Ariella Pfenninger

IMD Business School

Age: 43

“Arguably the most unconventional accountant you’ll ever meet ……too outgoing and talkative.”

Hometown: Zurich, Switzerland

Family Members: Mother, brother, sister-in-law and two nephews

Fun fact about yourself: At the age of 5, I made the decision to enlist in the Swiss Army and dedicate myself to serving my country. Now, nearly four decades later, I proudly hold the rank of Major as a Reserve Officer. Each year, I eagerly anticipate my four weeks of service, continuing to find fulfillment in contributing to the defense and security of Switzerland.

Undergraduate School and Degree:

• Bs in Business Administration from University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland
• Swiss Certified Accountant from the Chamber of Commerce Switzerland

Where are you currently working? Zurich Insurance Ltd. Switzerland, Head Financial Reporting & Tax

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles:

• Reserve Officer in the rank of Major in the Swiss Airforce
• Expert at the Swiss Certified Accountant Exams
• I am a Co-Founder of the Game Changers Legacy Fund, a charitable initiative established by my EMBA cohort.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? It was the establishment of the Game Changers Legacy Fund. It all started when our cohort was tasked with brainstorming initiatives we could do as class. We were planned for a trip to Kenya to explore impact investing in emerging markets and how to support the bottom of the pyramid. My personal experience at Swiss Re, where I mentored in a start-up academy in Kenya partnered with a Swiss NGO, inspired a bold proposition. I suggested that we could collectively fund a high-school scholarship through this NGO for a Kenyan student if everyone pitched in $100. And possibly even meet this student when there. This idea resonated deeply with one colleague, who proposed elevating our impact further. Thus, instead of $100 each, we pooled $1,000 per person and established the Game Changers Legacy Fund with which we invest in high-yielding investments. Through annual returns and supplementary fundraising, we are actively fulfilling the fund’s core mission of funding education for those less privileged.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Four years back, Zurich Insurance entrusted me with the role of department head of financial accounting & reporting and being part of the management team. It was my first assignment on this level and came at a time where all insurances worldwide were tasked to implement a new accounting standard, IFRS 17. This meant that on top of the business as usual, part of the team also had to cope with finalizing the implementation specifications. Additionally, we all were faced with a year of duplicate work, as implementing a new accounting standard demanded closing each quarter under both the old and new standard.

I could feel the anxiety of many being faced with this extra workload. However, detailed planning by my team leads, coupled with thoughtful gestures such as the distribution of ‘IFRS 17 first aid boxes’ filled with candies and treats, facilitated our journey through this challenging year. As a result, everyone could enjoy their full vacation entitlement, with overtime kept within reasonable limits. Among my proudest achievements was fostering a strong bond with my team, where I stood as their advocate and supporter. Together, we navigated the complexities of IFRS 17 implementation while ensuring that the day-to-day operations ran smoothly.

By fostering open communication and a supportive work environment, we were able to alleviate the anxieties that came with the additional workload. As department head, I made it a priority to listen to my team’s concerns and provide the necessary resources and support to address them. Whether it was through organizing training sessions, implementing efficient workflows, or simply offering a listening ear, I strived to empower my team members to perform at their best.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? Karl Schmedders. Despite my background in accounting and finance, I found immense pleasure in his finance classes. Karl’s unparalleled passion for the subject was infectious, making complex concepts accessible even to those less familiar with finance. His ability to deliver complex content enabled everyone, regardless of their financial acumen, to comprehend how deciphering financial data aids in understanding companies and the challenges they encounter.

Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? When I began looking at executive MBA programs the most important aspect for me was the internationality of students. This made my choice easy. Among the various programs under consideration, IMD stood out not only for its extensive international student community but also for its diverse faculty. Attending a school where I could get insights, not only from academic coursework but also from the experiences of my peers, was paramount to me. IMD did a fantastic job ensuring that for every group work we were put together with other classmates to fully benefit from this aspect.

