Aesthetic medicine is a field that has experienced an unprecedented boom in recent years. From minimal, non-invasive procedures to advanced skin rejuvenation techniques: The industry is constantly changing and continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible. In this rapidly evolving landscape of aesthetic medicine, innovation and ethics collide, bringing new challenges and opportunities.
Our interviewee of the month, an accomplished leader and strategic thinker, has been contributing his expertise from over two decades in medical technology to the Merz Aesthetics (Switzerland) AG as Commercial Director. Merz Aesthetics is an independent, internationally active company based in Allschwil in the field of aesthetic medicine. The comprehensive product portfolio of dermal fillers for wrinkle and/or volume treatments is valued and used by qualified health care professionals worldwide.
With his master's degree in environmental sciences from ETH Zurich and various further training courses in business administration at ETH and HSG, Dr. Daniel Schmucki brings a combination of technical expertise and a comprehensive understanding to this highly specialized field. At a time when the demand for aesthetic treatments is increasing and technology is constantly advancing, his focus is always on safety and patient well-being.
In our interview, Daniel Schmucki discusses how he manages to foster an environment of continuous improvement and innovation without losing sight of the human element. His views on teamwork, personal development and the importance of constant questioning are valuable reading not only for leaders in the medical industry, but for anyone working in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment. Find out more about him in our interview of the month.
Mr. Schmucki, if you had taken a different path when you were younger, what would you have become?
"I firmly believe that a solid education only lays the foundation for a professional career. More important than the specific type of training - be it an apprenticeship or a degree - is the passion and interest for a particular field. I believe that a different career path would have led me to the point in my life where I am now. This is because my core motivation has always remained the same: working with people, supporting their development and doing something meaningful for patients are my cornerstones. I am driven by making their lives easier or more beautiful.
In my role as Commercial Director, I really enjoy working at the interface between Sales, Marketing and Finance. This interdisciplinary work enables me to make the best possible use of my extensive experience in medical technology."
What is your favorite way to start your day?
"My ideal morning starts with a cup of coffee and a view of the sunrise in the awakening nature. These quiet moments early in the day are valuable for me to collect my thoughts and prepare myself for the challenges of the day. Unfortunately, due to my tight schedule, it's not always possible to start the day like this. But when it does work out, I use this time to think about higher-level strategic issues. This calm start helps me to go into my demanding working day focused and purposeful."
What does success mean to you personally?
"For me, success means continuously growing as a team and achieving our goals together. In my many years of experience as a manager in medical technology, I have come to realize that true success lies in developing a strong team that learns and improves together.
Personally, I also measure success by my ability to master physical challenges. My hobbies include endurance sports such as mountain biking, road biking and running, as well as ice hockey and mountaineering. These various sporting activities require not only physical strength, but also mental discipline and careful risk assessment in order to literally reach the finish line. These are skills that I also use in my professional life. Success here lies in the shared experience and reaching the goal safely, which requires teamwork and strategic planning."
What would you work for free for a week?
"As someone who has built and coached teams, I would love to use my skills to motivate children and young people and guide them through their personal, educational or professional challenges. I can well imagine being a mentor who listens, advises and supports - or simply spends time with them and is there for them."
What was the best professional advice you ever received?
"The best advice I ever got was: always ask questions and question decisions and statements. This is particularly important in my industry, which is changing rapidly. Asking questions helps me to understand everything more thoroughly. I see new perspectives and find innovative solutions.
In my leadership role, questioning enables me to better grasp the views of my team. It creates an environment in which everyone can express their opinion. That moves us forward. It keeps us all on our toes and encourages continuous improvement. In short, this advice has taught me never to be complacent. It motivates me to always look for new ways to develop myself, my team and our company."
We would like to thank Mr. Schmucki for his contribution to this article.
This interview was conducted in writing.
Batterman Consulting Basel AG
Executive Search,
Byfangweg 1a, CH-4051 Basel
T +41 58 680 55 55
basel@batterman.ch
