EqualVoice United Spotlight

Continuous Development is Key to Success

Nicole Burth, Head of Digital Services and Member of the Executive Board of Swiss Post, on career development, gender equality and leadership.

“Without continuous development, professional success remains out of reach,” says Nicole Burth, highlighting the role of both government and corporate systems in fostering progress.

Breaking Barriers in Leadership

“How do you manage as a woman with children?” Anyone who is prepared to accept silence as an answer should ask Nicole Burth this question. Wird diese Frage einem Mann in einer ähnlichen Position gestellt? Nein. As Head of Digital Services and a member of the Executive Board of Swiss Post – and formerly CEO of Adecco Group Switzerland – she has heard it countless times. What bothers her is not the repetition, but the underlying issue: “To really advance issues like gender equality, diversity and inclusion in Switzerland, we need a lot more commitment – starting with the simple act of treating everyone equally in every situation.”

At Swiss Post, these principles are deeply embedded in the company’s structure. With 46,000 employees from over 100 nations, diversity is a key focus. “We make sure that candidates of all genders are considered during the recruitment process,” says Burth. “This is not always easy, especially in logistics or IT, where cultural factors also play a role.” The company is also committed to equal pay for equal work and offers job-sharing at senior management level.

The Need for Action

Despite progress in equal opportunities in the workplace, there is still a long way to go. “Women in Switzerland earn more than 40% less in lifetime earnings than men,” notes Burth. “In a household where one parent works full-time and the other part-time, the part-time income often goes entirely to childcare. This begs the question: is it worth it?” She believes that government has a crucial role to play in shaping solutions, such as the introduction of individual taxation and a family-friendly school system. Without that, change will be slow.

Burth’s upbringing in a household that valued independence has shaped her approach to leadership. She grew up watching her mother run a large guesthouse by herself. “It definitely had an impact on me,” she recalls. Now running a large business herself, she embraces both mentoring and challenging her team: “A great leader makes sure their team is at least as good as, if not better than, themselves. Delegating and passing on responsibility is essential for both leadership development and team growth.

Leadership Beyond Expertise

For Burth, leadership is about more than technical expertise – it is also about social skills. “If you want to be successful in a leadership role, you have to really like people,” she says. “And you have to be very self-aware.” Employees want to be seen, but leaders also need to recognise their own emotions, especially in difficult times. Challenges and crises are opportunities for growth. “As a leader, you have to strike a balance – react quickly and decisively, while keeping an eye on the bigger picture and making sustainable decisions.”

Another key element of effective leadership is transparency. “When an important team member leaves, I allow myself to feel disappointed – like everyone else. It is important to process that moment before moving on,” she explains.

Embracing Change for Success

For Burth, continuous development is a cornerstone of success. “The willingness to grow is essential in today’s professional world. Stagnation is not an option, especially with new technologies and evolving work environments.” She believes that fostering a culture where questions are encouraged and mentorship is available is crucial. “You can’t force someone to embrace change, but leaders can create an environment that supports it and lead by example.”

Burth also sees work and family as compatible – if planned properly. “The most important decision in life is choosing the right partner,” she says with a smile. She emphasises that having clear agreements with her partner before having children helped enormously. “You need a trusted network and always a plan B – long before the child arrives.”

She is particularly pleased that younger generations are seeking a more collaborative approach to balancing work and family. Looking ahead, she believes a shift in the narrative is needed: “Perhaps we should talk about fairness instead. It perfectly encapsulates diversity, inclusion and equality.

“The willingness to grow is essential in today’s professional world.”

April, 2025

Source: This is a translation of the article originally published in HANDELSZEITUNG, EqualVoice United Special, on March 6, 2025.