give his younger self, emphasizing the importance of self-belief, perseverance, and not being swayed by negative opinions, highlighting the power of believing in oneself to achieve success in entrepreneurship and beyond. 

Connect with Yuri Szarzewski

• Website: http://partage.vegas 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/partagelv/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/partagelv/?hl=en  

Connect with Katrina Burrus 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinaburrus/ 

• Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/katrina.burrus 

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/katrinaburrus?lang=en 

• More Impactful Episodes at https://mkbconseil.ch/eil-podcast/ 

Good leadership is built on trust between clients and lawyers.

The challenge lies in maintaining trust through expertise and ethical conduct, especially in sensitive areas like tax law.

Successful leadership in an international tax law firm requires a foundation of trust, adherence to legal boundaries, and a focus on ethical practices.

Xavier Oberson is the owner of Oberson Abels established in 1961. He believes that passion, expertise, and teamwork are key factors for success. Under his leadership, the firm has evolved from a boutique establishment to an international presence by prioritizing building trust with clients and expanding connections globally.

We highly recommend listening to the full episode to gain more insights into leadership, success, and the evolving landscape of taxes in Switzerland. 

What You’ll Learn From This Episode

• Discover the importance of trust and ethical leadership in international tax law 

• Explore the consequences of varying tax burdens and the need for a balanced approach to taxation.

• Learn about incentives for charitable giving in tax distribution and cultural differences in philanthropy between Europe and the US.

“(On good leadership) It's a relationship of trust. So between the client and the lawyer, it's all about trust.” - Xavier Oberson

Topics Covered:

• 01:20 - History of his Law Firm: The law firm was founded by Xavier Oberson's father in 1961. Xavier Oberson took over the firm in 1996 and transformed it into a more international practice by expanding partnerships globally.

• 02:02 - Defining Good Leadership in Tax Law: Good leadership in an international tax law firm is described as being built on a foundation of trust between the lawyer and the client. The importance of expertise and ethical conduct, especially in the sensitive area of tax law, is highlighted.

• 04:09 - Taxation in Geneva: Xavier Oberson discusses the tax distribution in Geneva, where a significant portion of the population does not pay taxes, leading to potential long-term consequences. He suggests a reevaluation of the tax system to ensure a fair distribution of the tax burden.

• 06:11 - Philanthropy Differences Between the US and Europe: Contrasts are drawn between the culture of philanthropy in the US and Europe. Xavier Oberson explains how tax incentives and cultural norms influence charitable giving, highlighting the need for a more coordinated approach to philanthropy in Europe.

• 09:00 - Advice for Young Attorneys: Xavier Oberson stresses the importance of adaptability in the evolving legal landscape.

Connect with Xavier Oberson

• https://www.xavieroberson.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinaburrus/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katrina.burrus

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/katrinaburrus?lang=en

• More Impactful Episodes at https://mkbconseil.ch/eil-podcast/

Discover the essence of female leadership in a male-dominated sphere through the remarkable experiences of Sasha Larkin, Assistant Sheriff with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

In this episode,  Dr. Katrina Burrus interviews Sasha Larkin, a trailblazer in a male-dominated police department.

Sasha Larkin serves as Assistant Sheriff with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, dedicating over twenty-four years to public service. In her current role, she oversees two key divisions within the Special Operations Group: the Homeland Security Division and the Investigative Services Division.

Recognized for her work in community engagement, Sasha was integral in building the Office of Community Engagement (OCE) and the Fusion Liaison Officer Program. These two offices have reached thousands of people from all cultural, religious, and minority communities that would have never otherwise had a voice with the police. She is also Chair of Women of Metro, an outreach organization that mentors women.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Sasha Larkin, a trailblazing woman in a male-dominated field. Learn about her journey in law enforcement and the wisdom she's gained along the way. 

What You’ll Learn from this Episode

• The importance of building trust and transparency between the police department and the community.
• The need for police officers to have a true desire to serve and understand the why behind people's actions.
• The challenges faced by women in the police department and the importance of finding a balance between work and personal life.

