Do you also take your health for granted? At the latest when complaints arise and we are ill, we really appreciate this life resource. However, supposedly everyday things such as going for a walk, eating with pleasure or feeling a zest for life are anything but a matter of course after a serious diagnosis such as cancer. Despite progressive research, this traumatic diagnosis remains bad news and causes many patients to fall into deep self-reflection, even depression.
Especially in times of oncological therapies directed more and more specifically against cancer cells, the need for complementary support is increasing. While conventional medicine aims to combat tumor cells and symptoms such as pain, complementary medicine therapies grasp the person as a whole and strive for physical, mental and spiritual harmony. The self-healing powers of the diseased are activated to contribute to the healing success of conventional therapy or to enable a life worth living for the rest of the patient's life.
The Iscador AG in Arlesheim is a pharmaceutical company that researches, develops and markets anthroposophic preparations for integrative oncology. For over 70 years, the company has been committed to the growing importance of complementary medicines used in cancer treatment. Mistletoe therapy one. It is an important partner for physicians and patients in exploiting oncological therapy potentials and improving limited factors of quality of life.
Stephan Lorenz is CEO of the Iscador AGwhich manufactures this particular drug to treat cancer. Anyone who manages such a company strategically and operationally cares not only about the well-being of tumor patients, but also about nature and sustainability. We spoke with CEO Stephan Lorenz about his values and professional practices. Learn more about him in our interview of the month.
Mr. Lorenz, if you had taken a different path when you were younger, what would you have become?
"As a teenager, I was very interested in biology and the diversity of life forms. At that time, marine biology appealed to me the most. Later, I realized that I didn't just want to observe and analyze, but to be actively involved in shaping companies, relationships and processes. Inspiration from people and through people with whom I pursue common goals is enormously important to me. However, I have remained connected to the element of water through my hobby of apnoea diving."
What would you work for free for a week?
"I am always very concerned when I see how children and young people have to endure illnesses, and how they are expected to be patient and devoted so as not to despair at their fate. I have experienced this in India, for example, with children suffering from cancer, who often wait for days on the street in front of the Tata Memorial Center in Mumbai in order to receive medical care or to get their medication. I would like to do a music project with them to distract them a little from the dreariness of everyday life and their hopelessness."
What was the best professional advice you ever received?
"As a young student, I once came across a quote that has never left me: "What you want to ignite in others must burn in you.""
How do you face setbacks and deal with difficulties?
""Sh*t happens." Not to surrender, but as a source for personal growth, to do better next time. Every failure is also an opportunity. Only mistakes that are recognized as such can be avoided in the future. Every setback contains the chance for a new beginning. Every difficulty is a challenge to overcome the hurdle."
What is especially important to you in your work environment and what is definitely not coming into the office?
"I'm the father of two children and "caring" runs in the family. I'm driven by a commitment to a world in which they can live happily later on, even in my job. That's why I pay attention to sustainability and a solution-oriented approach to resources. Laziness and insincerity make me lose my good humor. They have to stay outside."
We would like to thank Mr. Lorenz for his contribution to this article. This interview was conducted in writing.
Editor: Neslihan Steiner
Batterman Consulting Basel AG
Executive Search,
Byfangweg 1a, CH-4051 Basel
T +41 58 680 55 55
basel@batterman.ch
