You are currently working as VP Finance/CFO for Stryker Europe and have clearly had a very successful career within Stryker. What has been your career highlights and what would you say has been a key point to your success?
 
I believe my career highlights were from when I moved from Switzerland to Hong Kong with Stryker where I worked as CFO – Emerging Markets. This was a super exciting environment of high growth with lots of challenges and diversity, where I learnt a lot both professionally and personally interacting with different levels of leadership, which was a great environment for development. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to assist with the growth of the business, including a combination of M&A and R&D across a variety of Countries and divisions. I contributed to the strategy of the business, whilst learning a huge amount. A key success factor for me was flexibility and the ability to effectively balance business support with controlling and motivating the team to deliver the maximum in both areas of activity.
 
What element of Finance really motivates/excites you?
 
The reality here is the connection that Finance has to the business. I have passed on many of my opinions to my team. I think it is essential in a Finance role to wear two hats at once so to speak. You need to be a very good business partner and of course have a really good understanding of the financials. Together these skills create a natural evolution, which can create opportunities to work with the Leadership team and to really add value.
 
You spent several years working for EY in Milan and London, what would you say is the best piece of advice you could give someone who is looking to make their initial move outside of a Big 4 Practice?
 
Here there are multiple factors to consider. Firstly, ensure it is the right company that offers the most appealing role, where there is career development and learning capabilities. Research the growth and performance of the company and make sure the job content takes priority over the job title. Arguably Big 4 training is a very strong basis for a career in Finance, so you need to make sure your role in Industry will offer you the opportunity to leverage what you have learned there. At the same time, keep an open mind and be humble acknowledging that you are frankly still at the beginning and there is a lot you do not know about the dynamics of a business. If you maintain this attitude and work hard to make your mark, you will succeed and build a great career.
 
When you have interviewed candidates in the past, what are the common mistakes/positives you have noticed?
 
Some of the mistakes I have encountered are that candidates prepare their story and do not deviate from that. Of course it is important to talk about your day to day responsibilities but I think it is key to decipher what are your relevant achievements. Candidates need to ensure they listen to the question being asked and stay focused on that point. The ability to really understand the key point of a question being asked is essential in an interview environment.
 
During your career, you have had lots of International experience and exposure. What are the benefits of this and do you think this is essential for success?
 
International exposure has been essential for my success, simply down to the diversity factor. I think this experience gives you a completely different view point, dealing with a diversity of thoughts, interests and cultures. It helps to learn to be adaptable to a variety of environments. Moreover, if you want to operate at a high level in today’s global business environment, international exposure is critically important.
 
If you could go back and give your younger self some career advice, what would it be?
 
Number one, accept the fact that you learn along your journey and of course you will make mistakes. Learn from those, but ensure you remain yourself and do not try to do something or be somebody that is not you. Secondly, as you grow your career, focus on creating and developing the best team. Don’t be afraid to make changes, you will be hesitant initially but try not to procrastinate. Always be transparent, direct and honest in providing feedback either positive or negative.
 
A general piece of advice would be to take ownership of your career and direction. Colleagues notice when you take on more responsibility and are proactive with your approach and take yourself outside of your comfort zone.

*Views and opinions contained within our Executive Interviews are those of the Interviewee and not views shared by EMEA Recruitment.*