In conversation with Ian Simpson

1. You are Head of HR at Bitcoin Suisse – what makes this company unique?

It is the motivated and well-trained employees who are passionate about the company and its customers day after day. We have a “can do attitude” and our culture is characterized by entrepreneurship and team spirit.

2. How would you describe working at Bitcoin Suisse?

Every day is exciting and holds new challenges. No day is exactly the same. With our solution-oriented attitude and persistence, we pursue our goals every day. The quick decision-making processes and professionalism of our employees help us to provide the best service to our clients. And of course, we like to be open and share information freely and we respect each individual.

3. Is there a previous (professional or personal) experience that has had a strong influence on you?

It is key that we learn how to trust in the abilities of each individual employee and give them opportunities to contribute their skills. In the past, I have experienced that with “over-engineered” HR tools, people are easily forgotten. You get busy with the processes instead of dedicating time personally to employee and his or her development “on the job”.

4. You have worked for Nomura Banks, Siemens and McDonalds – and now Bitcoin Suisse – is there anything that is similar in all four places?

The passion for the product and the customers at Bitcoin Suisse as well as McDonalds is very similar. At Siemens and Bitcoin Suisse, the innovation to create something new is comparable. All four are very successful companies. At McDonalds, we have always said that “you have to have ketchup in your blood” for success. You can feel that well with us too, we have ‘crypto’ in our blood. We have a strong feeling of identifying with the product and the company.

5. What do you think is the most important personal quality in a colleague? What do you value most in others?

For me, the ability to learn, honesty and reliability are essential for successful cooperation. Of course, the knowledge and expertise must also be right.

6. You have a close connection to Denmark, which is a strong part of the Bitcoin Suisse culture – how do you approach working in a multi-cultural company?

I have always worked in international companies because the exchange with other cultures is personally important to me. Diversity always brings an advantage when working together and finding solutions. I grew up in Zug, which is a hotspot for expats, and my husband is from Denmark. So I am very familiar with different cultures and their peculiarities, in my private life as well as in my professional career. However, the personality of each individual has a greater influence on the company culture than the cultural background.

7. Is there anything you do regularly to relax or “switch off”?

My workdays are long and even on weekends and in the evenings there are often still pressing issues. The best way for me to relax is to do yoga, biking or hiking. My plan for this year is to hike or start the Via Alpina. I can relax best in nature.

8. What was your most beautiful vacation?

I visited Myanmar 6 years ago and traveled through the country for 3 weeks. It is an incredibly beautiful country with a strong culture, history and is not yet overrun by tourists.

9. What is the best music to relax?

Very different, because I like different styles of music. It always depends a bit on the mood. Music by Coldplay, Sting or U2 are certainly my favorites and if possible, I will also go to their concerts.

10. How would you characterize yourself in 5 words or less?

Since your own image of yourself and the external image people have of you often differ, I would let my team answer the question:

Trustworthy, empathetic, committed, pragmatic, assertive.