Leadership, Innovation, and the Power of Education – Suzanne Thoma

Suzanne Thoma, Sulzer’s executive president and ETH Zurich alumna, discusses her career journey, the power of engineering education, and her role in transforming the Swiss industry.

Dr. Suzanne Thoma, executive president of the Sulzer Group, is widely recognized as one of the most influential women in Swiss industry. In this episode, she opens up about her remarkable career path, shedding light on the strategic transformation she’s spearheaded at Sulzer and the critical importance of engineering education. Reflecting on her formative years at ETH Zurich, Thoma discusses how the university’s rigorous curriculum laid the foundation for her innovative approach to leadership and problem-solving. She also underscores the significance of female role models in shaping her journey and the broader evolution of the industry.

This is her story.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to Dr. Suzanne Thoma

(01:15) Joining Sulzer's Board

(01:53) Strategic Analysis and Market Focus

(04:23) Sulzer's Role in Energy and Natural Resources

(07:03) Personal Journey and Education

(14:52) Balancing Career and Family

(18:06) Current Role and ETH Involvement

(19:38 Advice for Young Women in Engineering

(21:06) Closing Thoughts and Reflections

The book, mentioned in this episode:

·     Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty (Daron Acemoglu, James A. Robinson)