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...

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 is an international tax specialist with a wealth of experience managing the tax affairs of high-net-worth individuals and multinational corporations. The conversation delves into the complexities of global tax strategies, including why the ultra-wealthy often pay lower tax percentages than the average person and how countries compete to attract lucrative businesses.

Expect to learn about the strategic maneuvers involved in tax planning, the comparison of tax strategies across different countries, how countries like Switzerland entice companies with attractive tax rates, and the ethical considerations surrounding global tax competition, along with much more…

Jelena is a seasoned Talent Acquisition Professional in Zurich, with extensive experience in recruitment in a number of companies, big and small. The conversation delves into the challenges of finding the right talent in today’s competitive job market, along with the key attributes she values in potential candidates.

Expect to learn about how you can stand out when applying for a job, whether you should use the one click submit feature of LinkedIn, the influence of cultural backgrounds on interview dynamics, how biases can affect hiring decisions, and Jelena’s perspective on whether it’s more effective to contact recruiters directly versus following traditional application processes and much more...

In this episode, I sit down with Hannes Gamper, a robotics engineer at CERN, to explore the cutting-edge world of scientific and engineering innovations at one of the most prestigious research centers in the world. Our conversation begins with an overview of CERN's groundbreaking discoveries, including the creation of the World Wide Web, and how these innovations have shaped our modern world.

We delve into the funding mechanisms behind CERN, discussing how it operates and what its priorities are now and for the future. Hannes provides fascinating insights into the Large Hadron Collider, explaining its purpose, how it can send particles at near light speed, and why conducting these high-energy experiments is crucial for advancing our understanding of the universe.

Our discussion also covers the advanced engineering technologies and robotics used at CERN, and the machinery and techniques that make these experiments possible. Finally, we look ahead to what the future holds for robotics and engineering at CERN and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

In this episode, we delve into the vibrant world of tech startups with Ferdinand Langnickel, co-founder of Snipd — an innovative AI-powered podcast player that lets you save ideas from your favourite shows simply by tapping your headphones.

Today, we discuss Ferdinand’s journey from academia and consultancy to launching a startup in the competitive tech landscape of Switzerland. We’ll uncover the challenges and triumphs of starting a tech company, delve into the role of AI in enhancing our daily digital interactions, and get a peek into the future of podcast listening.

In this episode of "How It Ticks," I sit down with Professor Dario Neri, the co-founder, CEO, and CSO of Philogen, to explore the multifaceted world of pharmaceutical research and development. Our conversation begins with Dario’s inspiring journey in academia, including what it was like working under Nobel Prize winners.

We then delve into the complexities of publishing medical research and discuss why, particularly in fields like COVID-19, there is so much conflicting information. Dario offers his insights on the pharmaceutical industry’s negative reputation and the challenges posed by varying regulatory bodies across different countries.

Next, we break down the different phases of drug trials, examining the types of participants involved and the rigorous processes required to bring a drug to market. Dario also shares his perspective on the pressure from shareholders to expedite drug approvals and how he navigates this as a CEO. Lastly, we discuss the landscape of cancer treatment companies and whether they are seen as competitors or allies in the fight against cancer.

Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of the journey from academic research to life-saving treatments and the critical issues facing the pharmaceutical industry today.