Topics Covered:
00:27 - Childhood Inspiration: Sasha's entry into the male-dominated police department is fueled by a childhood fascination with "Chips," a TV show that sparked her passion for law enforcement.
09:23 Community Building: Dr. Katrina Burrus explores Sasha's commitment to building trust within the community, discussing how the police department actively engages with residents to bridge cultural gaps and foster unity.
12:56 -Culture of Transparency: Sasha underscores the Metropolitan Police Department's commitment to accountability and transparency, emphasizing the importance of open communication in both success and error acknowledgment.
16:41 - Strategic Oversight: In a role overseeing multiple departments, Sasha serves as an orchestrator, relying on trust within her team to make informed decisions and allocate resources effectively.
19:28 -Balancing Act: Dr. Katrina Burrus delves into the challenge of maintaining perspective while overseeing various departments, with Sasha stressing the importance of patience, information verification, and prioritizing effectiveness over being right.
23:02 - Reflective Wisdom: Sasha shares valuable advice to her younger self, encouraging relaxation, letting go of control, and trusting the process. This insight reflects Sasha's personal growth and self-awareness throughout her impactful career.

Connect with Sasha Larkin

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasha-larkin-2012sjs108/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/om2bgrateful/

Connect with Katrina Burrus

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinaburrus/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katrina.burrus
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/katrinaburrus?lang=en

More Impactful Episodes at https://mkbconseil.ch/eil-podcast/

Good leadership requires effective communication. 

However, this requires interpersonal skills, compassion, and good followship. 

Let’s ask  Stéphane Garelli, a professor of competitiveness and former managing director of the World Economic Forum. 

Gain expert insights on the principles of competitiveness and effective leadership as Dr. Katrina Burrus and Stephane Garelli discuss in this episode. 

What You’ll Learn From This Episode 

• Learn the importance of effective leadership in creating followers and sharing a vision. 

• Determine the distinction between being a chairman and a CEO or managing director and their respective responsibilities. 

• Find out how leaders overcome and maintain a balanced perspective in their career and personal life. 

"If you don't know where you are going, don't say so. If you are a leader, keep it for yourself. Pretend. Decide until you find out how." - Stéphane Garelli 

Topics Covered: 

00:20 – Dr. Katrina Burrus asks Stéphane Garelli about his diverse experience in various roles including managing director of the World Economic Forum and chairman of a bank. 

01:24 – Stéphane Garelli defines good leadership as the ability to create followers and emphasizes the importance of taking people with you and sharing your vision. 

02:40 – He explains that being a chairman is like being a spare wheel in a car, only noticed when things go wrong, while a CEO or managing director is responsible for taking action and managing the company. 

04:00 – Stéphane Garelli shares advice he received from French Prime Minister Raymond Barre and British Prime Minister Ted Heath on effective communication and speaking to people rather than giving speeches. 

04:42 – Dr. Katrina Burrus asks Stephane about the challenges he faced on his career, Garelli highlights the importance of not getting too caught up in a job and always considering one's personal agenda and the next step. 

06:05 – Stéphane Garelli discusses his book "Are You a Tiger, a Cat, or a Dinosaur?" which explores how competitiveness impacts our lives and covers various topics including leadership, products, failures, and economics. 

07:02 – Stéphane Garelli reveals that one of his habits for success is not reading about economics after 9 PM, instead, focusing on other subjects to stimulate lateral thinking and discover new ideas. 

Connect with Stéphane Garelli  

• https://garelli.ch/ 

• Book: "Are You a Tiger, a Cat or a Dinosaur?" 

Connect with Katrina Burrus 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinaburrus/ 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katrina.burrus 

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/katrinaburrus?lang=en 

More Impactful Episodes at https://mkbconseil.ch/eil-podcast/ 

Leading teams across different departments increase productivity exponentially. 

What if you are a leader who struggles to foster collaboration and teamwork across silos in your organization? 

Then listen to Dr. Tanvi Gautam an expert in enhancing team performance that drive meaningful results.

Dr. Tanvi Gautam is the founder of Leadershift Inc. She's a program director at the Singapore Management University. She is a certified business storytelling coach who works with leaders across the globe, helping them raise their potential as impactful, authentic, engaged, and inclusive leaders. 

In this episode, Dr. Katrina Burrus deep dive into Dr. Tanvi Gautam's background, her perspective on leading in the age of disruption, and her recently released book on deep collaboration. Drawing from her extensive experience in leadership transformation and leading in the age of disruption, Dr. Gautam provides practical insights and strategies to navigate the complexities of cross-functional collaboration. 

Tune in to gain insights into leadership and navigating the challenges of the modern world. Don't miss out on the opportunity to transform your team's collaboration and drive exceptional results. 

