You don’t need to code to lead in AI. You need to translate.
And Afke Schouten is building the bridges where others see barriers.
In this episode of Tech Inspired, Priska Burkard sits down with Afke - Founder and Managing Partner of AI Bridge - to explore how she turned frustration with miscommunication into a business model that’s helping companies unlock real ROI from AI.
From her unconventional journey into mathematics to becoming a voice for human-centered AI transformation, Afke shares how she scaled from analyst to founder, teacher, and ecosystem shaper. Her message is clear - AI isn’t just about data. It’s about dialogue, design, and deep change.
🔍 In this episode, you’ll hear:
· Why most AI projects fail, and what it actually takes to get them into production.
· The missing skill set no one talks about in data science (and why it might be your superpower).
· How Afke helps companies move beyond proof-of-concepts to building AI with real-world impact.
· Her take on the growing AI economy, and why collaboration between industries is the next big unlock.
· Why understanding people, not just models, is the future of responsible AI adoption.
Whether you're a business leader struggling to make AI stick, a data scientist eager to scale your influence, or a curious mind watching the field evolve - this one’s for you.
🎧 Tune in now and get inspired by Afke’s vision for AI that’s not just smart - but strategic, inclusive, and built to last.
PS: Want to connect or learn more about Afke’s work? Find her on LinkedIn.
Tech wasn’t on her radar - until she discovered how it connects with the things she already loved.
Catherine Kosten started out painting, drawing and sculpting, not coding algorithms. Now? She’s Head of AI at a Zurich-based law firm, helping legal teams understand and integrate powerful tools like large language models - safely and smartly. 🎯
In this episode of Tech Inspired, Priska sits down with Catherine as she unpacks her fascinating pivot from the fine arts to AI, from language studies to machine learning, and how she turned self-doubt into a PhD and a leadership role in one of the most conservative industries around.
🔍 What you’ll love in this episode:
This one’s for the career-changers, the self-taught coders, the curious creatives - and anyone who’s ever wondered if it’s too late to start over. (Spoiler: it’s not.)
🎧 Tune in now and get inspired by Catherine’s story of reinvention, resilience, and rewriting what a tech career can look like.
👉 Want to connect with Catherine and learn more about her work? Find her on LinkedIn.
Tech Inspired with Alexandra Grozea
On this episode of Tech Inspired, the Managing Director of TechFace, Priska, sits down with Alexandra Grozea, Partner Solution Sales Lead for Data & AI at Microsoft, as she shares her unexpected - and empowering - journey into tech. From teaching in a classroom to driving innovation at global giants like HP, IBM, and Microsoft, Alexandra’s path is anything but linear - and that’s exactly what makes it so powerful.
🔍 What you’ll love about this episode:
The “aha” moment that made Alexandra leave teaching for tech - and what gave her the courage to follow through.
How she built a thriving tech career without a traditional background, and why soft skills are her secret weapon.
What it actually means to work in Data & AI at Microsoft (spoiler: it’s not just about coding).
How she navigated imposter syndrome - and turned it into fuel for growth.
Her bold take on the future of AI, why ethical frameworks are non-negotiable, and what’s still missing in the conversation.
Why adaptability, curiosity, and stepping outside your comfort zone are the ultimate career accelerators.
🎧 Whether you're thinking about a career pivot or already deep in the tech world, this episode is your reminder that there’s no one way to succeed in this space - just your way.
Tune in now - and connect with Alexandra on Linkedin to keep the conversation going.
Engineering the Future: Dona’s Journey in Robotics
How do you go from dreaming of teleportation as a child to leading a robotics team building the eyes and brains of autonomous machines? In this episode of Tech Inspired, Priska sits down with Dona, the Robotic Systems Team Lead at Sevensense Robotics, to talk about her incredible journey from Romania to Berlin and Oxford, from aerospace to AI-driven robotics.
What you’ll love about this episode:
- From Space to Startups: Dona’s path from working at the European Space Agency to taking a leap into the fast-paced world of robotics startups.
- How Education Changes Everything: How an exchange year in the U.S. transformed her view on learning and led her to pursue engineering.
- Big Career Shifts: Why she swapped the slow-moving space industry for the fast-paced startup world and how she managed the transition.
