As CEO of Genolier Innovation Hub and recently named one of the “10 inspiring businesswomen to follow in 2024” by CIO Views magazine, Anna’s journey is an inspiration to many, especially women in leadership positions.

My experience as Project Manager Communication at Swiss Medical Network has been extremely enriching and has considerably broadened my understanding of communication needs and, above all, of the Swiss Medical Network group as a whole. It has also taught me the importance of transparency and credibility, especially when it comes to such sensitive issues as patient health and well-being. Working in such a vast medical network enabled me to develop a strategic and adaptable approach to the Genolier Innovation Hub, which was already in the pipeline of my career at that point.

The inspiration behind Eyecap “came from a deep-rooted desire to make sport and physical activity accessible to all, especially the visually impaired and blind. Swimming is not only one of Switzerland’s favorite sports, but also one of the few sports recommended for everyone, including all generations and people suffering from obesity or joint problems. My 2 co-partners and I set out to create a device that not only helps blind swimmers navigate the water safely, but also offers them a more enjoyable and completely autonomous experience. So, Eyecap” is a connected swimming cap that features sensors to warn swimmers when they need to take a tumble at the edge of the pool.

One of the main challenges has been to design a product that is both functional and comfortable to wear in an aquatic environment. In addition, it is essential to work closely with visually impaired users to understand their specific needs and adjust our product accordingly. Despite these challenges, our team’s determination and passion enabled us to overcome these obstacles and develop a product that really makes a difference. Eyecap’ embodies our commitment to inclusivity and innovation, and we are proud to contribute to making swimming accessible to all.

Even before I enrolled at the École Hôtelière, I knew I wanted to build my career in the medical field. So the transition from the hotel business to managing the Genolier Innovation Hub was driven by a combination of a passion for innovation and a desire to make a significant contribution to improving healthcare.

Hospitality and healthcare share fundamental values: attention to detail, a commitment to excellence, and the need to put the needs of customers or patients first. In the hotel business, the aim is to create memorable experiences and provide exceptional service. In the healthcare sector, these principles translate into personalized care and constant attention to patient well-being.

The Genolier Innovation Hub is not only a medical and scientific platform open to all types of medical innovation, research and training; it is also a “hotel for business”, offering excellent hotel services, including events, concierge services and catering.

In order to promote and accelerate innovation in healthcare, my main priorities and objectives for the future focus on several strategic areas:

• Strengthening Strategic Partnerships:
  • The aim is to establish and strengthen partnerships with key players in the healthcare industry, startups, academic institutions and public and private hospitals. These collaborations are essential to create a dynamic ecosystem where ideas can be transformed into concrete, effective solutions.
• Promoting translational research:
  • One of our priorities is to facilitate translational research, moving quickly and efficiently from scientific discovery to clinical application.
• Promoting Continuing Education:
  • Continuing education and training are essential to maintaining a high level of innovation. The Hub provides an open technical platform and training programs for healthcare professionals, researchers and entrepreneurs to help them stay at the cutting edge of the latest scientific and technological advances.
• Improving the Patient Experience:
• Finally, one of our top priorities is always to put the patient at the center of our initiatives, and to develop solutions that enhance the patient experience, both in terms of comfort and clinical results.

Creating an environment conducive to innovation and fostering a culture of collaboration not only enables us to respond to current challenges in the healthcare sector, but also to anticipate future needs. The future of the Genolier Innovation Hub lies in its ability to transform innovative ideas into tangible clinical realities, while continually improving standards of care and making a significant contribution to the advancement of medicine and healthcare technologies.

Navigating between these different fields has enriched my career path significantly. Each sector has provided me with unique and complementary skills and enabled me to develop a holistic vision of business and innovation, while strengthening my ability to adapt quickly to new environments and take on a variety of challenges. These experiences have also given me a unique perspective on possible synergies between different sectors, which is a considerable asset when it comes to leading the Genolier Innovation Hub and fostering innovation in healthcare.

As a woman in a leadership role, I see every situation as an opportunity for learning and growth rather than a challenge. One major opportunity has been to demonstrate my competence and determination in environments sometimes dominated by men. Another has been to balance my professional and personal responsibilities. Managing this dual commitment requires rigorous organization and a strong ability to prioritize.

My advice to young women aspiring to management positions is to believe in themselves and their abilities. Develop strong self-confidence and don’t let circumstances discourage you. Don’t be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone, as this is often where the greatest opportunities for growth lie. Finally, stay authentic and true to your values; and above all, always have fun!

Cultivate curiosity and continuous learning, because innovation relies on the ability to constantly learn and adapt. Develop versatile skills in areas such as management, finance, technology and communication to better manage complex projects.

Don’t be afraid to take risks and innovate by exploring new ideas and testing new approaches. Be persistent and resilient, as these paths can be demanding and require overcoming a variety of challenges. Take a holistic view to understand the interconnections between different aspects of a project or organization, which will help you make strategic decisions.

Finally, stay authentic and ethical, maintaining your integrity and staying true to your values, because lasting success is based on trust and respect for others.

A particularly memorable moment was standing in the magnificent hall of the Palais des Nations des Nations as a first-year student, greeting students about to graduate. I remember looking at them in awe, imagining how much I would learn over the three years of training. It was all the more moving to receive my own diploma on stage, having learned so much, and to see the new first-year students at the back of the room, winking at me.

Anna, your journey from EHG to leading innovation in healthcare is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your ideas and experiences with us. We look forward to seeing you at one of our next alumni reunions and invite our readers to discover more about the Genolier Innovation Hub.

Navigating between these different fields has enriched my career path significantly. Each sector has provided me with unique and complementary skills and enabled me to develop a holistic vision of business and innovation, while strengthening my ability to adapt quickly to new environments and take on a variety of challenges. These experiences have also given me a unique perspective on possible synergies between different sectors, which is a considerable asset when it comes to leading the Genolier Innovation Hub and fostering innovation in healthcare.

Cultivate curiosity and continuous learning, because innovation relies on the ability to constantly learn and adapt. Develop versatile skills in areas such as management, finance, technology and communication to better manage complex projects.

Don’t be afraid to take risks and innovate by exploring new ideas and testing new approaches. Be persistent and resilient, as these paths can be demanding and require overcoming a variety of challenges. Take a holistic view to understand the interconnections between different aspects of a project or organization, which will help you make strategic decisions.

Finally, stay authentic and ethical, maintaining your integrity and staying true to your values, because lasting success is based on trust and respect for others.

A particularly memorable moment was standing in the magnificent hall of the Palais des Nations des Nations as a first-year student, greeting students about to graduate. I remember looking at them in awe, imagining how much I would learn over the three years of training. It was all the more moving to receive my own diploma on stage, having learned so much, and to see the new first-year students at the back of the room, winking at me.

Anna, your journey from EHG to leading innovation in healthcare is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your ideas and experiences with us. We look forward to seeing you at one of our next alumni reunions and invite our readers to discover more about the Genolier Innovation Hub.