Preparing for the Next Challenge

How has your career developed over time?

My background is in strategy and strategic management. When I asked myself where those skills were most needed, and which industries were experiencing the most innovation and disruption, I chose ICT (information and communication technology). I've focused on that very exciting and dynamic sector for 15 years. When I started PLD, I was head of corporate strategy at Swisscom.

What brought you to PLD?

I was attracted by the opportunity to expand my capabilities in two ways: building wider business knowledge and strengthening my ability to lead—in particular, gaining insight into my own personality that would help me increase my impact as a leader.

PLD met my expectations in both areas. Even though I had an MBA, I benefited from a wide exposure to business topics. For me, the discussions about improving businesses, developing pricing strategies, and designing business processes for operational excellence were especially useful. One important benefit of PLD is that business topics are always discussed in a big-picture context that includes ethical challenges and decisions. In addition, PLD enabled me to explore leadership styles and team dynamics.

How did PLD contribute to your growth as a leader?

Leadership development does not change the core of who you are—but it does help you recognize that core, reflect on it, and work with it more effectively.

One of my personal characteristics is that I really appreciate an environment in which people exhibit mutual respect. In many areas of business, such as leadership or negotiations, it helps to be a respectful person who is humble and appreciates others. However, over the years, I have discovered that this characteristic can hold me back when I'm dealing with conversations about low performance or other difficult subjects. In PLD, I could reflect on that characteristic and learn how to cultivate the strengths while handling the downsides.

Which were your favorite aspects of the program?

The classroom experience was amazing and truly inspirational. But for me, the most beneficial moments were in my living group and in my professional one-on-one coaching sessions. One unique aspect of PLD is that every part of the program comes together to reinforce the learning. You hear about leadership in the classroom, you practice leadership directly as you take on roles and discuss business situations in your living group, and then you have a coaching session in the evening to reflect on what happened during the day. The next morning, you're processing those reflections and receiving new inspiration in the classroom. I found that ongoing dynamic amazing—the constant inspiration, reflection, and learning that can be applied each day.

How did the global nature of the program aid your learning?

The diversity of people and opinions in the room was always very helpful, whether we were discussing business or personal topics. With such an international group and such a wide range of industry experience, there were always individuals who had already seen a comparable company, business challenge, or personal challenge and could contribute valuable insights based on their experience.

Has the PLD network been helpful to you?

The PLD network is very active and supportive. I've been in other business schools, and while they all have networks, I have never seen such an active and supportive network as at HBS. You can literally post any question on any topic, and you will receive an answer from someone within minutes. Everyone is willing to help each other, develop each other’s abilities, and celebrate successes.

I am looking forward to participating in PLD Module 5 (an optional follow-on module) next year, where I can reconnect with colleagues from my PLD cohort, develop myself further, and expand my PLD network.

How did PLD prepare you to take the next step in your career?

The effect was probably more unconscious than conscious. Being on campus and talking to so many talented people, I began to think more deeply about what I want to achieve in life and what is important to me.

PLD came at a very good time in my development, prompting me to ask myself key questions. When is the right time for me to move from a strategy role—a staff role—to being responsible for a business myself? Did I want to shift from this role to making my own decisions and having the ultimate responsibility, with my team, for achieving business results? These reflections ultimately led to a career change.

How will you use your PLD learning in your new role?

PLD exposed me to every business area, which was great preparation for taking on broader responsibility as a CEO. The personal leadership aspect of PLD was probably even more beneficial for my development. I now also have a broader context for applying the full array of strategy skills that I developed in earlier years. Given my background, I'm not going to be one of those CEOs who allows strategy take a backseat to the more urgent day-to-day tasks.