Alongside the headquarters in Regensdorf, the Lausanne site is hugely important for Habegger. But what is it like on the other side of the “Röstigraben”? We talked to Félix Zinsli, Head of Regional Business Development, and Florent Leuenberger, Project Manager, about tired clichés, language barriers and internal collaboration.
Bonjour Lausanne
Around 220 kilometres or a three-hour train journey separate our headquarters in Regensdorf and our branch office in Lausanne Flon. In-between lie a language barrier and many clichés. Félix has little interest in them. The native Australian, who grew up in Aargau and at the age of 18 fell in love with the Montreux Jazz Festival and the Lavaux region (and ultimately with an Italian girl in Geneva), has been moving within many different cultures and linguistic regions for years. “Although Romands perhaps have a relaxed view of many things due to the Mediterranean attitude to life around Lake Geneva, work is also done here,” he explains with a smile, casting aside worn-out prejudices.
Overcoming language barriers
Working together, Félix and project managers Florent Leuenberger and Charlotte Sterling advise clients and organise events throughout French-speaking Switzerland – and sometimes also abroad. In doing so, they work closely with the Habegger team in Zurich. Language barriers? Habegger is multilingual: it’s quite possible for people to switch between German, French and English during a meeting. For projects in Western Switzerland, it’s an advantage to pick up clients in French – trust can thus be established more quickly, but English as a business language is also widespread due to the international corporate companies. “No matter whether Romands or Swiss-Germans, we speak the same language in the end. We are united by a passion for live communication,” adds Florent Leuenberger, who originally comes from Valais and whose accented German sounds très charmant.
Florent and Charlotte in the Habegger Studio at the Lausanne location.
Personal contact is important
Those who want to be successful in Romandy need to be present locally. Habegger was also aware of this and opened a branch office in Lausanne in 2017. Since then, the team has been able to implement a wide range of physical, digital and hybrid events. “Clients are now aware of us and know that they can trust us,” says Florent. Sometimes contracts are even signed over lunch. In general, maintaining relationships is a priority – whether it be for start-ups, local companies or international corporate groups: “Our industry is a people business.” Those who can draw on an existing network have the edge.
Reliant on good teamwork
Félix Zinsli
However, the interaction within Habegger is also very important for the trio. “We are an undertaking with a shared goal and we also feel that,” says Félix. All three are regularly in Regensdorf for team and client meetings. However, they are also delighted to welcome visitors to Lausanne. And this is where there’s an exception when it comes to clichés: while enjoying a glass of white wine as an “Apéro”, guests are introduced to the other advantages of Romandy. La vie est belle – especially in Lausanne. And many who came as guests have stayed here forever.
Our team will continue to broaden in the future, as we are always on the lookout for exceptional personalities for live communication.
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