Jan-Egbert Sturm is the Director of the KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH Zurich and one of Switzerland’s leading macroeconomists.

In this episode, we explore how Switzerland is navigating an increasingly unpredictable global economy. Jan-Egbert explains how resilient the Swiss economy really is, why Switzerland was hit so hard by recent US tariffs, and what early effects Swiss exporters are already seeing. We also break down the global debt landscape, why some countries can sustain extremely high debt while others cannot, and what rising debt levels mean for the Eurozone. Finally, we look at Switzerland’s long-term challenges, including a declining birth rate, an aging population, and whether the Swiss franc can become too strong for its own good.

CONTACT JAN-EGBERT

KOF Swiss Economic Institute

https://kof.ethz.ch

Magazine Subscription

https://kof.ethz.ch/en/publications/kof-bulletin.html

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janegbertsturm

https://howitticks.ch/contact-page/

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Rule vs power-based global economy

04:00 Why Switzerland was hit by US tariffs

10:00 How Swiss companies are adapting

15:30 Weak spots in the Swiss economy

20:00 How global debt really works

27:00 Is the Swiss franc too strong?

33:00 Switzerland’s aging population and birth rate

My guest today is Nora Wilhelm, a systems change strategist, social innovator, and co-founder of Collaboratio Helvetica. Her work focuses on helping people and organizations understand the complex systems that shape society and what needs to happen to implement real, lasting change.

Expect to learn about the magnitude of global problems and why traditional approaches often fail. We discuss what it means to think systemically, the difference between simple, complicated, and complex problems, and how individuals can still make a meaningful difference. We also discuss Nora’s personal journey in building Collaboration Helvetica, her views on the effectiveness of activism, and why she remains hopeful about our capacity to change complex systems for the better.

RESOURCES & WORKSHOPS

Nora has provided the following free resources for listeners who want to apply systems thinking or find their purpose:

• Free Systems Change 101 Workshop: Learn more about systems thinking and apply tools to your cause.https://www.parayma.co/sc101
• Free Find Your Purpose 101 Workshop: For anyone looking to identify and align with their unique contribution.https://www.parayma.co/fyp101

CONNECT WITH NORA WILHELM

• Website for Systems Change Work: https://www.norawilhelm.org/
• Inner Work & Creativity Project (The Well): https://www.norawilhelm.org/the-well
• LinkedIn: Search Nora Wilhelm

TIMESTAMPS

00:00:15 What is the difference between a simple, complicated, and complex (systemic) problem?

00:03:50 The Cane Toad/Aga Toad example: Why linear solutions fail in complex ecosystems.

00:07:20 The difference between natural disasters and engineered problems (e.g., plastic waste).

00:10:50 The fish in the water: How society's embedded paradigms (Capitalism, Patriarchy) block change.

00:15:55 Why world poverty persists: The narrative of "pull yourself up by your bootstraps."

00:19:40 Finding your unique contribution: The two-part process to avoid burnout and make an impact.

00:26:00 Go small, not global: Why you must focus on your sphere of influence to drive change.

00:36:55 The wrong ways to act: Avoiding the pitfalls of linear thinking and ego-driven solutions.

00:40:00 The value of protesting: How peaceful and humorous protest builds community and raises awareness.

00:44:00 Optimism vs. Hope: Grieving lost certainty and finding commitment for the future.

00:50:50 Nora’s struggle with burnout and the project for givers (The Well).

My guest today is Mathias Müller, an elected member of the SVP party in the Grand Council of the Canton of Bern. He is a career officer in the Swiss Army and was previously the commander of recruitment for the Swiss Armed Forces. In addition to his military and political work, he is an author and hosts the official podcast of the Swiss Armed Forces.

Expect to learn about the paradox of a peaceful nation with a strong military and how this relates to its long history of neutrality. We'll explore the core philosophy of the Swiss militia army and how it compares to professional armies, discussing the effectiveness of its unique part-time system. We also dive into the ongoing debate about conscription, public support for the military, and how Switzerland's defense strategy adapts to modern geopolitical challenges.

CONTACT MATHIAS MÜLLER

• https://www.muellermathias.ch/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathias-m%C3%BCller-80a08462/

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  CONTACT MIKE

  https://howitticks.ch/contact-page/

  
  

  TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 Switzerland has not been to war in over 150 years—do they really need a military?

• 04:47 The Swiss military as a "melting pot" and a tool for national cohesion.

• 09:20 The conscription system: how it works and the unexpected rise of young men who want to serve.

• 12:00 The "brain power" of the militia army and its advantages over a professional military.

• 17:00 How training is conducted and the roles of conscripts and professional soldiers.

• 25:35 The 2013 referendum to abolish conscription and the shocking 1989 vote that shook the army.

• 28:40 The changing personality of a new generation of recruits.

• 33:30 The unrealistic goal of 10% female participation in the military and a debate on mandatory service for women.

• 37:00 The military's modern technology, from F-35 fighter jets to the Patriot system.

• 44:20 Mathias's perspective on the future of Switzerland and whether he is optimistic.

My guest today is Sebastian Huber, an expert in global trade and luxury goods with a deep focus on the business dynamics of Asia, particularly China. As a lecturer and researcher at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, and with a background that includes global roles at luxury brands like Montblanc, he brings a unique perspective on Switzerland's place in the global market.

Expect to learn about the Swiss luxury industry, why Switzerland became a global hub for luxury brands, and how this craftsmanship is maintained. We dive into the unique Switzerland-China free trade agreement, what it's like to trade with China compared to other countries, and the challenges of competing Chinese brands. The conversation also explores how global political factors impact Switzerland and the future of luxury consumption in Asia.

