Human-Centric Technology: Putting Well-Being At The Heart Of Innovation

Technology is transforming how we work, live and connect, but who is it really designed for? Human-centered innovation means ensuring that progress serves people first, and that well-being is not an afterthought but a design principle.

In this moderated panel discussion, leaders at the intersection of technology, strategy and organisational design will share real perspectives on how to embed well-being, inclusive thinking and responsible innovation into digital products, systems and transformation journeys. From ethical trade-offs to leadership culture, the conversation will be candid, practical and grounded in experience.

This is a joint event co-organised by Women in Digital Switzerland (Zug Chapter) and the WoMen's Network Siemens Switzerland - two communities united by a shared belief that diversity and human-centered values make technology better for everyone.

What the panel will cover:

• Human-centric design in digital products and systems

• Well-being as a driver of sustainable, responsible innovation

• Inclusive perspectives in technology development and leadership

• Balancing technological progress with ethics and societal impact

Join us to learn from diverse perspectives and be part of the conversation on building technology that puts people - and their well-being - first.

Agenda: 

18:00 - 18:30 Welcome and Registration

18:30 - 18:45 Introduction – Women in Digital Switzerland & Siemens

18:45 - 19:45 Panel discussion

19:45 - 20:00 Q&A

20:00 - 20:30 Networking and closure

Meet Our Speakers:

Berit Lange - Head of Communications, Siemens Smart Infrastructure Buildings

Born and raised in Germany, and following business studies in France, Berit has built her career in communications and marketing roles across a spectrum of market-leading consumer goods brands, from Procter & Gamble to technology communications at Siemens.

She lives with her family in Switzerland in the canton of Zürich. Outside the office, you will find her swimming, cycling or photographing.

Silvia Thalmann-Gut - Volkswirtschaftsdirektorin, Kanton Zug

Volkswirtschaftsdirektion

The Department of Economic Affairs is responsible for the areas of economy (including

agriculture), labor, vocational training, and external relations. The department has ten offices;

three of them are vocational schools. The Department of Economic Affairs cooperates with

various private companies, which carry out their activities on behalf of the canton. The

Department of Economic Affairs' employees cultivate the ' Spirit of Zug ': They actively help to

shape Zug's economic and living area and contribute to the Canton of Zug's continued success.

Silvia Thalmann-Gut

Since January 2019, Silvia Thalmann-Gut is a member of the government of the Canton of Zug.

She is the cantonal minister for Economic Affairs. Through her work as a member of the

cantonal parliament from 2007 to 2018 and as president of the CVP Party of the City of Zug,

she has a solid political background.

Silvia Thalmann-Gut has acquired many years of management experience in the private sector

as well as in the public sector; both on a strategic and an operational level. In addition to basic

pedagogical training, she has degrees as an operational trainer, HR specialist, and specialist in

finance and accounting. Her industry knowledge ranges from education, industry and finance to

gastronomy.

Sarbari Roy - Principal Consultant, Quality & Management Consulting

Behind every medicine that reaches a patient is a chain of brilliant, determined people making it possible. Sarbari is one of them. With 34 years of shaping the future of medicine across Novartis, AstraZeneca, and the dynamic world of emerging biotech, she has seen it all, done it all, and isn't done yet. A true citizen of the world, she has lived and worked across borders, bringing a richly global lens to every challenge she tackles. A Ph.D. in Chemistry bridges the rare gap between deep science and real-world impact, while her years on the ground keep her focused on what matters most: the human at the end of every discovery. In 2024, Sarbari founded her own consulting practice to bring strategic, human-centered guidance to clients navigating drug development. Because no matter how advanced the science gets, it is the people behind it and the patients it serves who must always come first.

Madalina Manoiu - Chief Operating Officer, Stravi AI & VP Chapters at WDS

Madalina Manoiu is an entrepreneur and technology leader with a nearly two-decade international career across Europe, North America, Asia and Middle East and more than ten years of it dedicated to the technology industry. After building her career across global organisations including PwC, GE and SITA - the leading technology provider to the aviation industry - she made the deliberate leap into entrepreneurship, a move that came naturally after relocating from Geneva to Zug. Today she is Chief Operating Officer of Stravi AI, helping private equity and venture capital companies, turn AI into disciplined, measurable value creation across their portfolios. She brings a global perspective and an entrepreneurial mindset to building and scaling technology. At Women in Digital Switzerland, she co-founded the Zug Chapter - building the community she had been looking for rather than waiting for it to appear - and last year stepped into the role of Vice President, where she leads WDS community across Switzerland. She holds an Executive MBA from IMD, executive programmes in AI and business transformation at MIT and Stanford, and a board diploma from the University of St. Gallen.

Dr. Michael Gerlich - Researcher, Author & Speaker on Human Agency in the Age of AI

Dr Michael Gerlich is a researcher, author, and speaker specialising in the human, organisational, and societal implications of artificial intelligence. Named by MSN among the Top 10 Leading Speakers to Follow in 2025 and 2026, he is the author of The Convenience Trap — What happens when AI becomes the mind behind our lives, a book on AI, cognitive offloading, and the future of human thought. Drawing on more than thirty years of international experience in leadership, education, research and advisory work, including work with governments, international organisations, universities, schools and global companies, he brings a cross-sector perspective to the human, organisational and societal implications of technological change.

Maryna Shchipak, Maryna Shchipak is a visual storyteller who transforms complex conversations, presentations, and ideas into clear live visuals. She'll be with us in the room throughout the evening - sketching the connections, insights, and ideas as they emerge - creating a visual big picture that helps everyone see the full story, not just the moment they were part of.

Partner:

WoMen's Network Siemens Switzerland is a mission-driven community empowering women, fostering diversity and advancing careers through mentoring, coaching and networking.

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 organisational transformation leaps, and creates business opportunities in the Swiss digital economy and beyond. Be part of the change. Become a supporter. 

By registering for or attending this Women in Digital Switzerland event, you acknowledge and agree that all information, presentations, and materials shared are provided solely for educational and informational purposes and do not constitute professional advice of any kind. Please note that photos or videos may be taken during the event for documentation and communication purposes (such as websites, reports, or social media), and by attending you consent to such recording and processing of your image in accordance with the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP); if you prefer not to appear, you should inform the organizers or photographer onsite.

Women in Digital Switzerland 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.

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