- The Future of Robotics: From AI-powered automation to collaborative robots, hear Dona’s take on where the industry is headed.
- Power Skills for Success: Learn Dona’s secret weapon for juggling leadership, innovation, and teamwork in a competitive industry.
Making your mark in robotics
Thinking about breaking into robotics? Dona shares actionable advice on how to transition into the field - even without direct experience. From online courses to hands-on projects and strategic networking, she reveals practical steps to get started. Whether you're already in tech or looking to make a career shift, her journey will inspire you to pursue your passion, tackle challenges head-on, and find your place in the industry.
🎧 Tune in now to get started!
Want to connect with Dona and learn more about her work? Find her on LinkedIn. 🚀
Shaping Robotics, Building Communities, and Thriving in Tech
In this Tech Inspired episode, Priska sits down with Kateryna Portmann, Senior Product Manager at ANYbotics and co-lead of Women in Robotics Switzerland to talk through her groundbreaking work in robotics as well as championing inclusivity in tech.
What you’ll love about this episode:
This episode is packed with actionable insights, personal stories, and a clear vision for how you, too, can use your own unique skills and personal powers to foster change in the tech world. Whether you work for a fast-paced startup or a large corporate organisation, this conversation will inspire you to take meaningful steps toward a better future.
Join Women in Robotics
Interested in robotics and want to connect with like-minded people? Kateryna shares how Women in Robotics Switzerland is creating opportunities for women in robotics through mentorship, networking, and community events. It’s easy to join! Just follow this link: Women in Robotics, register through their website, and you’ll gain access to their Slack channel and event invites - including free meetups that bring together experts, students, and enthusiasts from around the world.
🎧 Tune in now and get inspired by Kateryna’s story! Want to connect with Kateryna and learn more about her work? Find her on LinkedIn.
Bridging Business and Tech: Ravina’s Story
In this exciting episode of Tech Inspired, host Priska sits down with Ravina Mutha, co-founder of Enterprise Bot, about her inspiring journey into the tech world. From navigating challenges to scaling a global team, Ravina shares how curiosity, adaptability, and collaboration helped her transform from a non-tech founder to a leader in conversational AI.
Why You’ll Love This Episode:
This episode is packed with relatable stories and actionable insights for anyone looking to connect the dots between business and tech. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, Ravina’s journey will inspire you to stay curious, embrace change, and build solutions that matter.
🎧 Hit play now and fuel your tech dreams!
Want to connect with Ravina and explore her work? Find her on LinkedIn.
Let's Talk About Allyship!
In this special episode of Tech Inspired, we bring you the thought-provoking closing panel from the #wetechtogether conference 2024, which focused on the powerful theme of allyship. This year’s edition, held on 27 -28 September in Zurich, gathered industry leaders, researchers, and advocates to discuss one of the most pressing issues in the tech world today: how can we truly foster inclusion and equality through allyship?
What is Allyship, and Why Does It Matter? 🌍
Allyship isn’t just a buzzword - it’s about action, learning, and supporting people across diverse backgrounds, not just in words but in meaningful ways. This panel breaks down the concept, offering insights and real-world examples from leaders who live it every day. Moderated by Priska Burkard, TechFace’s Managing Director, this engaging session features four expert voices from the field:
What Makes This Discussion Unique?
This panel doesn’t shy away from hard truths about diversity and privilege. It explores why we need to challenge traditional mindsets and how allyship is essential in reshaping workplaces to be inclusive for everyone. The conversation offers a mix of practical advice and academic insights, providing listeners with tools to take immediate action in their own environments.
Whether you're in tech, HR, leadership, or simply someone committed to making a difference, this episode will inspire you to take the next step in building a more inclusive future.
🎧 Tune in now to hear from these industry experts and gain valuable insights on how we can all contribute to a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered. Let's build a future where inclusion is the norm, not the exception!
Join us on the latest episode of Tech Inspired as Priska sits down with Martina Niggli, a passionate advocate for diversity in tech and builder of an online toolbox for conflict resolution at the workplace. Martina shares her fascinating journey from a curious child eager to learn to navigate the challenges of studying physics and eventually stepping into the tech world with experience at companies like Sharley and Digitec Galaxus.
