After several years in the management team at Pfizer Switzerland, Sabine Bruckner has been heading up the company as Country Manager since February 2020. The enthusiastic mountain biker is looking forward to making new contacts, wants to remain true to her collegial style, and is convinced that teamwork not only leads to success but also enriches each individual.
A passion for medicine and balance in everyday management
Did you have a dream job as a child?
Yes, I planned to study medicine for a long time. That’s where my affinity for healthcare comes from. I am motivated by improving people’s lives with innovative therapies, and I am very happy to be able to do just that in my current position.
Congratulations, today you are Country Manager at Pfizer Switzerland. The expectations placed on you are certainly high. How do you deal with the pressure?
I work in a great team. So the joy of the job outweighs the pressure. I’ve also been living in Switzerland for around 10 years and have been involved in the management team at Pfizer Switzerland for a long time. I’m very familiar with the local culture and healthcare system. I think it also helps that I’ve learned how to switch off properly.
How do you manage that despite your great responsibility?
Since I’ve been living in Switzerland, I’ve been an avid mountain biker. Being in nature clears my head and recharges my batteries. Today, I manage to strike a very good balance. It used to be much more difficult when my son was younger. I am very grateful for the support of my family, without whom my career would not have been possible.
New role, proven leadership style
You have around 20 years of international management experience. If you could give your younger self a career tip, what would it be?
Looking back, I would advise myself not to always have to do everything perfectly. My high expectations of myself sometimes put me under a lot of pressure. But I have since learned how important it is to let others help you sometimes.
You are moving from a regional role in finance to the role of Country Manager. How will you approach your new position?
I will remain true to my style, which has proven itself. I believe in teamwork. In my opinion, this not only leads to success—it enriches each individual. What I find exciting about my new role is expanding my network. I look forward to new contacts and collaboration. In general, I am working with our team to ensure that our work is more visible externally.
Pfizer describes itself as “a great place to work.” Why?
I am personally convinced of this. Pfizer offers an exciting international environment with the opportunity to work in cross-border teams. We encourage our employees to get to know different departments and functions. Such experiences have a positive effect on their careers, but also on their personal satisfaction.
Courage, excellence, equity, and joy: the foundation of Pfizer’s culture
What characteristic would you describe as essential if someone wants to start a career at Pfizer?
A team thrives on diversity. That’s why personalities can and should be different. We expect all employees to identify with our four values: courage, excellence, equity, and joy. And our common goal is to work together to improve the lives of patients. For us at Pfizer, these are not just buzzwords, but something we live by every day. Especially in times of crisis like the current pandemic, our workforce is motivated to contribute to the health of our society.
Is there a value that you are particularly committed to?
I am fascinated by the fact that Pfizer has anchored “joy” as a corporate value. It has always been important to me that we enjoy our work, recognize each other’s achievements, and take pride in what we accomplish together. That’s why this value is particularly close to my heart.
What do you think about gender equality and how do you promote it in your everyday life?
For me, gender equality is only a small part of equity. Equality goes much further than that. Different backgrounds, age diversity, and flexible working time models for mothers and fathers are important to me. Pfizer Switzerland also has a mixed diversity team that advocates for everyone’s needs and asks critical questions.
“The strongest pipeline in our history”
Where does Pfizer want to be in Switzerland in the next five years?
We are changing globally with a clear focus on research and innovative therapies. In five years, we will be a different company than we are today. Through targeted acquisitions and spin-offs, we are becoming leaner and more agile.
And what news is there from your pipeline?
Our CEO Albert Bourla summed it up when he said we have developed “Pfizer’s greatest pipeline ever.”
Conclusion
Sabine Bruckner stands for leadership based on trust, teamwork, and lived values. With a clear focus on innovation, diversity, and enjoyment of the shared task, she is actively shaping the further development of Pfizer Switzerland and strengthening the company both strategically and culturally.
