How It Ticks: The Swiss Culture, Business & Life Podcast

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.

Alessandro Speciale is the Switzerland bureau chief for Bloomberg News. In this episode, we explore Switzerland's role in global affairs and how Switzerland navigates neutrality in global conflicts. Alessandro also shares his insights on how social media is changing the way people consume news, the challenges that creates for traditional news organizations, and how short news cycles impact depth and quality. Additionally, we discuss his experience covering the Vatican and how the institution has adapted to a world that is becoming increasingly secular. Expect to learn about Switzerland's unique geopolitical stance, the changing landscape of news media, and how the Vatican has evolved under Pope Francis. Enjoy!

Stephan is a Zurich-based psychotherapist and a pioneer in the emerging field of psychedelic therapy. In this episode, we delve into how psychedelics like psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD are being used to treat conditions such as PTSD and depression. Stephan shares his firsthand experiences with these substances in his practice, including the transformative effects he has witnessed in his patients. We also discuss the potential benefits of MDMA in couples therapy, the societal implications of legalizing psychedelics, and the current legal landscape in Switzerland regarding these treatments. Expect to learn about the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, the challenges and opportunities in integrating these substances into mainstream therapy, Stephan’s perspective on the cultural stigma surrounding psychedelics, and what the future might hold for these groundbreaking treatments, plus much more... TRANSCRIPT https://howitticks.ch/podcast/psychedelic-therapy-mental-health-stephan/ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction and Stephan’s background in psychoanalysis and early experiences with psychedelics. 09:00 - Explanation of Gestalt therapy and its humanistic approach. 18:00 - Stephan’s integration of psychedelics into psychotherapy and personal experiences with MDMA. 27:00 - Legal framework and challenges of psychedelic therapy in Switzerland. 36:00 - Discussion on the potential risks and ethical considerations of psychedelic therapy. 45:00 - The role of MDMA in couples therapy and the unique benefits it offers. 54:00 - Recommendations for further reading and education on psychedelic therapy.

Philipp Flesch is an Investment Associate at Nordic Eye Venture Capital, based in Zurich, where he specializes in identifying and supporting high-potential startups. In this episode, we dive into the world of venture capital and the strategies behind selecting startups to invest in. Philipp shares his insights on what makes a startup stand out, the red flags investors watch for, and the decision-making process behind when to invest more or exit an investment. Expect to learn about the tech startup scene in Zurich and Switzerland, the critical elements that venture capitalists look for in successful startups, how investors decide to support or withdraw from a venture, and Philipp’s advice for entrepreneurs seeking funding in today’s competitive market, plus much more...

Maarten, an international tax specialist with a rich background in managing tax affairs for wealthy individuals and multinationals, shares his expertise on global tax strategies. He unravels how the ultra-wealthy often pay lower taxes and explores why countries like Switzerland attract businesses with lucrative tax rates. The discussion touches on ethical issues of tax competition, the impact of technology on tax strategies, and insights into the role of tax havens like Liechtenstein. Expect revelations about navigating the complex world of international taxation in today's economy.

Jelena, a seasoned Talent Acquisition Professional from Zurich, shares her extensive recruitment insights. She tackles the challenges of finding talent in a competitive market and highlights key traits employers seek in candidates. Learn how to stand out in applications and the pros and cons of using LinkedIn's one-click submit feature. Jelena discusses the influence of culture on interviews, the impact of biases in hiring, and the strategic advantage of reaching out to recruiters directly. She also offers valuable tips on CV presentation and addressing gender biases in recruitment.

Robotics engineer Hannes Gamper discusses CERN's cutting-edge innovations, including the Large Hadron Collider's role in advancing our understanding of the universe. He explores the future Circular Collider, robotic technologies, and collaborations with universities for groundbreaking particle physics research.