Shape The Change - with Andrea Bircher

Time to read: 5 minutes

We all love to see the best parts of people's lives online. But real life isn't always perfect. Our professional lives are not a straight line up.

This newsletter is about real people who faced tough times and found a way to make things better. They did this by shaping the change and focusing on what they could control. I am very glad to share some of their stories, which are inspiring me—and hopefully inspiring you too.

Let’s learn from them and grow together.

Here is the third change-shaper of this series: Andrea Bircher

From Chief Family Officer To A More Balanced Work and Home Life

I have always been impressed by Andrea's ability to blend insightful thinking with practical solutions. Her TEDx talk, which she delivered during our common EMBA studies, was a revelation. It perfectly captured the challenges faced by working parents and offered tangible strategies for change. I knew then that her ideas needed to be shared with a wider audience, and I am thrilled she has launched a company to do just that. In this interview, we explore the unique approach and tangible benefits of splitting tasks at home like we do at work.

Tell me about the journey that led you to co-found 2Share with your husband. What sparked this idea to support working parents?

It all started with a simple observation: the tools we use for organization and efficiency at work could also be incredibly valuable at home. In my TEDx talk, I shared how this approach helped my husband and I find our ways in parenting and household management. The response was overwhelming, confirming that many families struggle to find a system that works. That's why we created 2Share – to empower couples with practical strategies for a more harmonious and equitable home life.

With both you and your husband having demanding careers and two children, what motivated you to take the leap and launch 2Share? How did you find the time and energy?

The idea for 2Share wouldn't let us go. We are driven by a desire to create a more balanced world where both partners feel empowered in their work and family lives. We know that achieving true equality means addressing the often-unequal division of labor at home. 2Share is about providing couples with the tools to create lasting change in their own lives, one small step at a time. And that's how we're approaching our own journey with 2Share - with intention, balance, and a focus on making a real impact.

For couples feeling overwhelmed, what kind of support does 2Share provide? What can they expect when they work with you?

We offer both individual and group coaching for couples, and we have found that sharing experiences in a group setting can be incredibly powerful. We guide couples on a journey of creating a shared vision for their family life. This involves defining priorities, organizing responsibilities, and establishing open communication to ensure their approach evolves as their family does. It is not about striving for a perfect 50/50 split, but about designing a system that truly works for both individuals and the family as a whole. We've also found that this resonates with companies, and we now offer tailored workshops and programs for them, including sessions for expectant parents and women in leadership.

What concrete steps can companies take to help their employees thrive both personally and professionally?

Work-life integration is becoming increasingly important, and not just for parents. Across generations, people are prioritizing a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives. Companies need to recognize this shift and create a culture where employees feel supported and empowered to manage all aspects of their lives. This includes offering flexible work arrangements and rethinking traditional leadership models. In my own career, I have seen the benefits of part-time leadership firsthand, both for myself and my team. Job-sharing and other innovative approaches can help companies retain top talent, increase diversity, and create a more sustainable and fulfilling work experience for everyone.

Follow Andrea Bircher for real stories, practical tips, and inspiration to shape your own change.

Thank you for reading this episode of Shape The Change. In this newsletter, I tell the stories of transformational journeys, stories of those who dared to shape the change. I promise, it's all real talk and real change.

Subscribing to my newsletter helps me increase visibility, and more people can read the stories of my fascinating guests. Thank you for supporting me! Yours, Tünde