A look at my CEO For One Month Journey so far
My #ceoforonemonth Journey started in April 2021 when Theresa von Wielligh sent me the application link and told me that this would be something for me.
Contract Signing of CEO For One Month Switzerland 2023- FLTR - Marcel Keller & Alicia Reiff
Since then, I have been challenged in more ways than one. I have progressed, failed, tried again, learned, adapted, and started from square 1. Throughout this journey, I have had to embrace my tenacity, stay determined, learn from the art of failure, and keep up my confidence.
In 2021 I applied to Germany and Switzerland. I made it into Germany's Top 100 candidates for the program and tackled the issue of the Corona Pandemic and what this meant for Adecco. I got into the Top 30 and had to prepare a case for the Future of the World of Work as we knew it and what expectations Generation Z had for employers. This is where I faced my first failure but also my first opportunity for improvement.
I did not make it into the Top 3 candidates but I learned so much from my first year taking part in the program. Not only what Adecco is about and what work we do for others, but especially about my own strengths and weaknesses.
In 2022, I was determined to give it another go! I applied again. I knew a bit better what to expect but also knew that I should prepare for the unexpected because you never know what will happen.
Out of 124'000 candidates worldwide I made it into the next round. This year's topic- The nearing end of Home Office -what does this mean for employees and employers? I prepared a video debating the pros and cons of the home office and the future of hybrid work. I successfully made it into the penultimate round of Germany's selection process and this is where I encountered my next hurdle and learning opportunity.
Having attempted my luck with the program twice, my frustration was a driving factor and I really wanted to dig deep and figure out what I could do to improve and give myself a better chance next time.
I scheduled calls to review my performance during the recruitment and looked over my resume, I reached out to current and past CEOs for One Month and gained valuable insights through their experiences.
I must admit after the 2nd rejection I did feel defeated, frustrated, and a bit angry because I got so close but just couldn't make it all the way. I pondered what I could have done better and if only I would have approached something differently maybe I would have made it to the final selection.
In 2023, applications opened again and I was now faced with the question:
Should I give it another go?
I debated this a lot longer than I had during my second attempt. I questioned my ability and whether it was truly worth it to give it another shot. Potentially go through another failure... When I am faced with these situations in life where my determination is tested and I need to decide to continue or stop I have noticed that my tenacity often pushes through. My optimistic view on life- What if this time round it's different? What if I get further? What if I actually make it?
Could I live with the question "What if?"
Ultimately, the answer is no! In almost any scenario in life, I would much rather, try again, ask the question and give it a go. You never know what will happen and in the worst case you learn, you get a no, or you create amazing experiences, no matter the outcome.
So I applied again, this year to Germany, Switzerland, and the UK. I thought back to the previous years and what worked well and what I could improve on. With a new burst of energy, I started the application process for 2023.
After completing the online assessment it was time for the well-known waiting game.
I received a rejection from Germany.
I received a rejection from the UK
For the first time in three years, I moved on to the next round for Switzerland with a justified hope, that maybe this will be the year. I did research on the latest news for Adecco. I worked on my presentation skills, and really thought about why I truly wanted this opportunity.
Faced with the task of answering the following questions:
What do you expect from the internship as CEO for One Month? What do you want to get out of it?
What is special about the CEO for One Month internship in Switzerland?
What appeals to you about the position of CEO?
I tried to think of the most effective way to communicate my message and to engage with the person in charge of judging this. I got into the next round and I was nervous. This is where my journey had ended previously so how do I make sure I continue? I couldn't think of any one clear answer... the only conclusion I came to was to BE YOU. Authentically and fully. The only way I knew how. I approached the interview with this mindset and made sure to ask for tips and feedback along the way. Even if I did not make it it would be something I could use in other aspects of life.
I anxiously waited for the result and towards mid-May I got the email. I had finally made it to the last stretch to the Top 5 Candidates in Switzerland.
On the 25th of May 2023, I along with 4 other candidates arrived in Zürich for Assessment Day. We completed various challenges ranging from a Case Study, Speed Interviews to a Panel Discussion. It was an intense day filled with great learning, challenges, insights, and networking and I am honored to have spent it with my fellow Top 5 candidates Jessie Li, Tiffany Cattin, Marco Marugg, and Natalie Porepp.
We were assessed by a Jury consisting of Marcel Keller Country President of Adecco Switzerland, James Peck Vice-President LHH Recruitment Solutions Switzerland, Annalisa Job Vice-President Marketing & Communication The Adecco Group Switzerland, Romain Meunier CFO Akkodis Switzerland, and Sylvia Gyr Sales Director LHH L&D Switzerland. It was a thought-provoking and great experience to be evaluated by them.
I was overjoyed that at the end of this day, I was chosen as Switzerland's CEO for One Month of 2023!
This 3-year process has shown me that my tenaciously courageous spirit accompanies me in achieving my goals. Most importantly however that:
"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently" - Henry Ford
Through each year I was able to learn and adapt and this culminated in me being successful this year. I would like to thank Kai Nestor Wiederhold for his consistent support and help along this journey. Lastly, Margarete Reiff was there through each hurdle and continues to be my biggest supporter.
I feel proud that I was awarded this great opportunity on the 25th of May 2023- Africa Day. As someone with a biracial background, who was born and raised in Namibia 🇳🇦 and someone who truly believes in the importance of a diverse community in all aspects it was a great honour to receive this opportunity on a day when we acknowledge and celebrate the success of the African Union, the people, diversity, and achievements of this continent. I hope to inspire others to go after their dreams, to try hard things, and to try again when they fail.
I look forward to the upcoming month as #CEOForOneMonth for The Adecco Group Switzerland 🇨🇭, to collaborating with all members of the Adecco Team, learning, being challenged, exchanging experiences with fellow CEO for One Month across our country offices globally 🌏, and working alongside Marcel Keller and the Swiss Leadership Team.
I am proud to be part of an organization that helps to make the Future Work for Everyone every step of the way!