In the section Backstage, interesting personalities from the financial sector and beyond provide insights into their personal preferences every Wednesday.

What do you do first in the morning?

I am greeted enthusiastically by our Jack Russell Terrier, who is delighted that the day is getting started again.

What is the best part of your job?

The people. Every leader brings their own story and their own questions. The most rewarding moments are when someone says after an executive sparring session, «I should have done this much earlier». For me, that is a great privilege.

A moment that changed your life?

When my husband and I decided to balance raising a family with two careers. With three sons, that requires a great deal of organisation and a healthy sense of humor.

What cars do you own? Which is your favorite?

A fully electric Mini Countryman, which we charge using our own solar panels. I also have a black 1998 Audi convertible, which I bought with my first bonus at Credit Suisse.

What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?

Don't wait until you feel ready. Find role models, keep learning and be courageous.

What are you particularly proud of?

My sons, Sebastian, Tobias and Valentin. Professionally, I am proud to have built three companies of my own and established a new division at the Swiss Insurance Association. Today, I bring my experience as a member of executive management and my work with CEOs to Beyond Success. It is always rewarding to support leaders as they take the next step in their careers and see them succeed.

What do you do when you have doubts?

I go horse riding. It helps me find calm and gain perspective. Afterwards, I discuss things with my husband, who certainly isn't someone who simply tells me what I want to hear.

What is your favorite wine?

I have stopped drinking wine. I realised that I feel better physically without alcohol, although I used to really appreciate a good glass of red wine.

What projects are you currently workin gon?

My company Beyond Success, which I co-founded with Patricia Widmer. We provide executive sparring for senior leaders and board members at pivotal moments in their careers. We also run Connect2Empower, our networking format that provides a trusted space for open dialogue among executives and non-executive board members. It enables exchanges on an equal footing, outside traditional hierarchies and day-to-day business. The result is empowerment through meaningful connections.

What do you admire in other people?

The ability to listen, even when you think you already know the answer. And courage that doesn't need an audience.

What would be the biggest surprise for someone who had to take over your job for a day?

The degree of openness and trust people place in me. During executive sparring sessions, even highly experienced CEOs discuss questions they rarely ask anyone else, such as: Who am I without my title? What do I want to do next?

What is your personal drive?

Helping shape careers and giving people visibility. When someone takes the next step in their professional journey thanks to our sparring sessions, I know exactly why I do what I do. I have experienced first-hand just how much becomes possible when someone believes in you and opens the right doors.

What are you afraid of?

Something terrible happening to the people I love most, and stagnation.

Your favorite watch brand?

I wear different watches depending on the occasion and my mood.

Is there an unfulfilled dream you would still like to realize?

Inspired by the book «1000 Places To See Before You Die», I still have many dreams left to fulfil.

Your best investment?

Financially speaking, purchasing my properties. On a personal level, my family.

Dr. Daniela Haze Stöckli is an owner and partner at Beyond Success – Shaping Leaders & Careers. Together with Dr. Patricia Widmer, she advises executive management teams, boards of directors and companies on executive career sparring, leadership development and succession planning. After earning her doctorate at the University of Zurich's Institute of Banking and Finance and holding positions at Accenture and Credit Suisse, she served as a member of the Executive Board of the Swiss Insurance Association from 2018 to 2021. She has founded and successfully managed several companies and shares her experience as a keynote speaker. She is also the mother of three sons.