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

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, joins me to explore how businesses and communities can adapt to the growing threats of climate change. With her expertise in climate risk modeling and real-world case studies, Annemarie sheds light on the tangible impacts of climate risks and the strategies companies can adopt to build resilience.

Expect to learn how climate risk modeling works, the surprising ways natural disasters can ripple through global supply chains, and what steps companies and governments are taking to mitigate these risks. Annemarie also shares insights into how climate change is reshaping Switzerland’s urban planning and her advice for preparing for a more uncertain future.

TRANSCRIPT

https://howitticks.ch/podcast/global-climate-risks-annemarie-buttner/

CONTACT MIKE

https://howitticks.ch/contact-page/

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

Jörg Sandrock, CEO of Neon , joins me for a candid conversation about shaking up Switzerland’s traditional banking landscape. As the leader of one of Switzerland’s first challenger banks, Jörg offers insights into what it takes to disrupt an industry deeply rooted in convention.

Expect to learn why Switzerland has been slow to embrace digital banking, how Neon is navigating the balance between simplicity and innovation, the pressures and challenges of staying lean while scaling, and why Neon has chosen to focus exclusively on the Swiss market. Jörg also dives into the transformative role of generative AI in banking and shares a glimpse into Neon’s roadmap for the future.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of banking and entrepreneurship in Switzerland.

TRANSCRIPT

https://howitticks.ch/podcast/switzerlands-digital-banking-revolution-with-jorg-sandrock-ceo-of-neon-part-1/

CONTACT MIKE

https://howitticks.ch/contact-page/

or

Email me at [email protected]

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:00] Changing Role of a CEO

[00:05:00] The Impact of AI in Neon’s Operations

[00:08:00] Balancing Simplicity and Innovation

[00:14:00] Crowdfunding Success and Strategy

[00:20:00] Competitiveness of Neon’s Rates

[00:24:00] Neon’s Five-Year Vision

Jörg Sandrock, CEO of Neon, joins me for a candid conversation about shaking up Switzerland’s traditional banking landscape. As the leader of one of Switzerland’s first challenger banks, Jörg offers insights into what it takes to disrupt an industry deeply rooted in convention.

Expect to learn why Switzerland has been slow to embrace digital banking, how Neon is navigating the balance between simplicity and innovation, the pressures and challenges of staying lean while scaling, and why Neon has chosen to focus exclusively on the Swiss market. Jörg also dives into the transformative role of generative AI in banking and shares a glimpse into Neon’s roadmap for the future.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of banking and entrepreneurship in Switzerland.

TRANSCRIPT

https://howitticks.ch/podcast/switzerlands-digital-banking-revolution-with-jorg-sandrock-ceo-of-neon-part-1/

CONTACT MIKE

https://howitticks.ch/contact-page/

or

Email me at [email protected]

TIMESTAMPS

00:09 A Day in the Life of a CEO

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

In this episode, I sit down with Diccon Bewes, the renowned author of Swiss Watching, Slow Train to Switzerland, and Around Switzerland in 80 Maps. Diccon takes us through Switzerland’s fascinating history, exploring what unites the country despite its linguistic and cultural diversity.

Expect to learn about Switzerland’s unique path to neutrality, the evolution of its famous train network (originally built to cater to British tourists), and its past as a nation of mercenaries. We also dive into Swiss democracy, discussing how the federal system and frequent referendums shape the nation’s political landscape, as well as the ongoing balance between local autonomy and national unity.

This episode is packed with insights into the history, identity, and culture that define Switzerland. Enjoy!

ABOUT THE GUEST

https://www.dicconbewes.com/

TIMESTAMPS

00:14 Exploring Swiss Identity

In this episode, speak with Baptiste Wicht, creator of The Poor Swiss blog, to explore the journey toward financial independence and how to optimize wealth while living in Switzerland. Baptiste shares practical advice on frugality, budgeting, and investing, providing listeners with actionable tips to take control of their finances.

Expect to learn about Baptiste's top frugality strategies, his favorite budgeting tools, and why he believes the traditional advice of keeping a 3-6 month cash reserve might not always apply. We also dive into investment strategies, his approach to portfolio diversification, and his views on real estate vs. stocks as investment options. Lastly, we talk about the growth of The Poor Swiss blog, how Baptiste balances it with his full-time job, and how he manages to stay objective despite sponsorship opportunities.

ABOUT BAPTISTE

Baptiste Wicht is the mind behind The Poor Swiss, a blog dedicated to simplifying personal finance for Swiss residents. Known for his practical advice and objective product reviews, Baptiste has become a trusted voice in Switzerland’s financial space. His mission is to help others gain financial clarity and achieve their money goals through frugality, smart investments, and thoughtful planning.

TRANSCRIPT

https://howitticks.ch/podcast/personal-finance-the-poor-swiss/

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Starting the Financial Journey

(03:00) From Saving 10% to 50%: How Baptiste Did It

(08:30) Budgeting Made Simple: Tools and Strategies

(15:00) Setting Financial Goals: Tailoring to Your Lifestyle

(21:00) Emergency Funds: How Much Do You Really Need?

(25:30) Investment Strategies: ETFs and Swiss Market Bias

(31:00) Digital Banking in Switzerland: The Landscape and Challenges

(38:00) The Evolution of “The Poor Swiss”: From Blog to LLC

(46:00) Managing Growth: Balancing Work, Blog, and Personal Life

(51:00) Future Aspirations for “The Poor Swiss”

In this episode, I sit down with Markus, spokesperson for Switzerland Tourism to explore the inner workings of Switzerland’s tourism industry. We discuss the various strategies and campaigns aimed at attracting tourists from different regions, and how the demographic of travellers to Switzerland is evolving. Markus also shares insights on what younger generations, like Gen Z, prioritize when visiting Switzerland and how that’s shaping the future of tourism.

Expect to learn about the latest trends in travel, interesting statistics on tourists in Switzerland, how lesser-known regions in Switzerland are being promoted, how Switzerland selects its public figures as ambassadors and, of course, the iconic ad campaigns featuring Roger Federer and Hollywood stars. Enjoy!

TRANSCRIPT

https://howitticks.ch/podcast/swiss-tourism-marketing-markus-tschannen/

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction and discussion on iconic Swiss ad campaigns

03:03 - Demographic changes in tourists visiting Switzerland

09:50 - Trends in tourism influenced by COVID-19

18:45 - Marketing strategies and emerging markets like China and India

25:04 - Role of Bollywood and targeted marketing in influencing tourism

33:00 - Discussion on the challenges of promoting Switzerland internationally

41:00 - Markus talks about Switzerland’s public transportation and its appeal to tourists

48:00 - Strategies for managing tourist flows to 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!