My guest today is Sebastian Huber, an expert in global trade and luxury goods with a deep focus on the business dynamics of Asia, particularly China. As a lecturer and researcher at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, and with a background that includes global roles at luxury brands like Montblanc, he brings a unique perspective on Switzerland's place in the global market.

Expect to learn about the Swiss luxury industry, why Switzerland became a global hub for luxury brands, and how this craftsmanship is maintained. We dive into the unique Switzerland-China free trade agreement, what it's like to trade with China compared to other countries, and the challenges of competing Chinese brands. The conversation also explores how global political factors impact Switzerland and the future of luxury consumption in Asia.

CONTACT SEBASTIAN

• https://www.sebastianhuber.ch/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-huber-consulting/

  
  

  CONTACT MIKE

  https://howitticks.ch/contact-page/

  
  

  TIMESTAMPS

• 02:00 What the West misunderstands about doing business in China.

• 05:57 What defines the Chinese economy and its "overlapping Chinas".

• 11:50 The origin story of Swiss luxury: from musical boxes to watchmaking.

• 21:15 The unique history of Switzerland's free trade agreement with China.

• 37:40 The irrationality of luxury: why heritage matters more than function.

• 41:27 How Switzerland navigates global political tensions and trade wars.

My guest today is Javier Pérez-Ramírez, a full Professor of Catalysis Engineering at ETH Zurich, director of the NCCR Catalysis, and Chair of the Editorial Board of Green Chemistry. He and his team design chemical solutions to solve one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges, plastic waste. His work has been widely recognized with several awards.

Expect to learn about the magnitude of the global plastic waste problem and the significant discrepancy between the plastic we collect and what is actually recycled, The difference between mechanical and chemical recycling, and the technical barriers that have prevented scalable solutions until now. Javier also shares insights on which countries are leading the way, what Switzerland is doing to contribute, and the single most impactful action an individual can take to ensure their plastic waste has the best chance of being recycled.

CONTACT JAVIER PÉREZ-RAMÍREZ

• ETH Zurich Website

• • linkedin.com/in/javier-pérez-ramírez-64614211

  
  

  CONTACT MIKE

  https://howitticks.ch/contact-page/

  
  

  TIMESTAMPS

• 02:00 The magnitude of the plastic waste problem.

• 04:40 The current global rate for plastic recycling and what percentage has ever been recycled.

• 06:15 The discrepancy between the amount of plastic collected and what is actually recycled.

• 10:00 Switzerland's recycling performance and its focus on incineration.

• 12:20 The fundamental difference between mechanical and chemical recycling.

• 17:35 The technical and financial barriers that have blocked chemical recycling until now.

• 25:25 The realistic timeline for chemical recycling to make a significant impact.

• 35:00 New initiatives in Switzerland, including the NCCR Catalysis program.

• 40:30 Advice for individuals: the most impactful action they can take.

Elsbeth Stern is a cognitive psychologist and Professor Emeritus of Teaching-Learning Research at ETH Zurich. We delve into her extensive expertise to gain a deeper understanding of intelligence, its development, and its role in a changing world. The conversation addresses common myths about learning and provides a critical look at modern education.

Expect to learn about what intelligence really is and the influence of both nature and nurture. We discuss the value of taking an IQ test, and whether the idea of being a "math person" or an "art person" is scientifically supported. The conversation also provides Elsbeth's assessment of the current Swiss education system, her vision for an ideal school of the future, and the essential skills children need to develop for an AI-influenced world.

CONTACT ELSBETH

ETHZ_ElsbethStern

CONTACT MIKE

https://howitticks.ch/contact-page/

TRANSCRIPT

https://howitticks.ch/podcast/elsbeth-stern-intelligence-education/

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 Defining intelligence and cognitive flexibility.

• 00:01:06 The value of taking an IQ test.

• 00:07:05 Nature vs. nurture and intelligence.

• 00:13:58 How an average person's intelligence evolves over time.

• 00:24:00 Assessing the Swiss education system.

• 00:38:52 The impact of AI on learning.

• 00:44:06 Critical skills for an AI-influenced world.

• 00:46:58 Intelligence and autism.

• 
  

My guest today is Tanya Deans, the creator and author of the popular Swiss hiking blog, Swiss Family Fun. Tanya's journey from a Swiss expat to a leading guide in Swiss travel has made her blog a go-to resource for anyone looking to explore the country's incredible hiking trails and experiences.

Expect to learn about top hike recommendations for various groups, including visiting families, tourists looking to avoid crowds, and families with young children. Tanya also shares her favorite lesser-known trails, offers tips for hiking in different seasons, provides advice for enjoying stunning views on a budget, and outlines essential preparation considerations for different types of Swiss hikes.

CONTACT TANYA

https://swissfamilyfun.com/contact/

CONTACT MIKE

https://howitticks.ch/contact-page/

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Best hikes for visiting family (Chäserrugg, Stoos)

00:04:36 Top trails for tourists looking to avoid crowds (Zermatt, Jungfrau, Rigi)

00:11:50 Hidden gems for experienced hikers (Brienz Rothorn, Surenen Pass, Segnesboden)

00:18:15 Winter hiking and snowshoeing tips

00:21:40 Hiking Switzerland on a budget: passes, picnics, and smart choices

00:28:30 Essential safety and preparation tips for all Swiss hikes

My guest today is Tanya Deans, the creator and author of the popular Swiss hiking blog, Swiss Family Fun. Tanya's journey from a Swiss expat to a leading guide in Swiss travel has made her blog a go-to resource for anyone looking to explore the country's incredible hiking trails and experiences.

