Mirjam Staub-Bisang: A Transformational Leader in a League of Her Own
A personal recap by Blazy Flash
As the host of Flash⚡️Talk, I regularly meet people with extraordinary life stories and strong perspectives. One of the encounters that impressed me the most was my interview with Mirjam Staub-Bisang, she is of the most influential figures in the Swiss financial sector. Former CEO of BlackRock Switzerland, Chairwoman of the Board, an investor with principles – and a woman who leads with confidence, intellect, and clarity.
The Flash⚡️Talk with Mirjam Staub-Bisang was more than just a conversation – it was a Masterclass In Transformational Leadership.
Mirjam embodies a new kind of leadership: competent, consistent, and at the same time, deeply reflective. In our conversation, she spoke about career, sustainability, and societal expectations and shared some remarkable insights that go far beyond the usual "power woman" narrative.
A Top-Class Investment Expert
Mirjam Staub-Bisang is a Swiss financial expert with international renown. As the former CEO of BlackRock Switzerland and a current board member, she doesn’t just shape financial structures – she actively drives sustainable transformation in business. She combines economically liberal thinking with a clear sense of ecological and social responsibility – and does so with impressive pragmatism.
What immediately fascinated me about Mirjam was her authenticity. Our conversation took place at the Forbes Women’s Summit 2024, so we naturally reflected on the topic of women in business – and we instantly found common ground. We both agree that constantly highlighting someone’s gender is irrelevant, if not counterproductive.
It’s no surprise, then, that Mirjam didn’t talk about how she had to "fight her way" into a man’s world. She simply never believed in limitations. She was, in her own words, “gender-blind” and just followed her path. Early on, she learned to deal with societal tensions. Criticism? Expectations? Judgments? She acknowledged them but nothing more – and moved on. She remained consistent in herself.
One statement struck me in particular. That’s not just an elegant way to deal with resistance, it’s a clear commitment to one’s own vision:
“When I’m working, I’m not where they’re talking about me.”
Leadership Insights – Impactful Takeaways
The Flash⚡️Talk with Mirjam Staub-Bisang revealed several key leadership principles that are more relevant today than ever:
1. Determination as a Given – Not an Exception
Mirjam doesn’t ask if, she plans how. Her determination isn’t a fight against obstacles – it’s an expression of inner clarity. That’s a mindset many leaders can adopt: leadership begins with internal conviction, not with external titles.
2. Sustainability Begins in the Business Model
What may seem like a compromise to many, sustainability versus profit, Mirjam sees as an entrepreneurial necessity. She views ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) not as a moral add-on, but as an economic imperative in the age of global regulation. Her credo:
“What gets measured, gets managed.”
3. Transformation Requires Foresight – and Structure
It was impressive to hear how systematically BlackRock, under her influence, embedded sustainability, from product development to communications. Leadership here means not only conviction but also execution.
4. Regulation Is Not the Enemy – But the Framework
Especially for free-market thinkers, regulation can be a trigger topic. Mirjam offers a wise distinction: when it comes to common goods like the climate, clear rules are necessary. She shows how leadership takes responsibility without becoming ideological.
5. Long-Term Thinking as a Leadership Quality
Despite current challenges in the ESG market, Mirjam remains optimistic. She believes in long-term development, not in short-term trends. For investors, entrepreneurs, and leaders, this is a vital mindset shift:
Transformation is not a sprint, it’s a marathon.
I am grateful to have spoken with such an impressive personality – it was a real eye-opener. Her attitude, her clarity, and her deep understanding of the dynamic between business and society are remarkable. And perhaps most importantly: she shows that you can take responsibility without losing yourself.
Mirjam Staub-Bisang: A Transformational Leader at Her Best.
– Blazy Flash
Moderator, Business Development Expert, Ambassador of Transformational Leadership
If you found this interview fascinating, you will certainly be interested in watching the full Flash⚡️Talk presented by smzh:
About smzh:
smzh is your partner for individual, comprehensive solutions in the areas of finance and investments, pensions and insurance, property and mortgages as well as legal and tax matters. smzh attaches great importance to personalised advice in order to find the optimum solution for each client. As an independent financial services provider, smzh helps you to set the right course for a carefree future, always focussing on the needs, wishes and goals of each client.
About this Episode:
This Episode was filmed at the Forbes Women's Summit at the Park Hyatt in Zurich, on October 3, 2024.
Produced and edited by SE Media.
SEmedia is a film production company specialised in high-quality film productions with state-of-the-art camera technology from Sony and RED. Present your company authentically and professionally with customised image films and create lasting impressions.
Find out more: www.semedia.ch
