Kathryne Bonvin-Bercel, Director Career Transition & Coaching Practice, Von Rohr & Associates
Kathryne guides and helps lead individuals, at a professional cross-road, to success and personal satisfaction when it comes to identifying their personal potential and mapping out their future professional move. During the last 20 years, she has worked in the Human Resources function, holding generalist, business partner and strategic roles within multinational headquarter environments in 4 major business sectors.
A native of Montreal, she has also lived in Boston, Massachusetts, where she obtained a degree in Business Administration and has been in Geneva since 1991. Of English mother tongue, she is fluent in French and also speaks Hungarian.
A member of the CWF since 2009, and Committee member since 2015 in charge of Continuous Education, my take-aways from this multi-facetted experience are personal satisfaction, collaboration with great people and involvement in very interesting initiatives, and a stronger network.
Who is Kathryne Bonvin-Bercel in three words?
Energetic, Persevering, Compassionate
What would you do differently if you could travel back in time?
In hindsight, everything’s easier! I don’t believe in going back in time to do things differently, but rather trying to do things better or differently going forward.
What advice do you give to a new generation of women entering the job market?
Be as sure as possible of what you want to do at that time, build and maintain your business and personal network and negotiate your first job – it makes the next times easier! Demonstrate clearly what you can do and do so in an authentic way. Reserve time to do sports, hobbies, spend time with family and friends – find a balance that works for you between your professional and private life.
Which skill(s) would you like to possess?
How to be a better negotiator.
Do you have a particular skill?
Collaborating and connecting with people.
What is your perception about the benefits of networking?
Like one wouldn’t neglect a garden or home for months and years – the same applies to one’s network. Active networking is vital to sustaining professional growth.
Which hobby should we try or practice – and why? (or which book should we read?)
Transforming old furniture and accessories brings back former glory, gives a modern look, while maintaining the initial qualitative aspect – and saves the item from landfill doom.
What do you suggest to change and or improve at the CWF?
I would strongly advise members to actively participate in CWF events, groups and committees, leveraging diverse skill-sets and experience within the Forum.
What are the opportunities and challenges for the CWF?
To continue preparing business and entrepreneurial women for challenges and successes in their career – in a highly competitive and fast-moving business world.
A final message?
“A boat doesn’t go forward if each one is rowing their own way.” Swahili proverb