What is the biggest lesson you gained during your MBA and how did you apply it at work? The most significant learning experience during my studies was undoubtedly our strategy assignment. With a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, I was already acquainted with various models like PESTEL, McKinsey 7S, and the Strategy Map. However, delving into the strategy assignment and employing these models in a real-world scenario for my company illuminated the critical necessity of interconnecting these frameworks to craft a cohesive strategy. Witnessing the complex interplay between these models and the need for a coherent thread running through them was enlightening. The amount of time needed to iterate between the different aspects was both captivating and provided fresh insights into the complexities of strategy development and definition.

Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education? The executive MBA journey at IMD kicks off with a three-week on-site course called the Foundation of Business Leadership (FBL). Following this, participants have the option to proceed directly into the next course segments or defer to a later starting date. Initially, I hesitated to sign up for the next phase; it would have entailed diving into a rigorous five-week online training block simultaneous to our year-end reporting cycle, now under a new accounting standard. Balancing work commitments with studies seemed daunting, and I questioned my ability to meet expectations on both fronts.

However, my FBL classmates were resolute in urging me to continue alongside them, and ultimately, their encouragement won me over. I am immensely grateful to this supportive cohort for nudging me to persevere on this journey and for extending their assistance if needed.

For me, the EMBA journey boiled down to meticulous planning. During the initial mastery stage, I devoted time to mapping out all assignments for the year, blocking off my calendar with study sessions, and incorporating buffer time to accommodate unforeseen challenges. Despite my best efforts, navigating this demanding schedule wouldn’t have been feasible without the unwavering support of my entire team, who shouldered much of the workload throughout the year. I’m indebted to my partner, who graciously accepted my need to dedicate minimum one day each weekend to studying; my mother, who diligently proofread my assignments; and my cohort, who provided a sympathetic ear for venting and served as invaluable sparring partners when needed.

What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program? Embarking on an EMBA journey demands a significant investment of time. One of our professors often emphasized that undertaking additional challenges such as transitioning to a new job, relocating to another country, or dealing with family/health matters alongside your EMBA studies could potentially compromise your success. Hence, it’s crucial to ensure you have adequate resources allocated for the year ahead.

I also urge you to actively engage in group projects and fulfill your assigned tasks promptly. Collaborating with your classmates not only benefits them but also enriches your own learning experience.

What was your biggest regret in business school? Although IMD made commendable efforts to ensure that we teamed up with different classmates for each group project, I discovered that I didn’t have the opportunity to collaborate with every member of the cohort. Our class was characterized by a diverse array of backgrounds and expertise, and I cherished the chance to learn from every one of my classmates.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? The person I admire the most is Lauren Knell. Besides her remarkable career in the pharmaceutical industry, Lauren is a mother of four and wife to a lovely husband, who also juggles a demanding career involving extensive business travel. Despite already being incredibly busy balancing her personal, professional, and academic commitments, Lauren has never hesitated to lend a helping hand, offer support, or engage in discussions about ideas. I am in awe of how she managed to handle it all while maintaining a warm smile and open arms for everyone she encounters. Lauren has been an unwavering source of faith and support for our entire cohort, and I am immensely grateful for her friendship.

What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? As an extrovert who thrives on human interaction, I was aware that a solely online program wouldn’t suit me well. I’ve noticed that I find it challenging to stay fully engaged during online trainings, as active listening requires significant effort on my part. Additionally, I sought a program that emphasized group collaboration, shared experiences, and the opportunity to cultivate meaningful relationships. Over time, I’ve come to view my cohort as a second family – a close-knit group of individuals who support one another, encourage personal growth, challenge assumptions, and collectively strive for excellence in all our endeavors.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? Up until a year ago, prior to embarking on my EMBA journey, my goal was clear: I aimed to climb higher in my career. However, the EMBA experience prompted me to reevaluate my aspirations. I questioned why upward advancement was the sole direction I had been pursuing. Throughout the year, I came to understand that seeking upward mobility doesn’t always lead to greater happiness, particularly if it conflicts with one’s ethical principles or integrity. What I discovered is that true greatness isn’t measured by position or status, but by the people we help and the positive impact we make.

While I haven’t yet defined my next career move, I am seeking a role where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around me and where I can remain true to my values and beliefs.

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