EMEA Recruitment is proud to present the second instalment of our limited series, Conversations with Finance Leaders, in collaboration with Geneva Business School. These episodes will bring you the tangible experiences of specialist professionals with the expertise of the Business School’s leading academics. In this episode, John Bower, Director, welcomes Nicolas Carrera , Group Treasurer at Metalor Technologies, and the Business School's Dr. Aleksandra Jancikova to explore the hidden dangers of...
Jun 03, 2025•52 min•Season 1Ep. 171
We were honored to welcome Martin Zemp , CFO Europe at Caldic, onto the EMEA Recruitment podcast. “The consciousness of the environment helps all of us. The conversation should start with asking questions, not telling.” Paul references Martin’s LinkedIn recommendations praising his management style. Martin explains that he works with people respectfully and highlights the importance of authenticity; by being yourself in interviews you can quickly get a feel for the person and the cultural match,...
Mar 23, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 170
We were pleased to welcome Thomas Haeny , Global Head of Finance at Ypsomed Diabetes Care, onto the EMEA Recruitment podcast. “A strategy is only as good as its execution, and the execution is only as good as the overarching strategy from where it was derived.” Heart-warmingly, Thomas shares a recent memory that made him smile of his young son writing a note for his wife, a small token of appreciation and connection, and a gesture Thomas replicates in his private and professional life to make ot...
Mar 12, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 169
The EMEA Recruitment podcast is proud to present a limited series in collaboration with Geneva Business School. Conversations with Finance Leaders will bring you the tangible experiences of specialist professionals with the expertise of the Business School’s leading academics. In the inaugural episode, Director John Bower welcomes Oriane Minger, Carbon Finance Manager at SCB Group, and Dr. Ilidio Silva, Professor of Finance Accounting and Sustainability at Geneva Business School, to discuss the ...
Jan 28, 2025•55 min•Season 1Ep. 168
We were proud to welcome René Behr , Chief People Officer at IWC Schaffhausen, onto the EMEA Recruitment podcast. “True success lies in shaping a future where people and business grow in tandem, leaving a legacy that transcends time.” René has always been fascinated by human dynamics and interactions. He believes that Human Resources is the most influential function in business, because people are critical to success. He cites figures like David Ulrich , the “Father of Modern HR”, inspirational ...
Oct 29, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 167
“You're changing a child's life, but you're also changing this world to be a better place.” We’re delighted to welcome Kathy Magee, Co-Founder, President and CEO of Operation Smile , to the EMEA Recruitment podcast. Operation Smile is a medical charity dedicated to improving the lives of children with cleft lip and cleft palate. Paul Toms, our Founder, shares a strong personal connection with the charity, which inspired EMEA’s long-standing partnership with the charity, now in its 4th year. To b...
May 10, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 166
We were delighted to welcome Terhi Nori, Global Lead for Project Workstream at ABB, onto the EMEA Recruitment podcast. “We create our own journey and our own story… it’s just a matter of choosing the next step if you want to pursue opportunities or make a change.” In this episode, we learn about Terhi’s passion for change management and her 20-plus year career at ABB, as well as her opinions on artificial intelligence, and the importance of authenticity. As the podcast is in partnership with Ope...
Oct 27, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 165
To celebrate World Menopause Day, we were honoured to welcome back Sally Higham , Director – Head of Talent Attraction at Lonza and Executive Menopause Coach, to the EMEA Recruitment podcast. “I want to be able to shake the shame and start a conversation.” In this episode, Paul Toms and Sally discuss menopause: the symptoms, the challenges, and advice for those it affects directly and indirectly. To start the episode, we learn about Sally’s experience with menopause and entering this new stage o...
Oct 17, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 164
We were honoured to welcome Susanne Rothstein, Vice President Finance Hydro Building Systems at Norsk Hydro, onto the EMEA Recruitment podcast. “When I have the opportunity to help young women in their careers, I take that opportunity.” To kickstart the episode, Paul Toms , our Founder, asks Susanne about the last thing that made her smile. Susanne is generally a positive person, however, receiving photographs of her nephew never fails to make her smile. Positivity is something that comes natura...
Sep 20, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 163
We were proud to welcome Hugh Tamlyn, Director – Treasury & Prudential Risk at Beacon Search, onto the EMEA Recruitment podcast. This episode focuses on our partnership with Operation Smile , the international medical charity delivering free surgery to children with cleft lip and palate. Hugh and Beacon Search are on a mission to fund 100 surgeries by raising £15,000 during 2023. To donate, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/beaconsearch100smiles2023 . You can also follow Hugh ...
