Swico is a trade association which represents the interests of the entire ICT (information and communication technologies) sector in Switzerland. It also organizes the recycling of all digital devices and, of course, defends the regulation of various internet platforms, work flexibility (and teleworking) and cybersecurity from a liberal point of view. Judith Bellaiche is also very active in politics: National Councilor for the Liberal Greens and member of the Legal Commission. Previously she was a member of the Grand Council of Zurich for eight years and a municipal councilor in her municipality of Kilchberg (ZH) for a further eight years. She studied law at the University of Basel and in 2017 she completed it with an Executive MBA from the University of St. Gallen. Her professional career includes various positions in finance and consultancy, including a stay abroad in London. You also founded and managed your own company in the events industry.
Today there is a lot of talk about gender equality and under-representation of women in top management with companies, in any branch. Do you feel like an exception? Or a pioneer?
«Pioneer is perhaps a bit of an exaggeration. For me it is more important to be a role model: on the one hand for women who don't dare to take on a leadership role or think they can't reconcile work and family, on the other hand for my children, who will form the next generation and for the which it is assumed that even a woman and a mother can lead an organization. You don't have to take yourself too seriously and think you're better than others, but still you have to take yourself seriously enough to consider that you can have an impact on others."
In your opinion, is there a "feminine way" in running a business, or are they equal in daily reality?
“I think this issue is overrated. There are as many good and bad leaders among men as among women. But because there are far fewer women in management, when they make a mistake it is far more noticeable, and this is then attributed to their gender. Is absurd. As a leader, just like in politics, authenticity is important; gender plays no role. When women pretend to appear as least vulnerable as possible, they don't appear authentic (but this also applies to men). Leadership has to be learned, and it's hard work. It has a lot to do with obstacles, hardships, resilience and perseverance. Maybe women are at a disadvantage because they have more respect for defeats, while men are simply more self-confident and don't let themselves be discouraged."
In your life, have you ever felt discriminated against or little considered as a woman?
“Yes, but not systematically. It is very important to underline that discrimination depends on the corporate culture. And this in turn has to do with leadership. If leadership tolerates discrimination or worse, provokes it, it spreads throughout the company. I experienced this in an organization where I worked. But it was an exception: all the other organizations I've worked in have seemed egalitarian and respectful.
Active at a high level in the world of work and also politically at the federal level: was it difficult to get there?
“I have devoted a lot of time and energy to my political career. Countless evening, weekend and holiday disruptions that have affected and are affecting family life. Politics involves hard work with no guarantee of success. But I have also invested heavily in my professional development: for example the Executive MBA, which I completed at my own expense by spending several weeks away from home. Yes, it was difficult and it wouldn't have been possible if my husband hadn't supported me wholeheartedly and taken responsibility for looking after our children. When women look at my position, they only see my successes. The difficulties, obstacles and setbacks are invisible, but they existed and were important to progress. From this point of view it was indeed difficult, but also instructive and exciting. I didn't want to miss out on any of the experiences I've had."
What did he have to give up, if he gave up anything?
“At leisure. I have very little, but quality is more important than quality, and most of the time I find a good balance».
When he's not working and not doing politics, what does he do?
«Despite work, the center of my life is my family: I've never left it, without my husband and my children I wouldn't be where I am. Whenever possible, I eat them: I like to cook fresh and balanced meals. I also maintain my circle of friends and do some sports. And during the holidays I read as much as possible – books in English to keep my language skills up to date».
Let's talk about your branch of interest, ICT: in your opinion, what are the challenges facing the sector in the coming years?
“The digital industry is well positioned for the future and will continue to grow. But the shortage of skilled workers is becoming a major problem. If we fail to create more apprenticeships and attract more women into the industry, we will have less added value in Switzerland. If we don't have enough qualified people to protect our systems, then there will also be a threat to cyber security."
The sector, or at least the so-called Big Techs, today seem to be in crisis: what do you think are the reasons?
“It seems to me more like an aftershock than a crisis. Over the past two years, Big Techs have created hundreds of thousands of new jobs, mostly in the United States. This gigantic growth was probably due to inflated expectations about the development of certain technologies or the demand for certain products. Now a phase of adjustment to reality is coming. But the cooling of the economy, inflation and economic forecasts also have an impact on business decisions. In the long run, however, the technology sector will remain an important driver of innovation and prosperity."
How is the situation in Switzerland?
“The situation in Switzerland is currently stable. Some of the big tech companies operate search sites here, which hopefully are less prone to fluctuations than in the US. Inflation is also tolerable in the Confederation and the demand for digital services, such as the cloud, is still high. I obviously hope that there are no waves of layoffs, but in any case I am convinced that the labor market in Switzerland could absorb these talents».
The state is intervening to regulate the ICT sector (Lex Booking, Lex Netflix, Digital Service Act at European level…). Is that right or is he exaggerating?
«An orderly economy needs to be regulated, that is clear. But regulation should promote innovation and competition, not structural preservation. Some laws approved by us, and above all by the EU, are instead protectionist. I don't think that's the right way to go. The state should limit itself to interventions that protect people and a liberal society."
What training would you recommend to a young person who wants to work in ICT?
'There is a wonderful range of training in the ICT sector! Some are more technical than others, but all have a creative component and excellent prerequisites and potential for an interesting and varied career. You can find out about these professions on the ICT vocational training website. In the long run, every professional profile will have an interface with digitalisation, regardless of the sector. Working with machines and robots will be just as natural as reading and writing. That's why it's worth taking an interest in technology, especially for girls! Because they are severely underrepresented in digitization and it is important that they prepare for this change».
