Catherine Schoendorff: Empowering Organizations for a Sustainable Future

In this edition, we have the privilege of speaking with Catherine Schoendorff ???? a true leader who has devoted her career to catalyzing profound transformations in the business landscape. Her knack for connecting dots in ways that unlock new opportunities has been her secret sauce. By harnessing the magic of creativity, knowledge, and talent, Catherine has paved the way for groundbreaking achievements that were once thought impossible.

Written by: Katy Rodriguez Botello

A Tapestry of Cultures and Dreams

Born in France, raised in Germany, and now calling Switzerland home, she embodies the spirit of a global citizen. Initially, her ambitions were directed towards orchestra conducting, but a chance encounter with the late conductor Leonard Bernstein redirected her path towards corporate leadership, igniting her passion for curiosity and transformative changes at the business level. Ever since, Catherine has embraced the belief that maintaining a sense of creativity in the face of challenges is paramount and has become her guiding light.

A Turning Point that Shaped a Journey

But every great journey has its turning points, and Catherine's life is no exception. One pivotal moment came when she made the difficult decision to step down as CEO of Mercer Switzerland. This bold decision was a turning point in her personal career and a step towards realizing her long-term aspirations. It propelled her into an exciting new phase of life, where she pursued a Ph.D. in strategic and regenerative sustainability. This choice led to prolific collaborations with universities and engagements in consultancy, leveraging her extensive senior executive and board member experience.

“I've enjoyed redefining my identity and contributing meaningfully to the field of sustainability and circularity. Each step in this journey has been about more than just professional advancement; it's been about challenging the status quo and pursuing a passion for making a significant net positive impact”. - Catherine Schoendorff

Harnessing Sustainability for Competitive Edge

Catherine is a master at identifying and seizing market opportunities. As 'the challenger' at The Value Department, she and her team guide companies in reimagining their business frameworks, achieving net-zero goals, and embracing circular and regenerative practices.?By introducing forward-thinking strategies that encourage companies to break free from outdated models and embrace a more agile way of operating, they help businesses view sustainability as an opportunity for unique competitive advantages and long-term resilience.

“Our focus extends beyond immediate operational improvements to fostering a broader understanding of how interconnected and rapidly changing our world is. By helping companies adopt this perspective, we empower them to be leaders in sustainability and innovation, ensuring they are not only participants in their markets but active shapers of those markets”. - Catherine Schoendorff

At The Value Department, their expertise extends from working with startups to partnering with major institutions, offering a comprehensive range of services that encompass strategic advisory and transformative business solutions, championing a modern approach that prioritizes flexibility, collaboration, and ecosystem thinking. By fostering a mindset that views changes and challenges as opportunities for growth, Catherine and her team empower companies to be pioneers in sustainability and innovation.

Driving Impact with Ambition (DIVVA)

But Catherine's impact doesn't stop there. She also founded DIVVA, her advisory business and a vehicle for transformative change. Through coaching organizations to grow sustainably and implement regenerative strategies, DIVVA embodies Catherine's mission of embedding a regenerative mindset at the heart of every strategy. It is a haven for her research and coaching business, targeting innovative approaches beyond traditional growth models towards sustainability.

Leadership Lessons: Inclusivity and Collaboration

With over three decades of excelling in various roles, from consultant to regional CTO and CEO at Mercer Switzerland, Catherine has navigated the complexities of the business world, honing her skills and gaining invaluable insights along the way. One of the most important lessons she learned was the significance of inclusivity and collaboration in leadership. Catherine recognized that her drive for progress should never come at the expense of leaving her team behind. This realization was reinforced when a member of her management team candidly remarked,

“Catherine, if you have slowed down from 800 km to 600 km per hour, just think that we here, we poor Swiss people, are only driving 120 km per hour. This candid feedback was a turning point, highlighting the necessity of inclusivity and alignment within leadership”. - Catherine Schoendorff

Drawing from her extensive experience, Catherine offers valuable advice to aspiring individuals looking to make a positive impact.?She encourages them to be bold, stay curious, and never shy away from connecting with others. Embrace collaboration, even with competitors, as it can lead to a broader understanding and uncover unexpected synergies. Stay open-minded, seek new knowledge, and constantly push the boundaries of what's possible.

“Draw inspiration from diverse fields like history, art, psychology, and collaborative thinking. Ultimately, the key is to remain present, adaptable, and committed to lifelong learning. It’s not just about what you know but how you connect, adapt, and leverage those connections to create value and drive impact”. - Catherine Schoendorff

Through her work at The Value Department and DIVVA, Catherine continues to inspire and guide organizations through dynamic and turbulent economic landscapes. She is part of a sustainable revolution, where every stakeholder contributes to a shared, transformative vision. Her mantra is clear and powerful: innovate boldly and lead sustainably.

Ready to lead change? Subscribe to her YouTube channel to gain valuable insights from leading experts. Get inspired on how you can make a positive impact and intentionally build your company's future.

Changemaker Chronicles is a community of people with a passion for shaking up the world. I believe it's time to shine a spotlight on your remarkable journeys.

Please feel free to DM me to nominate people you admire, who are actively driving change in their respective fields.