Q&A
Discover the Next Generation Board
The Next Generation Board (NGB) was established in September 2021, out of our CEO Reto Savoia’s desire to understand the needs of - and have a direct connection with – the younger generation of employees within Deloitte Switzerland. The Board provides a unique opportunity to share ideas and best practices across service lines, as well as to align on firm-wide initiatives and focus areas. It consists of a diverse group of employees from across the firm, who help leverage expertise, provide a different perspective to tackling problems, and actively contribute to Deloitte's future way of working.
Below Pilar and Jan, two members of the Board, discuss their roles and achievements to date.
Please introduce yourselves and your roles at Deloitte.
Pilar: I lead the NSE Learning Experience team, as part of People & Purpose. I’m responsible for implementing strategic learning and development projects within Deloitte Switzerland, aiming to improve the learning experience and growth of our employees.
I am from Madrid, Spain, and I’ve also worked in Dallas, US, and Sydney, Australia. My passions are scuba diving, travelling, and spending quality time with my family and friends, around a table with good food and wine.
Jan: Originally from northern Germany, I have had the opportunity to live in Austria, England and now Switzerland, which has instilled in me a deep appreciation for international working environments. Embracing diversity has become second nature to me. Outside of work, I find joy in hiking with my family and our border collie, as well as playing the piano.
At Deloitte, I am a Senior Consultant within the AI & Data team, where my primary focus lies in driving data platform transformations within the banking sector. My role involves empowering our clients to maintain cutting-edge infrastructure, ensuring they remain at the forefront of data technology advancements.
What is the NGB and what is your mission?
Pilar: The NGB discusses current and potential future challenges with our CEO. The members support him in addressing these issues by coming up with concrete ideas and solutions. We not only discuss various challenges but also set priorities and define specific focus areas. Each member also functions as an ambassador of the Board, cascading information to their respective business lines and gathering bottom-up feedback, thereby helping define and prioritise the most pressing topics.
Jan: The NGB provides its members with the opportunity to initiate and drive their own projects within the firm, with support from the Executive team. My focus within the NGB has been on spearheading AI and technology-related initiatives.
Can you share some examples of the work that the NGB has accomplished so far?
Jan: Our AI-initiatives played a key role in supporting the firm’s successful transition towards the adoption of AI tools, as well as in creating learning materials related to AI.
Pilar: For example, I had the opportunity to work on the project involving our internal AI chat box. This AI tool supports our internal day-to-day tasks by unlocking Deloitte’s internal knowledge, all without using client data in a safe and secure Deloitte environment.
What do you aim to achieve in the future?
Jan: My aim is to consistently elevate my expertise, cultivate personal growth, and amplify the impact of my work. Additionally, I seek to foster a positive work environment, while continuously enhancing the value I provide to our clients.
Pilar: I aspire to become a trusted advisor to our employees and clients, providing them with innovative learning solutions. I aim to lead and inspire, fostering a culture of continuous learning and mutual growth. I also wish to contribute significantly to Deloitte's corporate responsibility initiatives, making a positive impact on society and the environment.
Would you recommend Deloitte as a place to work, and why?
Jan: Having worked at Deloitte, both in Vienna and Zürich, I can wholeheartedly recommend it as a place to work. The environment is not only friendly but also challenging, with ambitious colleagues who foster a sense of camaraderie. The work itself is incredibly diverse and stimulating, offering continuous opportunities for learning and growth. Deloitte also provides excellent career prospects and a healthy work-life balance. Furthermore, the firm remains at the cutting edge of technology, with a strong focus on empowering clients to achieve their goals and staying ahead in their respective industries.
Pilar: I would recommend Deloitte as a place to work as it’s an environment that fosters professional growth and development, offering a wide range of learning opportunities and career progression paths to its employees. Deloitte University, for example, is a great asset that the firm offers where we can access numerous courses on campus in Paris, while sharing experiences and knowledge with colleagues from other Deloitte member firms.
Also, Deloitte has a strong talent strategy that fosters an inclusive and diverse culture, where everyone's input is valued, and collaboration is actively encouraged.