Jan-Egbert Sturm is the Director of the KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH Zurich and one of Switzerland’s leading macroeconomists.

In this episode, we explore how Switzerland is navigating an increasingly unpredictable global economy. Jan-Egbert explains how resilient the Swiss economy really is, why Switzerland was hit so hard by recent US tariffs, and what early effects Swiss exporters are already seeing. We also break down the global debt landscape, why some countries can sustain extremely high debt while others cannot, and what rising debt levels mean for the Eurozone. Finally, we look at Switzerland’s long-term challenges, including a declining birth rate, an aging population, and whether the Swiss franc can become too strong for its own good.

CONTACT JAN-EGBERT

KOF Swiss Economic Institute

https://kof.ethz.ch

Magazine Subscription

https://kof.ethz.ch/en/publications/kof-bulletin.html

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janegbertsturm

https://howitticks.ch/contact-page/

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Rule vs power-based global economy

04:00 Why Switzerland was hit by US tariffs

10:00 How Swiss companies are adapting

15:30 Weak spots in the Swiss economy

20:00 How global debt really works

27:00 Is the Swiss franc too strong?

33:00 Switzerland’s aging population and birth rate

My guest today is Nora Wilhelm, a systems change strategist, social innovator, and co-founder of Collaboratio Helvetica. Her work focuses on helping people and organizations understand the complex systems that shape society and what needs to happen to implement real, lasting change.

Expect to learn about the magnitude of global problems and why traditional approaches often fail. We discuss what it means to think systemically, the difference between simple, complicated, and complex problems, and how individuals can still make a meaningful difference. We also discuss Nora’s personal journey in building Collaboration Helvetica, her views on the effectiveness of activism, and why she remains hopeful about our capacity to change complex systems for the better.

RESOURCES & WORKSHOPS

Nora has provided the following free resources for listeners who want to apply systems thinking or find their purpose:

• Free Systems Change 101 Workshop: Learn more about systems thinking and apply tools to your cause.https://www.parayma.co/sc101
• Free Find Your Purpose 101 Workshop: For anyone looking to identify and align with their unique contribution.https://www.parayma.co/fyp101

CONNECT WITH NORA WILHELM

• Website for Systems Change Work: https://www.norawilhelm.org/
• Inner Work & Creativity Project (The Well): https://www.norawilhelm.org/the-well
• LinkedIn: Search Nora Wilhelm

TIMESTAMPS

00:00:15 What is the difference between a simple, complicated, and complex (systemic) problem?

00:03:50 The Cane Toad/Aga Toad example: Why linear solutions fail in complex ecosystems.

00:07:20 The difference between natural disasters and engineered problems (e.g., plastic waste).

00:10:50 The fish in the water: How society's embedded paradigms (Capitalism, Patriarchy) block change.

00:15:55 Why world poverty persists: The narrative of "pull yourself up by your bootstraps."

00:19:40 Finding your unique contribution: The two-part process to avoid burnout and make an impact.

00:26:00 Go small, not global: Why you must focus on your sphere of influence to drive change.

00:36:55 The wrong ways to act: Avoiding the pitfalls of linear thinking and ego-driven solutions.

00:40:00 The value of protesting: How peaceful and humorous protest builds community and raises awareness.

00:44:00 Optimism vs. Hope: Grieving lost certainty and finding commitment for the future.

00:50:50 Nora’s struggle with burnout and the project for givers (The Well).

My guest today is Mathias Müller, an elected member of the SVP party in the Grand Council of the Canton of Bern. He is a career officer in the Swiss Army and was previously the commander of recruitment for the Swiss Armed Forces. In addition to his military and political work, he is an author and hosts the official podcast of the Swiss Armed Forces.

Expect to learn about the paradox of a peaceful nation with a strong military and how this relates to its long history of neutrality. We'll explore the core philosophy of the Swiss militia army and how it compares to professional armies, discussing the effectiveness of its unique part-time system. We also dive into the ongoing debate about conscription, public support for the military, and how Switzerland's defense strategy adapts to modern geopolitical challenges.

CONTACT MATHIAS MÜLLER

• https://www.muellermathias.ch/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathias-m%C3%BCller-80a08462/

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  CONTACT MIKE

  https://howitticks.ch/contact-page/

  
  

  TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 Switzerland has not been to war in over 150 years—do they really need a military?

• 04:47 The Swiss military as a "melting pot" and a tool for national cohesion.

• 09:20 The conscription system: how it works and the unexpected rise of young men who want to serve.

• 12:00 The "brain power" of the militia army and its advantages over a professional military.

• 17:00 How training is conducted and the roles of conscripts and professional soldiers.

• 25:35 The 2013 referendum to abolish conscription and the shocking 1989 vote that shook the army.

• 28:40 The changing personality of a new generation of recruits.

• 33:30 The unrealistic goal of 10% female participation in the military and a debate on mandatory service for women.

• 37:00 The military's modern technology, from F-35 fighter jets to the Patriot system.

• 44:20 Mathias's perspective on the future of Switzerland and whether he is optimistic.