Cristina Feistmann
Member of the Board of Directors
Interview
Could you please introduce yourself briefly in 2-3 sentences, your function and how you came to it (short biography).
I grew up in Locarno, studied law at the University of Zurich and am an attorney at law, E.M.B.L.-HSG and CAS Digital Leadership & Transformation HSG. After some years as a lawyer in private practice, I joined the aviation industry as member of the legal department of Swissair and then as General Counsel & Company Secretary of Swissport International Ltd. I then changed to the insurance industry with focus on corporate governance (Zurich Insurance and Swiss Re), but my passion for aviation – I am also a holder of a private pilot license – has never stopped and I feel very privileged to be a member of the Skyguide Board of Directors since 2015. I am also a member of the Board of Foundation of the Swissair Aid for Children.
You are Company Secretary at SwissRe and Member of the Board of Directors of Skyguide. What are the determinant factors that have helped you to be successful in your career?
Passion and interest for the content of my work, not giving up in challenging situations, and being supported by my private environment in my choices.
“If you want, and put enough efforts in your goals, you can reach them. Get rid of traditional moral blockings in your surroundings, if any.”
In your opinion, how can women best navigate power structures?
Stay authentic, observe people in power and use your intuition. If a power structure is not suitable for your character, address your concerns.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
If you want, and put enough efforts in your goals, you can reach them. Get rid of traditional moral blockings in your surroundings, if any.
How can a woman be a successful leader and how can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in their career?
This is mainly a question of mentality. Today, young women in Switzerland have the possibility and opportunity to do everything. They should be encouraged to be brave and take some risks.
If you could have dinner with an inspirational woman, dead or alive, who would she be and why?
Oriana Fallaci (1929-2006). She was in Italian journalist, war-reporter and writer. When I was a teenager, she was an enormous source of inspiration as a strong, courageous and yet feminine role model. She remained authentic and engaged for her whole life.