Allyship is all the talk these days for the TechFace team, as it's the main theme of the upcoming #wetechtogether conference 2024, happening on 27-28 September in Zurich. Martina will be joining the conference as part of the Panel on Allyship, so consider this a teaser!
In this episode, we explore:
Don't miss this episode filled with insights and practical advice on how to thrive in the tech industry while supporting others along the way. Whether you're looking to become a better ally or seeking inspiration for your own tech journey, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. 🌟
Connect with Martina Niggli on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and stay updated on her latest projects!
On this episode of "Tech Inspired," we sit down with Marion Schleifer, the Head of Developer Education at HASURA and founder of Code Blossom. Marion’s story is one of determination and passion, from her beginnings in multilingual communication to becoming a leading figure in tech education. 🚀
Key moments from the episode:
Marion’s journey is filled with valuable insights into tech, continuous education, and making a real difference. Tune in to get inspired and start your own tech adventure! 🌍💻
Connect with Marion on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and follow Code Blossom for updates.
Ready to get inspired? Join us for an electrifying episode of Tech Inspired where Priska sits down with the familiar to us Sinja Christiani, winner of our Hidden Figures Awards 2022! 🌟 Sinja, now the head of Data Platforms and Products at Zurich Insurance, shares her incredible journey in tech, from her early teenage fascination to becoming a leader in data analytics and leadership.
Sinja is about to embark on a new professional journey as Managing Director of the Hasler Foundation, where she will focus on promoting education and research in technology. Tune in and learn why she’s taking this exciting step and how she plans to balance impact and innovation.
Other highlights include:
- Early Aspirations: from her father’s influence and early access to technology to creating her first website at 14, discover the moments that sparked her passion for tech.
- Navigating Challenges: Hear Sinja's candid experiences about being the only woman in the room, and her advice for young women entering tech.
- Career Milestoes: Sinja’s journey through roles at IBM, Deloitte, and Zurich Insurance, where she built expertise in data mining, analytics, and tech leadership.
- Balancing Roles: Learn how Sinja manages her career with motherhood, including her strategic decisions to step back when necessary and re-enter the tech space stronger.
- Future of Technology: Get insights on the critical importance of data in business, the rise of AI, and why diverse perspectives are key to driving innovation in tech.
Don’t miss out on this motivational and fast-paced conversation that underscores the importance of embracing technology and the unique perspectives women bring to the table. Hit play and get ready to be inspired! 🚀
For those looking to connect with Sinja and learn more about her work, you can find her on Linkedin.
Join us on this episode of the "Tech Inspired" as we catch up with Emmanuelle David, one of the first Hidden Figures Award winners from 2020. Emmanuelle, now the Executive Director at eSpace within EPFL, has had an incredible journey over the past four years, and we're excited to dive into her story.
She discusses her current role at EPFL, where she combines her passion for sustainability and space technology, overseeing projects and fostering a vibrant student community. Emmanuelle also introduces eSpace's initiative of creating online courses on various space-related topics. These courses are free to audit, open to everyone, and can be started at any time and completed at the student's own pace. You can check them out here.
We explore Emmanuelle’s early inspirations, including how a childhood fascination with the Apollo 13 mission led her to pursue a career in space engineering. From studying aerospace engineering in France and Germany to working with major space organisations like the German Aerospace Center and the European Space Agency, Emmanuelle shares her path and the key moments that shaped her career. She also offers insights into the challenges and rewards of working in a male-dominated field and the importance of resilience and adaptability in the aerospace industry.
For those curious about the aerospace field, Emmanuelle provides valuable advice on entering the industry, emphasising that there are opportunities for everyone, not just those with technical backgrounds. She touches on the future of space sustainability and the ethical considerations that come with it, reflecting on the need for careful management of space activities to ensure the long-term usability of outer space.
Don't miss this fascinating conversation with a true pioneer in the aerospace industry. Follow Emmanuelle on LinkedIn to connect and learn more about her work, and stay updated with eSpace by following their page as well. Listen now to learn more about Emmanuelle's work and her vision for the future of space exploration and sustainability.
Join us on a new episode of the Tech Inspired podcast where we catch up with Anais Salson, the vibrant Head of Partnerships at 42 Lausanne and last year’s audience favourite at the Hidden Figures Award. Anais shares her unconventional journey into the tech world, from her studies in political sciences and the pivotal moments that steered her towards technology as a powerful tool for solving real-world problems.