Expect to learn about the inspiration behind Swiss Family Fun and its evolution from a personal project to a comprehensive travel platform. We discuss the challenges Tanya faced during its growth and gain insights into her business model, including how the blog is sustained through sponsors, partners, and digital products.

CONTACT TANYA

https://swissfamilyfun.com/contact/

CONTACT MIKE

https://howitticks.ch/contact-page/

TIMESTAMPS

01:45 Introduction to Tanya Dean and Swiss Family Fun

02:12 From expat hobby to a popular Swiss travel blog

06:00 The turning point: Monetizing Swiss Family Fun and overcoming burnout

11:33 Adapting to change: From ads to affiliate revenue & digital products

14:40 Key lessons for entrepreneurs: Always listen to your audience

26:45 The challenge of scaling: Why hiring help is the next big step

James Blake Wiener, a historian, writer, and Co-Founder of the World History Encyclopedia, joins How It Ticks to explore remarkable Swiss stories throughout history. His research illuminates global history through unique cross-cultural exchanges and individual narratives.

This is Part 5 of our special 5-part series, focusing on The Ticinese and the Australian Gold Rush. We delve into the compelling story of migrants from Switzerland's Ticino region who journeyed to the other side of the world in the mid-19th century in hopes of striking gold and building new lives.

Expect to learn about the motivations behind this significant Swiss migration, the challenges faced by Ticinese individuals during their arduous journey to Australia, and their experiences on the goldfields. We discuss their contributions to Australian society and the lasting impact their adventures had both in their new home and back in Ticino.

Read the original article by James Blake Wiener here:https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/en/2023/12/the-ticinese-and-the-australian-gold-rush/

Listen to the full 5-Part Series:

• ⁠Part 1: The Swiss on the Titanic⁠

  ⁠Part 2: The Swiss on the Lusitania ⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠Part 3: Albert Gallatin: A Swiss Founding Father⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠Part 4: Johann Ludwig Burckhardt: An Intrepid Swiss Explorer⁠⁠

Connect with James Blake Wiener:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameswiener/

Connect with How It Ticks:Website: https://howitticks.ch/contact-page/

Full Transcript: https://howitticks.ch/podcast/swiss-stories-james-blake/

If you found this historical journey compelling, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment below! What did you find most surprising about the Ticinese experience in the Australian Gold Rush?

James Blake Wiener, a historian, writer, and Co-Founder of the World History Encyclopedia, joins How It Ticks to explore remarkable Swiss stories throughout history. His research illuminates global history through unique cross-cultural exchanges and individual narratives.

This is Part 4 of our special 5-part series, focusing on Johann Ludwig Burckhardt: An Intrepid Swiss Explorer. We delve into the fascinating life of this Swiss adventurer, known for his daring travels across the Middle East and his significant contribution to archaeology, including his "rediscovery" of Petra.

Expect to learn about Johann Ludwig Burckhardt's background and his motivations for his extensive explorations. We discuss his journeys through regions like Syria, Egypt, Arabia, and Nubia, his methods for blending in with local cultures, and the challenges he faced. The conversation highlights his monumental discovery of Petra and his lasting legacy in the world of exploration and Orientalism.

Read the original article by James Blake Wiener here:https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/2024/08/johann-ludwig-burckhardt-schweizer-entdecker/

Listen to the full 5-Part Series:

• ⁠Part 1: The Swiss on the Titanic⁠

  ⁠Part 2: The Swiss on the Lusitania ⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠Part 3: Albert Gallatin: A Swiss Founding Father⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Part 5: The Ticinese and the Australian Gold Rush⁠⁠

Chapters:Coming Soon:

Connect with James Blake Wiener:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameswiener/

Connect with How It Ticks:Website: https://howitticks.ch/contact-page/Full Transcript: https://howitticks.ch/podcast/swiss-stories-james-blake/

James Blake Wiener, a historian, writer, and Co-Founder of the World History Encyclopedia, joins How It Ticks to explore remarkable Swiss stories throughout history. His research illuminates global history through unique cross-cultural exchanges and individual narratives.

This is Part 3 of our special 5-part series, focusing on Albert Gallatin: A Swiss Founding Father. We delve into the life and profound influence of this Swiss-born statesman who played a pivotal role in early American politics, serving alongside figures like Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin.

Expect to learn about Albert Gallatin's Swiss origins and his path to becoming a key figure in American history, including his contributions as Treasury Secretary and diplomat. We discuss how his unique background may have influenced his political philosophy and his lasting legacy in shaping the young United States.

Read the original article by James Blake Wiener here:https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/en/2021/01/albert-gallatin-a-swiss-founding-father/

Listen to the full 5-Part Series:

• ⁠Part 1: The Swiss on the Titanic⁠

  ⁠Part 2: The Swiss on the Lusitania ⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Part 4: Johann Ludwig Burckhardt: An Intrepid Swiss Explorer⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠Part 5: The Ticinese and the Australian Gold Rush⁠⁠

Connect with James Blake Wiener:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameswiener/

Connect with How It Ticks:Website: https://howitticks.ch/contact-page/Full Transcript: https://howitticks.ch/podcast/swiss-stories-james-blake/