Jul 11, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 162
Thank you to Pehr Magnus Karlsson, Head of Finance Transformation at EF Education First, for joining us on the EMEA Recruitment podcast. “Learn to deal with complexity, but also learn to simplify.” In this episode, Paul Toms begins by asking Pehr about the last thing that made him smile. Pehr had a call with a few technology specialists who were able to provide him with a demo solution and think outside the box, cultivating a great interaction. Next, we learn why Pehr has spent over 20 years wit...
Jul 04, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 161
We were happy to welcome Stefan Gebauer, CFO International at Elanco, onto the EMEA Recruitment podcast. To kickstart the episode, Paul Toms asks Stefan about the last time smiled. He shares that he has three children - aged between two and 12. Often, when he smiles, one of them is involved. At work, the upcoming annual talent review and succession management workshop also makes Stefan smile, as people management discussions are an enjoyable part of his role. Discussing the routine of a typical ...
May 23, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 160
We were proud to welcome Tshidi Khunou, Talent Acquisition and Employer Branding Lead at SMG Swiss Marketplace Group, onto the EMEA Recruitment podcast. “We try to become the champion of those that don’t have a voice.” For Tshidi, 2023 is the Year of Yes, which involves trying new things that scare him. The last thing that made him smile was skiing in the Swiss mountains – an activity at the top of his list to conquer. Paul Toms discusses the benefits of moving to Switzerland, with Tshidi reveal...
May 16, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 159
We were honoured to welcome Madlaina Brogt , Regional Head & Recruitment Delivery, and Sally Higham , Director – Head of Talent Attraction, at Lonza, onto the EMEA Recruitment podcast. “To see that people with a joint goal can make the impossible possible is an experience I will never forget.” Speaking to Paul Toms from the Lonza Tower in Basel, Madlaina reveals that the last thing to make her smile was the local Swiss chocolates she received from Lonza to celebrate its 125th anniversary. Fo...
May 08, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 158
We were delighted to welcome Tania Micki , Group CFO at Tecan AG, onto the EMEA Recruitment podcast. “Dream big, stay unique, make it count.” In this episode, Tania reveals that it’s the simple things that keep her smiling; spending time with her son in the mornings and dropping him off at school. In terms of time management, Tania believes it’s all about priorities and balance. She has always been ambitious, and strives to continuously learn and evolve in her career, now taking part in mentorin...
Apr 18, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 157
We were happy to welcome Andries Feikema , Global Director Procurement Digitalization and Transformation at DSM, onto the EMEA Recruitment podcast. “It’s not tool implementation, it’s business transformation.” Speaking to Paul Toms , Andries explains how nice it is to see people face-to-face again; he recently had the opportunity to meet someone he hired a year ago face-to-face for the first time since travel restrictions were eased. Andries also shares the last thing that made him smile, which ...
Mar 24, 2023•47 min
Thank you to Mark Steele , Director Corporate Planning at International Air Transport Association (IATA), for joining us on the EMEA Recruitment podcast. “There’s always a solution, and we will always find a way to deal with it.” To begin the episode, Paul Toms delves into Mark’s international career. Mark previously worked at Nissan for 22 years across Europe - in the UK, France, Finland, the Netherlands and Switzerland. In today’s market, 22 years in the same company is uncommon. However, for ...
Mar 08, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 155
We were proud to welcome Cyrille Desbazeille , Chief Procurement Officer at Franke in Zurich, onto the EMEA Recruitment podcast. “Shifting a culture of an organisation takes time and resilience, but once the willingness is there and you are progressively creating the critical mass, you can really move the needle.” Speaking to Paul Toms , Cyrille reveals the last thing to make him smile – it’s a sustainability-focused response! Cyrille has recently faced similar challenges to other CPOs around th...
Feb 07, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 154
Thank you to Edgar Magyar , CFO and Global Client Finance Lead at Publicis Groupe in Zurich, for joining us on the EMEA Recruitment podcast. “Go and show the world you’re able to do it.” To start the episode, our Founder, Paul Toms , asks Edgar about his relationship with his wife – the two are considered a Finance power couple. Edgar shares how they met in the workplace, and grew to take advantage of many opportunities in various companies and industries. He also explains the benefits of having...
Feb 01, 2023•54 min•Season 1Ep. 153
We were honoured to welcome Lizi Jackson-Barrett, Confidence Strategist, onto the EMEA Recruitment podcast. “Have the confidence to have huge goals and say them out loud.” In this episode, Paul Toms explores the service Lizi provides to clients, with the overarching goal of increasing the confidence of others strategically to accelerate business growth and success. Firstly, we learn how Lizi started her business. She noticed a gap in the market when people were constantly saying, “I know I shoul...
