Beyond the Traditional Path - Strategic Career Navigation in the Age of Change

Join us for an inspiring evening of expert presentations, featuring women who are redefining career success through strategic navigation and transformation. This event brings together experts in market strategy, diversity & inclusion, and career design to share their expertise on how to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving professional world.

Our speakers will offer insights on successfully adapting across industries, building inclusive workplace cultures, and applying strategic frameworks to career transformation. They will address how professionals, especially women, can leverage change as a competitive advantage and provide practical methodologies for navigating careers when traditional paths no longer serve professional goals.

Meet Our Speakers:

Vanessa Pfeiffer, B2B Market Strategy Leader, Executive MBA

Vanessa is a seasoned B2B market strategy leader with over 10 years of experience in complex industries such as aerospace and power generation, holding an Executive MBA from the University of Lausanne (HEC). Her career has been defined by continuous reinvention across biotechnology, consumer goods, and aerospace sectors after relocating to Switzerland early in her professional life. Vanessa's journey from bold leap into the unknown to successful strategic leadership fuels her passion for empowering others to approach career transitions with confidence, leveraging transferable skills and embracing change to bring fresh perspectives to their careers.

Catherine Bichara, Global Aviation Negotiator, Leader and Ambassador DEI and Relations Manager Advance

Cate brings over 20 years of aviation industry experience and more than a decade of dedicated Diversity & Inclusion work to her role at Advance. She holds a Master's degree in social and educational sciences from the University of Lausanne, plus university certifications in diversity and management from Geneva and Lausanne. With over 15 years of expertise in talent management, social dialogue, and organizational development, Cate focuses on actively filling the future workforce pipeline and retaining talent in aviation through her contributions to international organizations. Her deep passion lies in making diversity real in the business world, truly believing it is a necessity for organizational success.

Lila Bartkovic, Career Designer, Founder of Self Design Studio

Lila is a Career Designer with a background in marketing, UX/UI design, and brand strategy. Certified in design and brand strategy, she has navigated several transformative career shifts, moving from banking to corporate marketing to design and brand strategy before founding Self Design Studio. Her career has been defined by strategic reinvention, applying design thinking and business frameworks to guide professional transitions. This journey fuels her passion for helping accomplished women move beyond traditional career paths to design work that reflects their authentic values and vision. Lila also serves as Chapter Lead for WDS Geneva, where she supports the professional development of women in the digital industry.

Anne Mühlethaler, Transformational facilitator, story architect, and Loving Kindness teacher

In our digitally saturated world, Anne stands out as a transformational facilitator, story architect, and Loving Kindness teacher. As the founder of Le Trente, Anne creates spaces — both in-person and online — where individuals and teams rediscover meaningful connection and develop the confidence to express their true story. Drawing on her 17 years as a senior executive at Christian Louboutin, she blends strategic insight, contemplative practice and storytelling to guide purpose-driven people from fragmentation to wholeness. Through her signature “Story of You” programme, her sought-after workshops and as host of the much-loved podcast Out of the Clouds, Anne helps others shape and share the narratives that transform how they relate to themselves and the world.

Sponsors:

Swiss School of Business and Management Geneva

SSBM Geneva is a global, innovative institution with a diverse student body representing over 150 countries. School programs are developed in partnership with more than 30 industry leaders, offering a Swiss-quality education that emphasizes practical skills and real-world application. Headquartered in Geneva, SSBM Geneva is dedicated to excellence and shaping the next generation of global leaders through cutting-edge learning and an international outlook.

Women in Digital Switzerland 

WDS is a community of modern leaders who leverage collaboration and elevate diversity to advance careers and create business opportunities in the Swiss digital economy. By leveraging the power of our community, WDS advances careers, supports organizational transformation leaps, and creates business opportunities in the Swiss digital economy and beyond. Be part of the change. Become a supporter. 

Please be advised that photographs will be taken at the event for use on the WDS website and in the press, WDS marketing materials, and all other WDS publications. By entering this event, you consent to the WDS photographing and using your image and likeness.

WDS events are open to all. We strive to foster inclusive spaces for individuals of all genders and backgrounds who want to join our community, support our mission, and share a passion for digital innovation.

Entrance to this event is free. However, any donation helps us to run the organization and to continue to hold these insightful events. For a free ticket, you should type 0 into the donation field. Thank you for your support!