My journey began in the medical field, where I quickly learned the importance of resilience and decision-making under pressure. As a newly graduated doctor, those night shifts in the emergency room taught me how to manage life-and-death situations with clarity and composure. Later, serving as an infantry company commander in the Swiss military, I honed my ability to lead under stress, make decisions with limited information, and push myself – and those I led – beyond perceived limits.

For the last 25 years, I’ve held senior leadership positions across diverse industries and geographies, guiding multicultural teams and navigating the high-stakes, dynamic environment of the corporate world. From the boardrooms of multinational corporations to the challenges of operating in rapidly changing markets, I’ve led in situations where failure wasn’t an option. These roles taught me how to inspire teams, manage risk, and adapt to change – lessons I carry with me to this day.

But my story isn’t just one of professional triumphs. It’s also about personal struggles that have shaped me into who I am: I’ve faced job losses, financial hardship, and the heartbreak of divorce. I know what it’s like to fall, to lose, and to doubt myself. Yet, each setback strengthened my resolve, deepened my empathy, and taught me that true strength isn’t about avoiding challenges – it’s about rising to meet them.

Today, I draw on this wealth of experience to share the principles, strategies, and lessons that have guided my journey. 1001 Things I Learned During My Career isn’t just a collection of rules – it’s a testament to the power of human resilience, the value of learning from failure, and the importance of leading with integrity and humility. It’s an invitation to reflect, grow, and find your own path forward, no matter where you are on your journey.