What You'll Learn from this Episode: 

• Learn about leading in the age of disruption and its definition. Discover why self-leadership and collaboration are crucial skills in today's rapidly changing world. 

• Discover the different types of issues leaders face before and after the pandemic. 

• Find out about the five crucial conversations for accelerating team performance across silos. 

"A leader is a prototype of the organization." - Dr. Tanvi Gautam 

Topics Covered: 

01:39 - Dr. Gautam defines leading in the age of disruption and discusses the shift in leadership issues before and after the pandemic. 
 
06:52 -   Importance of self-leadership in transformation. 

14:26 -  Re-humanize the workplace. 

19:44 - Dr. Gautam reveals the five crucial conversations from her upcoming book, "Deep Collaboration." 

24:04 - Difficult conversations determine your progress. 

29:44 - Dr. Katrina Burrus and Dr. Tanvi Gautam's conversation dives into the complexities of cross-cultural communication and the importance of understanding conflict culture. Dr. Gautam emphasizes the need for intentional repair and open dialogue to foster deep collaboration. 

31:34 - Dr. Gautam's upcoming book, "Deep Collaboration," is available (for pre-order) on Amazon. Visit leadersupgraded.com/deep for exclusive book updates, bonuses, and additional resources to enhance your leadership skills. 

Connect with Dr. Tanvi Gautam 

• Website: https://leadersupgraded.com/ 

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanvigautam/ 

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/tanvi_gautam 

Connect with Katrina Burrus 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinaburrus/ 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katrina.burrus 

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/katrinaburrus?lang=en 

More Impactful Episodes at https://mkbconseil.ch/eil-podcast/ 

Are you interested in how to build start-ups with a global footprint?

Get ready to be inspired and gain valuable insights from our guest, Peter Ohnemus, a successful entrepreneur and leader in the industry.

In this episode, Peter shares his outstanding career journey, starting from the chemical industry to founding multiple successful companies in the technology and healthcare sectors. He discusses his passion for health and how he believes it is one of the most important issues in the world. With his expertise in digital health, Peter provides a glimpse into the future of healthcare and how technology, such as generative AI and machine learning, will revolutionize the industry.

Discover how Peter's company, DACADOO, is transforming the way we approach health by creating an integrated view of an individual's well-being. 

Learn about their innovative health scoring system, which assigns a number from one to a thousand, allowing individuals to easily track and understand their health status.

Imagine having a personal lifestyle navigator that guides you towards a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a global leader in the healthcare and technology sectors. 

Tune in to the Excellent International Leadership Podcast and listen to the full episode with Peter Onimus. 

Take the first step towards a healthier future and unlock the potential of digital health. 

What You'll Learn From This Episode.

• Gain insights into the global leadership landscape and the challenges faced by leaders in the digital age.

• Understand the potential impact of AI and generative language models like ChatGPT on various industries, including healthcare and insurance.

• Learn Peter’s motivation behind building startups

“In digital health, over the next five years, we will see generative AI or machine learning have a major impact on medicine." - Peter Ohnemus

Topics Covered

00:12 - Peter's 25-Year Business Journey, Katrina asks Peter about his business journey over the last 25 years. Peter shares his background, starting in the chemical industry and then transitioning into the world of computers and databases.

06:38 - The Future of Digital Life & Health,  Peter discusses his perspective on the next generation of digital life and health. He highlights the potential impact of generative AI and machine learning on medicine and health outcomes. Peter emphasizes the importance of health and the convergence of chemistry, biology, and computing power.

10:05 - ChatGPT's Influence on the Economy, Katrina asks Peter about the impact of ChatGPT on the overall economy and the challenges it presents in the healthcare industry. Peter acknowledges the power of ChatGPT as a language model but raises concerns about the accuracy of generated information. He also discusses the need for cost-effective and privacy-conscious implementation and raises questions about intellectual property protection.

18:02 - Market Correction Insights for Digital Start-Ups, Peter shares his insights on the current market correction for digital startups. He believes that while the correction has been challenging, it also presents investment opportunities. Peter mentions the availability of significant capital in venture capital funds and suggests that investing during market corrections can lead to higher returns.

