Summary
In this episode, host Yvonne Davidis speaks with Ute Wilde Kraatz about her career in the diplomatic service of Switzerland, and her decision to retire early.
Ute reflects on her shifts in mindset, the importance of personal growth, and the lessons learned from her extensive international experience.
Have a listen and find out:
what made Ute join the Foreign Service, what she means by 'Switzerland is calling' and how she answered her own call
how Ute sought out opportunities to learn on the job, held up her hand when computers were introduced, and started a degree at 50
how Ute navigated her professional responsibilities and personal life on her last diplomatic posting in Moscow, amidst a global pandemic and the escalation of geopolitical tensions.
Keywords
career change, career transitions, mindset shifts, foreign affairs, personal growth, life changes, decision making, retirement, work-life balance, international experiences, personal reflections
Chapters
0:55 Introduction
1:45 Quick fire questions
5:00 Ute's career change journey within the Swiss Department for Foreign Affairs
10:27 Embrace change, again and again
13:35 Career transitions and agency
17:10 Life in Moscow: challenges and adaptations
21:05 Navigating personal and professional decisions
28:50 Lessons learned from transitions
31:10 My take aways
Connect with Yvonne
On LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-davidis
For a framework to help you navigate change and transitions, check out Episode 3.
