The #FemBizSwiss Award 2020

Dear Hajar, thank you very much for your time! Why don't you tell us briefly about your career at Swisscom so far?

Exactly 10 years ago, I moved from Montreal to Zurich and was looking for a new challenge. However, without any knowledge of German, the job search turned out to be difficult. So I took two steps back professionally to get a fresh start in the Sales & Service environment at Swisscom. Today I have to say: it was worth it! I am currently "Head of Region West". In fact, I simply followed my curiosity and looked for the next task that would challenge me, allow me to grow and pull me out of my comfort zone.

The application phase for the FemBiz Award started on 6 May 2020. What is the FemBiz Award and why did you apply for it?

The #FemBizSwiss is an initiative of Global Digital Women (GDW), an international organisation of designers in the digital industry. The aim is to network, give visibility and strengthen the inspiring "digital minds" of our time. As a "Swisscommienne", I drive digitalisation and innovation in Switzerland and would like to inspire others along the way and represent Swisscom as an ambassador. As a Digital Leader, I promote interdisciplinary collaboration and instil an entrepreneurial spirit in my team. This includes the necessary creative freedom and the establishment of a forward-looking error culture. In addition, factors such as diversity and inclusion play a key role in our understanding of digital leadership.

Your profile is certainly in demand on the market. Why exactly is Swisscom your employer of choice?

Hardly any other company is more closely connected to Switzerland and the people who live here. We bear a great responsibility, make networking accessible and thus create opportunities. We also make a significant contribution to Switzerland as a business location every day. So working at Swisscom is a great honour for me and fills me with pride. Swisscom also offers an environment that supports the development of new ideas and encourages its employees to drive new things forward. This creates a climate of innovation that motivates me and promotes my potential.

Unfortunately, there is still a lack of female professionals in the ICT world. What experiences have you had as a female leader in an ICT environment?

Leadership in the digital age is a challenging task and can only succeed with the right mindset. I believe in authentic, human leadership, even in the digital world. And there is room for strengths and weaknesses. My employees know mine and I know theirs. This open feedback culture strengthens our collaboration. I am a woman who likes to create things myself and at the same time create opportunities for others to help shape things. At the end of the day, people are my greatest source of inspiration: meeting other people and driving an idea forward together.

What advice would you like to give other women in this regard?

Optimism and courage - that's what a society needs on its way into the future. Courage to face an often uncertain future and tackle new things. And optimism to recognise the opportunities presented by the digital transformation.

Believe in yourselves! Trust in your skills. There are so many smart women out there who are perhaps a little reticent with their great ideas. I have often seen that the idea that is fought for the most wins through. A woman is also allowed to bang the table and break out of the role model. Listen to your gut feeling, but also have the courage to just go for it and get started!

Set yourself goals that are one size too big. You grow into everything. Find mentors from different areas and learn from them. Pester them with questions and listen to them carefully.

Thank you Hajar and good luck at the FemBiz Awards 2020.

You can find more information here: https://fembizswiss.ch(opens in new tab)

Olivier Marti

Olivier Marti

Junior Employer Branding Manager

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