20:51 - Peter's Motivation for Building Five Companies,  Katrina asks Peter about his motivation for building five different companies. Peter attributes his drive to curiosity, a desire to make a difference, and a willingness to go the extra mile. He shares examples of overcoming skepticism and proving his capabilities in various industries, including digital health.

Connect with Peter Ohnemus

• Website: https://www.dacadoo.com/

• Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-ohnemus-4489721b6/

More Impactful Episodes at https://mkbconseil.ch/eil-podcast/ 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinaburrus/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katrina.burrus

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/katrinaburrus?lang=en

Discover how to build unshakable confidence and make better decisions faster with leadership expert Paul Epstein.

In this podcast episode, Paul shares his journey from the sports world to becoming a leadership coach.

Learn how to prioritize standards over goals, develop a mindset of confidence and humility, and use the head-heart-hands equation to make effective decisions. 

Don't miss out on Paul's free confidence quiz to assess and improve your own confidence levels. Visit https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quiz  for more information.

What You’ll Learn From This Episode:

• Discover the difference between being goal-driven and being standards-driven, and how focusing on standards can lead to better results.

• Learn about the head-heart-hands equation for making better decisions faster, and how to navigate the yellow light of decision-making.

• Discover the impact of culture on decision-making and how creating a warm environment can lead to better outcomes.

•  Understand the best ‘next practices’ to build confidence

"Confidence is our oxygen. Confidence is our fuel." - Paul Epstein

Topics Covered:

00:48 - Paul highlights his experience working with top performers in the sports world and how it translates to leadership in the front office. 

03:25 - Paul shares how he coached his team at the San Francisco 49ers through the same process of self-discovery and personal transformation. 

04:06 - Paul explains the concept of being driven by standards rather than goals and how it affects leaders. 

07:41 - Dr. Katrina asks Paul Epstein what he would master in his life, and he responds with decision-making.

11:02 - Paul Epstein introduces the head, heart, hands equation for decision-making.

15:00 - Paul Epstein shares a real-life example of the negative impact of ignoring yellow lights in decision-making.

17:32 - Paul Epstein explains the importance of creating a warm culture and managing toxic behavior.

19:02 - Paul Epstein explains how his book, "Better Decisions Faster," creates a language for healthy decision-making conversations.

24:39 - Paul Epstein shares where people can find him and offers a confidence quiz as a gift to the audience.

Connect with Paul Epstein:

• Website:https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/ 

• Quiz:https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quiz 

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/ 

More Impactful Episodes at https://mkbconseil.ch/eil-podcast/ 

Are you struggling to build a high-performing leadership team? 

Thomas Keil, D.SC., an expert on teams, shares valuable insights on creating and managing successful leadership teams. Heis a professor at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, where he teaches strategy and international management, and a partner at The Next Advisors.

In this episode, Thomas Keil reveals that CEOs cannot achieve success without a strong team behind them. He emphasizes the importance of understanding how top-performing CEOs build teams that drive their agenda and lead their companies to success. Keil also highlights that there is no single recipe for a high-performing team, as different approaches can be equally effective.

Take action now and listen to the Excellent International Leadership Podcast episode featuring Thomas Keil. Your journey towards building a high-performing team starts here.

What You’ll Learn From this Episode

• Learn the importance of building a strong team behind a CEO for success.

• Find out how to identify toxic behavior within a team and take appropriate action.

• Understand the impact of culture on leadership team dynamics and decision-making processes.

“...when you talk to CEOs and when you look a little bit more closely, what you really see is that that individual can do in the end nothing without a strong team behind him or her." - Thomas Keil

Topics Covered

02:08 - Learn why leadership teams are crucial and how they can be created to drive organizational success. 

03:17 - Explore the different recipes for building a top-performing team and find the approach that suits your organization best. 

04:52 - Uncover the power of collaboration and competition in creating a strong and balanced team. 

11:19 - Identify toxic behavior within a team and learn how to address it to maintain a healthy and productive environment. 

14:47 - Discover strategies to keep your leadership team relevant and continuously evolving. 

16:58 - Recognize the importance of refreshing your team over time to avoid stagnation and maintain innovation. 

18:29 - Gain insights into the dynamics of leadership teams and how decision-making processes can vary across cultures. 

20:44 - Connect with Thomas Keil on LinkedIn and explore his book, "The Next Leadership Team," for further guidance on building high-performing teams.