She discusses her role at 42 Lausanne, a revolutionary coding school that promotes a tuition-free, peer-learning environment aimed at anyone eager to delve into programming. She emphasises her mission of making education accessible and reflects on her role in nurturing partnerships that support diverse student success.
Anais also reflects on her entrepreneurial ventures and her insights from a global exploration of education's future, which eventually led her to her current role in Switzerland. Her story is a testament to the power of adaptability, networking, and never losing sight of one’s purpose, even when transitioning from an entrepreneur to an employee.
For anyone curious about the non-linear paths that can lead to impactful careers in tech, or looking to understand how diverse experiences can enrich the tech industry, this episode offers a wealth of inspiration and advice. Anais' journey underscores the importance of embracing change, pursuing purpose with passion, and the role of education in transforming lives.
Tune in to discover more about Anais' work and her views on the future of technology and education. It’s an episode filled with valuable insights for anyone aspiring to make a difference in the tech world or anyone simply interested in the transformative power of technology and education.
Follow Anais on LinkedIn to connect and learn more about her work, and stay updated with the latest from 42 Lausanne by following their page as well.
Meet Viola Sini on the latest episode of the Tech Inspired podcast - Information Security Officer at the Swiss Post and a passionate volunteer for ISACA SheLeadsTech. Viola shares her unique journey from a marketing intern at IBM to a leader in cybersecurity. Discover how a background in languages and translation paved the way for her career in technology, and the events that led her to the forefront of information security.
In this episode, Viola discusses the crucial role of curiosity and communication in tech, highlighting her mission to make the digital world safer and more understandable for everyone. She offers insights into the challenges and rewards of working in IT audit and information security, including the importance of staying updated on emerging technologies like AI and supply chain management. Viola's story is a testament to the non-linear paths that can lead to fulfilling careers in tech, emphasising the value of lifelong learning and adaptability.
Viola also sheds light on the evolving landscape of IT security, stressing the need for "security by design" and the ethical considerations in technology development. She envisions a future where social engineering and digital deception become even more sophisticated, underscoring the importance of critical thinking and scepticism online. Her perspective is a call to action for diverse talents to contribute to creating safer digital environments for all.
Don't miss this inspiring conversation that bridges the gap between technology and humanity, demonstrating that tech careers are as much about safeguarding our societal fabric as they are about innovation. Listen to the podcast now to gain valuable career advice, insights into the dynamic field of information security, and Viola's vision for a more secure and inclusive digital world.
For those looking to connect with Viola or learn more about her work, her LinkedIn profile is: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viola-sini/
N.B. from Viola: For those keen on staying ahead in the cybersecurity field, Viola recommends the following resources.
English speakers:
German speakers:
Today’s episode of "Tech Inspired," welcomes back Akira Brand for an insightful discussion on her continued evolution in the tech industry since our initial conversation in 2022. Having transitioned from opera singing to the tech space before our first interview, Akira has since made significant strides in software engineering and cybersecurity.
Akira shares her experience moving from developer relations to a more hands-on engineering role, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of building an application security program from scratch. Her story illustrates the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the unique perspective she brings to tech from her background in the arts.
Listeners will gain insights into the realities of working in a startup, the value of mentorship, and how to approach problem-solving and project management when you're the only expert in the room. Akira also discusses her involvement in public speaking and open-source projects, emphasizing the benefits of sharing knowledge and learning in public.
This episode is for anyone interested in the dynamics of career change, the role of women in tech, and the intersection of technical skill and creative problem-solving. Akira's journey is a compelling example of how diverse experiences enrich the tech industry.
For those looking to connect with Akira or learn more about her work, her LinkedIn profile is provided: Akira's LinkedIn
In our latest podcast episode, we had a fascinating conversation with Solveig, a dynamic software engineer and AI enthusiast based in Switzerland. We delved into her unexpected journey into tech, the challenges she faced, and her experiences working in both big corporations and startups.
Ever wondered how to break into tech without a traditional background? Solveig's advice is simple: don't be discouraged by job requirements. Apply anyway, even if you feel underqualified. You might be underestimating yourself!