CONTACT SEBASTIAN

• https://www.sebastianhuber.ch/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-huber-consulting/

  
  

  CONTACT MIKE

  https://howitticks.ch/contact-page/

  
  

  TIMESTAMPS

• 02:00 What the West misunderstands about doing business in China.

• 05:57 What defines the Chinese economy and its "overlapping Chinas".

• 11:50 The origin story of Swiss luxury: from musical boxes to watchmaking.

• 21:15 The unique history of Switzerland's free trade agreement with China.

• 37:40 The irrationality of luxury: why heritage matters more than function.

• 41:27 How Switzerland navigates global political tensions and trade wars.

My guest today is Javier Pérez-Ramírez, a full Professor of Catalysis Engineering at ETH Zurich, director of the NCCR Catalysis, and Chair of the Editorial Board of Green Chemistry. He and his team design chemical solutions to solve one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges, plastic waste. His work has been widely recognized with several awards.

Expect to learn about the magnitude of the global plastic waste problem and the significant discrepancy between the plastic we collect and what is actually recycled, The difference between mechanical and chemical recycling, and the technical barriers that have prevented scalable solutions until now. Javier also shares insights on which countries are leading the way, what Switzerland is doing to contribute, and the single most impactful action an individual can take to ensure their plastic waste has the best chance of being recycled.

CONTACT JAVIER PÉREZ-RAMÍREZ

• ETH Zurich Website

• • linkedin.com/in/javier-pérez-ramírez-64614211

  
  

  CONTACT MIKE

  https://howitticks.ch/contact-page/

  
  

  TIMESTAMPS

• 02:00 The magnitude of the plastic waste problem.

• 04:40 The current global rate for plastic recycling and what percentage has ever been recycled.

• 06:15 The discrepancy between the amount of plastic collected and what is actually recycled.

• 10:00 Switzerland's recycling performance and its focus on incineration.

• 12:20 The fundamental difference between mechanical and chemical recycling.

• 17:35 The technical and financial barriers that have blocked chemical recycling until now.

• 25:25 The realistic timeline for chemical recycling to make a significant impact.

• 35:00 New initiatives in Switzerland, including the NCCR Catalysis program.

• 40:30 Advice for individuals: the most impactful action they can take.

Elsbeth Stern is a cognitive psychologist and Professor Emeritus of Teaching-Learning Research at ETH Zurich. We delve into her extensive expertise to gain a deeper understanding of intelligence, its development, and its role in a changing world. The conversation addresses common myths about learning and provides a critical look at modern education.

Expect to learn about what intelligence really is and the influence of both nature and nurture. We discuss the value of taking an IQ test, and whether the idea of being a "math person" or an "art person" is scientifically supported. The conversation also provides Elsbeth's assessment of the current Swiss education system, her vision for an ideal school of the future, and the essential skills children need to develop for an AI-influenced world.

CONTACT ELSBETH

ETHZ_ElsbethStern

CONTACT MIKE

https://howitticks.ch/contact-page/

TRANSCRIPT

https://howitticks.ch/podcast/elsbeth-stern-intelligence-education/

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 Defining intelligence and cognitive flexibility.

• 00:01:06 The value of taking an IQ test.

• 00:07:05 Nature vs. nurture and intelligence.

• 00:13:58 How an average person's intelligence evolves over time.

• 00:24:00 Assessing the Swiss education system.

• 00:38:52 The impact of AI on learning.

• 00:44:06 Critical skills for an AI-influenced world.

• 00:46:58 Intelligence and autism.

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My guest today is Tanya Deans, the creator and author of the popular Swiss hiking blog, Swiss Family Fun. Tanya's journey from a Swiss expat to a leading guide in Swiss travel has made her blog a go-to resource for anyone looking to explore the country's incredible hiking trails and experiences.

Expect to learn about top hike recommendations for various groups, including visiting families, tourists looking to avoid crowds, and families with young children. Tanya also shares her favorite lesser-known trails, offers tips for hiking in different seasons, provides advice for enjoying stunning views on a budget, and outlines essential preparation considerations for different types of Swiss hikes.

CONTACT TANYA

https://swissfamilyfun.com/contact/

CONTACT MIKE

https://howitticks.ch/contact-page/

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Best hikes for visiting family (Chäserrugg, Stoos)

00:04:36 Top trails for tourists looking to avoid crowds (Zermatt, Jungfrau, Rigi)

00:11:50 Hidden gems for experienced hikers (Brienz Rothorn, Surenen Pass, Segnesboden)

00:18:15 Winter hiking and snowshoeing tips

00:21:40 Hiking Switzerland on a budget: passes, picnics, and smart choices

00:28:30 Essential safety and preparation tips for all Swiss hikes

My guest today is Tanya Deans, the creator and author of the popular Swiss hiking blog, Swiss Family Fun. Tanya's journey from a Swiss expat to a leading guide in Swiss travel has made her blog a go-to resource for anyone looking to explore the country's incredible hiking trails and experiences.

Expect to learn about the inspiration behind Swiss Family Fun and its evolution from a personal project to a comprehensive travel platform. We discuss the challenges Tanya faced during its growth and gain insights into her business model, including how the blog is sustained through sponsors, partners, and digital products.

CONTACT TANYA

https://swissfamilyfun.com/contact/

CONTACT MIKE

https://howitticks.ch/contact-page/

TIMESTAMPS

01:45 Introduction to Tanya Dean and Swiss Family Fun

02:12 From expat hobby to a popular Swiss travel blog

06:00 The turning point: Monetizing Swiss Family Fun and overcoming burnout

11:33 Adapting to change: From ads to affiliate revenue & digital products

14:40 Key lessons for entrepreneurs: Always listen to your audience

26:45 The challenge of scaling: Why hiring help is the next big step