Peer-Dialog Empowerment

The sixth edition of the «Empowerment» peer dialogue for women in the peer group took place on Thursday and Friday, October 29–30, 2026, at the Hotel UTO KULM on the Uetliberg near Zurich.

Under the theme «Empowering Women Leaders,» recommendations were developed for a successful professional career in a top-level position, executive management, or on a board of directors: How do you boldly take on challenges, leverage your own strengths, set measurable and visible goals, and work consistently toward them? What does meaningful networking look like when focused on target companies and relevant content, and what does optimal preparation for every meeting entail? Keeping in mind the principle of «Choose your battles wisely,» we focused on and discussed solution-oriented processes and procedures.

Our sparring partners—Regula Berger (CEO of Basler Kantonalbank), Dr. Lorenzo Job (Partner at KPMG Switzerland), and Nathalie Wappler (former Director of SRF)—enriched the evening with valuable insights, inspiring perspectives, and an open exchange among equals.

In addition to individual reflection, the personal dialogue within the peer group and the opportunity to gain new contacts and inspiration through networking with a diverse range of individuals were of central importance to the participants.

Dates for 2027

Due to high demand, new dates have already been set: The next sessions will take place on Thursday and Friday, March 11–12, 2027, and Thursday and Friday, October 28–29, 2027, at the Hotel UTO KULM on the Uetliberg near Zurich.

Concept

The Peer Dialog was launched in 2022 by Dr. Fabienne E. Meier and is a qualified response to the need for better representation of both genders in the management bodies of Swiss companies.

The goal of the peer dialogue is to «empower» women in key positions. Well-educated, competent, and ambitious women are shown which success factors are crucial for a career at the highest management level. They learn to consciously shape their leadership role and to position themselves effectively even in male-dominated committees.

The empowerment focus areas are based on the results of the Knight Gianella BoD survey 2021 conducted in collaboration with IMD (Business School for Management and Leadership Courses) and on the findings of the Knight Gianella booklet Empfehlungen für mehr Frauen in Schlüsselpositionen (in German).

Our carefully selected sparring partners from the worlds of business, academia, and communications enrich the seminar with their experience and perspectives and contribute to a constructive, practical exchange.

The Peer Dialogue is exclusively open to female professionals. Admission to the peer group is granted through a personal recommendation by the employer or an established executive, as well as through a qualified application. Participation is limited to 20 women. The peer dialogue takes place in a small, confidential peer-group setting. Participation will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

For further information or your application, please contact Dr. Fabienne E. Meier at academy@knightgianella.ch.