• https://www.thenextadvisors.ch/ 

• Book: https://www.thenextadvisors.ch/leadership-team/

More Impactful Episodes at https://mkbconseil.ch/eil-podcast/

Raymond Loretan, former Swiss ambassador and active member of numerous boards shares his insights on the competencies required as a board member and board president, emphasizing the importance of independence, listening, and representing diverse viewpoints.

As a board chairman, Raymond Loretan, highlights the need to balance the interests of shareholders with the long-term vision of the company, acting as a mediator and negotiator to reach decisions that align with common interests.

As a board chairman, Raymond Loretan, highlights the need to balance the interests of shareholders with the long-term vision of the company, acting as a mediator and negotiator to reach decisions that align with common interests.

Drawing from his international experience as a diplomat and ambassador, he emphasizes the value of a global perspective, the ability to negotiate with different mentalities, and the importance of finding common ground and respect for minorities. 

What You’ll Learn from this episode:

• Learn about the important skills needed for leadership in politics and on boards.

• Find out the key role of a board chairman in balancing what shareholders want with the company's long-term plans, and how they actively help resolve disagreements to make decisions that benefit everyone.

• Gain insights into why learning from international experience is crucial for leadership and how it directly influences both politics and corporate governance.

Topics Covered

00:24 - Meet Raymond Loretan, a diplomat turned politician and board member, as he shares a brief overview of his diverse background and holistic approach to life.

00:51 - Competencies for board members and politicians

02:15 - The value of diverse perspectives on boards

02:48 - Balancing shareholder interests and long-term vision

03:08 - Influences on monsieur raymond Loretan's career: 

04:30 - The impact of international experience on leadership

05:57 - The future of media and public broadcasting

07:26 - Challenges for Switzerland

08:22 -Tips for young leaders,, encouraging them to be leaders of themselves, know what they want, take risks, and step out of their comfort zones.

• https://www.gphg.org/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymondloretan/

More Impactful Episodes at https://mkbconseil.ch/eil-podcast/

In this episode, Raymond Loretan, who has extensive experience as a Swiss ambassador and leader on various boards, discusses the challenges and competencies required for leadership in politics and on boards. Some of the problems of an international leader that are addressed in this episode include:

1. Balancing different viewpoints: As a member of the board, it is important to be independent, have your own opinion, and be able to defend your point even if the majority is against you. 

2. Mediating and negotiating: The role of a board chairman involves facilitating discussions, negotiating between different parties, and ultimately making decisions that lead the way for the board.

3. Understanding different cultural perspectives: Loretan's emphasizes the importance of having international experience, as it provides a global view of life and business. It helps leaders understand that different parts of the world have different approaches to values and viewpoints. 

4. Adapting to the changing media landscape: Loretan's experience as the president of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation highlights the challenges faced by public broadcasting in the era of globalization and digital media. Public broadcasters need to transform their traditional broadcasting methods to adapt to the digital society and collaborate with private actors in the broadcasting field. They also need to navigate the tension between public broadcasting and publishers in the online space.

5. Managing the impact of foreign resources: Loretan mentions that a large part of Switzerland's success is due to the contributions of foreigners. The challenge for Switzerland is to remain open to foreign resources and find satisfactory solutions, such as the free movement of persons with the European Union, to maintain its economic success.

Navigating the Complexities of Leadership in Politics: Insights from Ambassador Raymond Loretan

Leadership in politics is a multifaceted and challenging endeavor that requires individuals to possess a unique set of skills and competencies. 

In this episode, we delve into the world of politics and leadership on boards with the esteemed Monsieur Raymond Loretan, a former Swiss ambassador in New York and Singapore. With his extensive experience in both politics and board memberships, Loretan provides valuable insights into the competencies required for effective leadership in these domains.

Embracing a Holistic Approach to Life

Loretan describes himself as a diplomat who ventured beyond his comfort zone into politics and the economy. This holistic approach to life allows leaders to gain a broader perspective and understand the interconnectedness of various aspects of society. By embracing diverse experiences, leaders can bring a well-rounded viewpoint to their decision-making processes.

Competencies for Board Membership

As a member of a board, Loretan emphasizes the importance of independence, having one's own opinion, and the ability to listen and defend one's point of view. He highlights the significance of representing not only majority shareholders but also considering the interests of minority shareholders. Effective board members must be able to contribute their unique competencies and respect different points of view within the team.