Nov 25, 2022•52 min•Season 1Ep. 152
We are delighted to welcome back Hein Knaapen , Managing Partner, Europe at CEO.works, onto the EMEA Recruitment podcast. “ There is only so much that matters - it’s not that difficult intellectually to identify, emotionally it’s not easy – but, if you manage, you can create more value in less time.” In the beginning of the episode, Hein tells Paul Toms about his extensive Human Resources career, with 36 years in corporate organisations - 15 of those as a Chief Human Resources Officer. Hein has ...
Nov 18, 2022•46 min•Season 1Ep. 151
We are delighted to welcome Marika Lindstrom , Head of Indirect Materials and Services Procurement at Phillip Morris International, onto the EMEA Recruitment podcast. “Have confidence in your abilities and the ability of your team, because we are never doing these roles alone.” To begin the episode, Paul and Marika discuss how relocating for career opportunities can help individuals in a leadership position. Marika explains that taking these chances can make you much more aware of the world. It ...
Nov 09, 2022•30 min•Season 1Ep. 150
Thank you to Tiago Zini Uliana , Head of Formulation Switzerland, and Michel Kempkes , Head Formulation Engineering EMEA, at Syngenta , for joining us on the EMEA Recruitment podcast. “Seize the opportunity and dare to step into the unknown.” “No matter how experienced you are, you have to put yourself in a growth mindset, learning every day in different situations.” The episode begins with discovering the last thing that made Tiago and Michel smile. Tiago shares the joy of hearing that his eigh...
Nov 01, 2022•33 min•Season 1Ep. 149
The EMEA Recruitment podcast was pleased to welcome J érô me Vial , Country Manager Switzerland at CCH Tagetik. “The most important thing I’m proud of is the fact that almost no one in the team - over seven years - left my team.” Jérôme tells Paul Toms , our Founder, about the daily activity that he implemented with his team during the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to keep spirits high. In his current position, Jérôme feels that he has a different role every day, but he always focuses on on...
Oct 24, 2022•37 min•Season 1Ep. 148
We were happy to welcome Nina Grosse , Chief People Officer at iDeals, onto the EMEA Recruitment podcast. “HR is on a journey to create an exceptional employee experience; we want to use more of the human-centered design approach and methodology, as well as use new platforms, to deliver this experience.” Speaking to Paul Toms from just outside Zurich, Switzerland, Nina shares the enjoyment of being present in the exciting stages of her children’s lives and the sights of her morning walk. As iDea...
Oct 13, 2022•45 min•Season 1Ep. 147
To celebrate World Smile Day 2022, the EMEA Recruitment podcast welcomed special guest Mairead O’Callaghan, Executive Director at Operation Smile UK . Speaking to Paul Toms , we find out the last two things that made Mairead smile. The first being the kick-off call following a project that involved the global Operation Smile organization coming up with four key values: resilience, impact, compassion and integrity. When the call was taking place, Mairead was also in the queue to see Queen Elizabe...
Oct 07, 2022•33 min•Season 1Ep. 146
We were proud to welcome Heliana Romanelli , Head Procurement EMEA Markets at Unilever, onto the EMEA Recruitment podcast. “Be true to yourself always…try to enjoy the ride, not only the destination.” Paul Toms speaks to Heliana, based in the Netherlands at the time of the recording, and asks if any travel has been scheduled in Heliana’s diary due to the easing of restrictions; she visits suppliers in different locations. We discover the last thing that that made Heliana smile. At Unilever, empl...
Sep 27, 2022•55 min•Season 1Ep. 145
Thank you to Katja Kovalgina , Client Service Director at IQ-EQ, for joining us on the EMEA Recruitment podcast. The episode begins with a discussion about the small positives that were experienced during the pandemic. For most, this was of course devastating, but for some, this period was a time of reflection and introspection on their journey through life. Katja likes the new trend of working from home; the flexibility and, subsequently, the freedom. Paul Toms asks Katja for the last thing tha...
Sep 21, 2022•50 min•Season 1Ep. 144
We proudly welcomed Simon Clementson , Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and Senior Vice President at Archroma, onto the EMEA Recruitment podcast. “Less process, more action – that would be my mantra.” At the beginning of the episode, Paul Toms asks Simon about his experiences during the pandemic. Simon speaks of the few upsides of COVID-19 and being able to spend quality time with his young family. He also became a lot healthier as a result of the exercise; over the last few years, Simon has...
Sep 13, 2022•47 min•Season 1Ep. 143
We were honored to welcome Hung Lee , Curator of Recruiting Brainfood , onto the EMEA Recruitment podcast. “We have to do a better job at aligning people to the work they are good at, the work they are passionate for and well compensated for. As a society, we have to get that right and, as a recruiter, we play a non-insignificant part in that.” This episode begins with Hung reciting the breakfast recipe he has consistently made for the past several years. Although this may sound like a tiresome ...
Sep 07, 2022•51 min•Season 1Ep. 142
