Sylvia Battegay: Transitions can be inspiring, but also frightening. How do you experience them?
Hans Ulrich Gasser: In both ways. But I’m finding personal and professional transitions less frightening the older I get. That probably has to do with my growing life experience. Transition means dealing with change, from which I consciously or unconsciously gain insights and learnings. I try to see the positives of every transition. Looking back, not every transition was inspiring, but still positive
What has been your most important transition so far?
My whole life has consisted of transitions and hopefully that will continue. Many transitions have mattered, but none has been the single most important one. But I do remember one in particular: transitioning from secondary school to an apprenticeship as a 15-year-old. Some activities were monotonous and repetitive, and the master was strict. I found changing from a fairly easy-going life with lots of free time and holidays to a highly structured and predefined daily routine drastic and hard at first. In hindsight, however, my apprenticeship opened up new training opportunities and career prospects, which certainly motivated me to persevere to the end.
You’ve been at ZHdK for ten years and previously worked for several media companies. What made you decide to become head of finance at a university of the arts?
When I stumbled over the ZHdK advertisement, I was fifty years old and had been working as a CFO for six years. For me, the question was whether I wanted to stay in my comfort zone for another ten to fifteen years or venture into new territory once again. The duties and responsibilities mentioned in the advertisement sounded familiar, but I had no experience of the education sector. ZHdK seemed an interesting employer, so I applied.
Do you make art? And if so, what kind?
I’m good at maths and can draw reasonably well. Originally, I wanted to be a graphic designer. No, I don’t make art, but I’m certainly interested in it. Whether it’s exhibitions at Toni, or in museums and galleries, or theatre and dance performances. For example, I enjoy watching contemporary dance projects. It’s wonderful to see what graduates are capable of when they leave ZHdK. It reminds me of why I work here.
Are there areas where you keep testing or pushing your boundaries?
I explore and expand my boundaries by doing very ordinary things: going for a run despite the rain, trying out a new recipe, going for a medical checkup, and so on. If you want to develop personally, you need to keep trying new things. It’s good that certain processes are standardized. But if you get too caught up in routines, transitions can suddenly become scary again. You’re no longer used to adapting to new situations.
Let’s change perspective: You took over as Head of Operations. What changes most for you?
My tasks, role and working environment have changed. I’m now responsible for all our services, not just for finance. My management span has widened. My team now consists of department heads and operations staff. Also, I’m now on the university board, so I’ll be more involved in university-wide operational and strategic issues.
Which projects and tasks are you particularly looking forward to?
I’m relishing the prospect of finding pragmatic solutions together with the department heads, operations staff and, of course, all services staff. Doing so will enable successfully completing the university’s ongoing projects over the next few years. Mind you, I’m also aware of the challenges. It won’t be easy, and we’ll only succeed if we support each other and pull together. I’m also looking forward to the forthcoming strategy process, which the President and University Board will be initiating before the end of the year. For me, it’s important to see targets or have a clear idea of where the university wants to go. And, of course, I’m looking forward to the introduction of Microsoft 365 and the applications this will involve for our new digital workplace.
ZHdK is undergoing a major transition. This autumn, the new Major-Minor study model will launch: What do change processes like this mean for ZHdK’s Services?
Change processes like Major-Minor mean that all our service processes and tools will change to make the new study model work operationally. Often, such processes are aligned university-wide, pushing our organization and staff to their limits. That is why I wish, that we strengthen and further develop ZHdK’s foundation while also supporting our organization in successfully implementing its key projects. I’d also like to have a working environment where I enjoy working and can keep developing.
Services
ZHdK Services ensure effective operations and organization by providing central services to the university, as well as the instruments required for professional resource management. ZHdK Services include Facility Management, Finance and Controlling, University Office, Human Resources Management, Information Technology Centre, and Technical and Event Services.
Sylvia Battegay
Dr. Sylvia Battegay is an issue manager at ZHdK University Communications.