How It Ticks

Stefan Legge, Vice Director and Head of Tax & Trade Policy at the University of St. Gallen, joins me to unpack the economic forces shaping Switzerland and the world. With his expertise in trade, debt, and policy reform, Stefan explores how small countries like Switzerland navigate a rapidly changing global economy. Expect to learn why free trade agreements with countries like China and India are critical for Switzerland, the potential fallout of U.S. tariffs, and what lessons can be drawn from Argentina’s experiment with extreme government reduction. Stefan also dives into the challenges of managing national debt, how Switzerland maintains its economic stability, and his surprising take on Bitcoin’s role in the future of finance. This conversation is packed with insights for anyone curious about global economics and Switzerland’s unique approach. CONTACT STEFAN https://stefanlegge.com/contact/ CONTACT MIKE https://howitticks.ch/contact-page/ TRANSCRIPT https://howitticks.ch/podcast/global-debt-stefan-legge/ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction and defining trade relationships 05:30 Switzerland’s free trade agreements and their importance 12:00 Challenges in establishing a free trade agreement with the U.S. 16:00 Potential impacts of U.S. tariffs on Swiss goods 22:00 Key Swiss exports and their global demand 28:00 The significance of pharmaceutical exports to the U.S.

Caroline Lustenberger, a leading sleep researcher with a PhD in neuroscience from ETH Zurich, joins me to uncover the truths about sleep and its impact on our health and well-being. With her deep expertise, Caroline explores the science behind how and why we sleep, debunks common myths, and provides practical advice for improving sleep quality. Expect to learn why the “8-hour rule” doesn’t apply to everyone, how modern habits like screen time and caffeine affect your sleep, and the role of light and temperature in creating the ideal sleep environment. Caroline also shares insights on the effectiveness of sleep supplements and trackers, managing early morning wake-ups, and her groundbreaking work with the Herencia initiative, which connects sleep research to Alzheimer’s prevention. This episode is packed with actionable tips to help you rest better and wake up refreshed. CONTACT CAROLINE https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-lustenberger-891493219/ https://sleepfulness.ch/ BOOK AUTHORED BY CAROLINE ⁠Dieses Buch ist zum Einschlafen⁠ MORE ABOU THE HERENCIA INITIATIVE https://herencia-global.org/who-we-are/ CONTACT MIKE https://howitticks.ch/contact-page/ TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Sleep supplements and their limitations(04:00) Managing early morning wake-ups and understanding sleep debt(08:00) The impact of naps on overall sleep quality(10:00) The role of sleep trackers and emerging sleep research(14:00) The Herencia initiative and its groundbreaking approach to Alzheimer’s

Caroline Lustenberger, a leading sleep researcher with a PhD in neuroscience from ETH Zurich, joins me to uncover the truths about sleep and its impact on our health and well-being. With her deep expertise, Caroline explores the science behind how and why we sleep, debunks common myths, and provides practical advice for improving sleep quality. Expect to learn why the “8-hour rule” doesn’t apply to everyone, how modern habits like screen time and caffeine affect your sleep, and the role of light and temperature in creating the ideal sleep environment. Caroline also shares insights on the effectiveness of sleep supplements and trackers, managing early morning wake-ups, and her groundbreaking work with the Herencia initiative, which connects sleep research to Alzheimer’s prevention. This episode is packed with actionable tips to help you rest better and wake up refreshed. CONTACT CAROLINE https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-lustenberger-891493219/ https://sleepfulness.ch/ BOOK AUTHORED BY CAROLINE ⁠⁠Dieses Buch ist zum Einschlafen⁠ MORE ABOUT THE HERENCIA INITIATIVE https://herencia-global.org/who-we-are/ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Common misconceptions about sleep 05:00 Individual sleep needs and the myth of 8 hours 12:30 Changes in sleep patterns as we age 18:00 Techniques for falling asleep and managing sleep challenges 25:00 How to create an ideal sleep environment

Annemarie Büttner, Lead of Climate Risk Solutions at Swiss Re, delves into the intricate world of climate risk. She discusses how natural disasters influence global supply chains and the importance of climate risk modeling. Annemarie shares real-world examples, including floods in Spain, and sheds light on the unique climate challenges facing Switzerland. With a focus on urban planning and proactive resilience, she offers practical steps for companies and individuals to prepare for an uncertain future amid climate change.

In this episode, Jörg Sandrock, CEO of Neon and a pioneer in Switzerland's digital banking scene, discusses the hurdles of disrupting a traditional banking landscape. He reveals why Switzerland has lagged in digital banking adoption and how Neon balances innovation with simplicity. Jörg highlights the vital role of AI in their operations and shares insights on their five-year vision for leveraging technology in lending and investments. Tune in for an eye-opening look at the fintech revolution in Switzerland!

Jörg Sandrock, CEO of Neon Bank, is reshaping Switzerland's conservative banking scene with his innovative approach. He discusses the slow digital evolution of Swiss banking and the unique challenges fintech startups face. The conversation dives into balancing simplicity and innovation while scaling effectively. Jörg also shares insights on how generative AI is transforming banking and outlines Neon’s future plans. This is a fascinating look at the intersection of technology and finance in Switzerland.

Dr. Michael Grampp is the Chief Economist and Head of Research at Deloitte Switzerland, with deep expertise in understanding economic trends and workforce dynamics. The conversation dives into the transformative role of AI in reshaping industries, Switzerland’s unique job market, and the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing economic landscape. Expect to learn about how generative AI is driving innovation while creating new challenges, the pros and cons of Switzerland’s diverse workforce with a high percentage of expats, how the Swiss job market compares to its European neighbours, and the potential economic hurdles Switzerland faces, including energy shortages and population growth, along with much more… Guest contact details Michael Grampp LinkedIn profile TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Michael Grampp and the Role of a Chief Economist 04:00 The Process of Turning Insights into Actionable Content 09:00 Exploring the Impact of Generative AI on Businesses and Workflows 18:30 Trends in Remote Work and Its Long-Term Implications 26:00 Switzerland’s Unique Job Market and Economic Stability 40:00 Challenges of Attracting Talent and Managing Labor Shortages 47:00 The Swiss Franc’s Strength and Its Effect on the Economy

Diccon Bewes, a renowned author specializing in Swiss culture and history, shares intriguing insights about Switzerland's unique identity and evolution. He discusses the nation's journey from mercenaries to neutrality, highlighting its distinctive federal system and democratic practices. The transformative role of the railway and the evolution of Swiss chocolate are explored, along with the cultural diversity that shapes today’s Switzerland. The conversation also reveals fascinating voting patterns and the impact of local autonomy on national unity.

Join Baptiste Wicht, the mind behind The Poor Swiss blog, as he unpacks the secrets to financial independence in Switzerland. He shares his journey from saving just 10% to an impressive 50% of his income. Discover his top frugality strategies and favorite budgeting tools that simplify managing finances. Baptiste dives into investment choices, comparing real estate and stocks while advocating for a tailored approach to savings. He also reflects on the challenges of balancing his blog with a full-time job and staying objective in his product reviews.

Join Markus Tschannen, spokesperson for Switzerland Tourism, as he sheds light on the dynamic tourism industry in Switzerland. Discover how marketing strategies are evolving to attract younger travelers, especially Gen Z. Markus dives into the impact of COVID-19 on tourism trends and shares fascinating insights about promoting hidden gems across the country. Learn about iconic ad campaigns featuring Roger Federer and the strategic use of public figures as tourism ambassadors. This conversation uncovers the future of Swiss travel and the charm of its lesser-known destinations.