Business Talk 2024: How networking and speed speeches inspire managers
Gen-Z, megatrends, supply logistics and spatial design for the next generations, attractive cities for everyone and Saunakult as a "cooldown" for Gen-Z: these were the topics of the fourth well-attended C-Level Business Talk, which took place in Zurich on October 1, 2024.
It has almost become something of a tradition: The Business Talk, held on the premises of Felfel AG in Zurich by rb Rüttimann consultingOffice for Communication and Management Consulting. Its owner and managing director Barbara Rüttimann created this event to bring together owners and/or managers of SMEs and large companies once a year after work in an informal setting. To differentiate herself from many other similar after-work events, Barbara Rüttimann has come up with something special: "speed speeches" with a maximum speaking time of 10 minutes, presented by the speakers in a "slam poetry" style - not necessarily literary, but with a similar "drive".
Inspiring speed speeches
The format seems to have gone down well, as almost 50 guests once again gathered at Felfel AG's headquarters in Zurich's Binz district. Known for "Good Food at Work", the presenting partner took care of the physical well-being, while Barbara Rüttimann, moderator of the talk, set the pace with her catchphrase-like slam poetry in the introduction. Then the six speakers, who this year were competing for the winner's prize - donated by Emil Frey AG - made their appearance. The motto of this year's event was "Next Generation". Diane Hürlimann, Head of Human Resources at Felfel, spoke about Gen Z and what employers need to do for them today, namely create space for self-realization and development. She said: "People are the key to a successful company; let's treat them as such!" Carsten Menke, Head of Next Generation, explained the influence of megatrends on investment themes and warned against short-term hypes. Stefan Fahrländer from Fahrländer & Partner AG dedicated his short presentation to the challenges in spatial planning for future generations with the need to build more densely in cities. Dr. Peter Acél, owner of Dr. Acél & Partner AG, gave a brief insight into the possibilities that already exist for the mobility of the future, which does not only consist of self-driving vehicles. Dominique Zygmont, CEO of the Zurich City Association, quoted the "Kleine Niederdorfoper" and called on the audience to "sell a calf", as the protagonist Heiri did in this cult musical. After all, Zurich has potential and should not become an open-air museum. Finally, Caroline Wüest, Managing Director of sauna manufacturer Klafs AG, made a plea for sauna culture as a form of "digital detox" and an answer to stress and burnout.
Award for most captivating presentation
All speed speeches became a real live experience without any digital support. Similar to slam poetry events, the winner of the speed speaking competition was determined by clapping. In the end, Dominique Zygmont was chosen with great enthusiasm for his captivating presentation. Barbara Rüttimann was also delighted. Once again, she succeeded in inspiring the guests with the program. The next edition of the Business Talk is already being planned for 2025.
