A Life in Systems Thinking

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Karen Hitschke, CEO of Building Bridges, shares the personal and professional journey that shaped her leadership.

From childhood experiences during the Cold War and the Ethiopian famine, to a career in biology, consulting, venture capital, and impact investing.

We explore:

• The values that shaped her worldview

• The pivotal moments that redirected her career path

• How she came to lead one of Geneva’s most ambitious sustainability platforms

• The founding story and guiding ethos behind Building Bridges

This is a conversation about systems thinking, humility, and the power of convening across difference — told through a life lived at the intersection of science, finance, and social purpose.

🎧 Part 2 explores Building Bridges as a platform: its governance, global role, and the ethical tensions it must navigate as it grows.

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