The Role of a Board President: 

Loretan explains that as a board president, one must possess exceptional listening skills and provide a platform for all board members to express themselves. The ability to summarize discussions and make informed decisions is crucial. A board president must lead the way, ensuring that the interests of shareholders align with the long-term vision of the company, even when faced with conflicting viewpoints.

Mediating and Negotiating

In the role of a board chairman, Loretan acknowledges the need to act as a mediator and negotiator between different parties. Facilitating discussions, finding common ground, and ultimately making decisions are essential responsibilities. Effective leadership requires striking a balance between individual interests, shareholder interests, and the long-term vision of the company.

Influence and Second Thoughts

Throughout his career, Loretan has sought to exert influence, both as a leader and behind the scenes. He emphasizes the importance of aligning one's internal thoughts with external actions and long-term vision. Agreement between second thoughts, as former Swiss Secretary of State Edouard Bruner advised Loretan, is crucial for effective leadership.

International Experience and Leadership

Loretan's international experience as a Swiss ambassador has shaped his leadership style. It has provided him with a global perspective, an understanding of diverse values and viewpoints, and the ability to negotiate with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. This experience has reinforced the importance of finding common ground and respecting minorities, both within Switzerland and on the international stage.

The Future of Media and Public Broadcasting

As the former president of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, Loretan discusses the challenges faced by public broadcasting in the era of globalization and digital media. He highlights the need to transform traditional broadcasting into a digital society, collaborating with private actors in the industry. The tension between public broadcasting and publishers underscores the importance of finding a win-win approach to serve the public interest.

Challenges for Switzerland

Loretan identifies the challenge for Switzerland to remain open to foreign resources and maintain its successful economic model. The immediate challenge lies in finding a satisfactory solution to the free movement of persons with the European Union. This requires careful negotiation and a commitment to preserving Switzerland's economic prosperity while respecting the concerns of its citizens.

Leadership in politics and on boards demands a diverse skill set, including independence, effective communication, negotiation, and the ability to balance competing interests. 

Ambassador Raymond Loretan's insights provide valuable guidance for aspiring leaders in navigating the complexities of these domains. By embracing a holistic approach, aligning internal and external thoughts, and respecting diverse viewpoints, leaders can make informed decisions that benefit both the majority and minority stakeholders.

Discover how international leaders are coming together to create a better future for society through the new global program of social protection floors. 

By ensuring minimum levels of social protection for those in need, this program aims to uplift individuals out of poverty, provide access to healthcare, and offer support during unemployment, old age, and disability. 

Valérie Schmitt is the Deputy Director, the Social Protection Department, ILO-Geneva. She is also leading ILO’s Flagship programme on building social protection floors for all.  

Social protection ensures access to healthcare, lifts people out of poverty, and provides support during unemployment, old age, and disability. It's crucial for a fair and just society. 

Discover ILO's mission and global program for social protection. Learn about its impact on poverty reduction and economic stability. 

Why you have to check out today’s podcast: 

• Understand the importance of social protection and its role in providing access to healthcare, poverty reduction, and support for unemployment, old age, and disability. 

• Explore how international leaders navigate complex diplomatic relationships, secure resources, and implement strategies to make a tangible impact. 

• Gain an understanding of the impact of social protection on poverty reduction, economic growth, and creating fair and just societies. 

"Social protection is the protection that society as a whole provides to its members to ensure access to healthcare and poverty reduction." - Valérie Schmitt  

Topics Covered: 

00:30 - ILO's Mission and Social Protection: Learn about the International Labor Organization's goal of promoting work rights and social protection. Understand how social protection helps people access healthcare, escape poverty, and cope with challenges. 

01:08 -  Global Social Protection Program: Discover ILO's plan to create social protection systems worldwide. See how they're aiming to offer basic support where it's lacking and reduce inequalities.  

02:06 -  Challenges and Impact: Explore the challenges in choosing countries for support and securing funding. Understand how social protection benefits economies by reducing poverty and inequality.  

03:06 -   Women in Leadership: Hear about the experiences of women in leadership roles within international organizations like the UN and ILO. 

03:53 -  Future Plans and Challenges: Get insight into ILO's program launch and the communication challenges they face. Understand the importance of achieving tangible results. 

Connect with Valerie: 

• https://ideas4development.org/en/auteur/valerie-schmitt-2/ 

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/val%C3%A9rie-schmitt-9550235/  

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