We also discussed the future of AI and its impact on the job market. Worried about AI taking over your job? Solveig's perspective might change your mind. Embrace curiosity, she says. Start experimenting with AI tools, like GPT, and see the possibilities for yourself. And remember, failure is just a stepping stone to learning and growth.
Do you want to know more about Solveig's inspiring journey and her insights into the tech world? Tune in to our latest episode and get ready to be motivated! Are you ready to embark on your tech adventure?
Lerne Simona kennen, Chief Operation Officer bei Textshuttle in Zürich, ein schweizerischer Unternehmen für maschinelle Sprachübersetzung.
Obwohl Simona bereits in der Schule und zu Hause bei den Eltern die ersten Erfahrungen mit Computern sammeln konnte, fehlte ihr doch der direkte Bezug zur Technologie. Dies führte dazu, dass sie sich bei der ersten Berufswahl für eine wirtschaftliche Richtung entschieden. So begann sie ihre Karriere mit einer kaufmännischen Ausbildung.
Nach ein paar Jahren im Beruf, fand Simona neue Interessen und entwickelte sich Richtung Marketing. Sie besuchte die Höhere Fachschule wo sie einen Abschluss in Marketing und Kommunikation. Doch Marketing wurde ihr doch zu einseitig so entschied sie sich, einen Bachelor Abschluss in Digital Business & AI Management machen.
Zu diesem Zeitpunkt hatte sie bereits einige Jahre bei Textshuttle gearbeitet, eine Stelle die ihr dank Zufall und einem guten Netzwerk angeboten wurde. Zu dem Zeitpunkt war Textshuttle ein kleines Unternehmen mit 3 Angestellten. Und obwohl sie noch etwas blauäugig die Stelle angetreten ist, war ihr bewusst, das dies eine einmalige Chance ist etwas neues zu sehen und in einen neuen Bereich einzutauchen.
Wie sich Simona dieser Herausforderung gestellt hat und wie sie die Rolle des COO meistert kannst du dir jetzt in dieser Folge von Tech Inspired anhören.
Vernetzt dich mit Simona auf LinkedIn.
Meet Kristin Umbrach, Head of Development at Swiss IC Security Group, a cybersecurity company. Kristin started her career in a very non-technical way. Although she wanted to become a marine biologist, she soon figured out that this is not the place for her. So she started studying Business Administration. She was always eager to work in an environment and with people who are ambitious so that she can bring her drive and passion to the table. After her studies, she found the perfect place at an investment bank, where she worked in the area of mergers & acquisitions.
During her first job, she realized that technology plays a vital role in her work to improve processes and become more efficient. This led her to her next job, away from an advisory role into the corporate world of construction. The lack of talent in this industry was driving her and her team to find ways to optimize. And of course, technology plays a great role in this. Her next step, into the role she has now, was then initiated by a head hunter. He saw the potential,skills and expertise she had to bring the necessary added value to this job.
Today she enjoys working with different companies, helping them in their transformation processes and translating the company's strategy from management to the employees and embedding it in the everyday lives of the employee.
Kristin is a perfect example of being able to change a career into tech. Listen to this episode and learn more about her career and how she moved into tech.
Connect with Kristin on LinkedIn.
Meet Megha, CEO and co-founder of Metabloqs, as she shares her insights on the transformative power of generative tech, AI, and the web. Discover how anyone, regardless of their industry or role, can thrive in this space with curiosity, passion, and a willingness to learn. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on whether Metaverse interactions can replace real-life connections.
Meet Susann Pätschke, an aerospace engineer who found her passion for all things space at a young age. As a Ground Station Modem Engineer with CGI for ESA/ESOC, Susann shares her experience working in the technical aspects of the aerospace and satellite market, and the role it plays in our daily lives.
Listen to the episode to explore her journey, future developments in the space industry, and more. Tune in now!
Sandra Zimmerli, Cloud Engineer at novaCapta, shares her inspiring journey into the world of tech.
From a young age, Sandra was fascinated by computers and coding quickly became her hobby. Despite not having any role models in the industry, Sandra pursued her passion for IT and is now a successful Cloud Engineer.
In this episode, she discusses the impact of AI, the future of cloud technology, and encourages listeners to pursue their passions in the tech industry.
Tune in to this podcast to be inspired by Sandra's story.
