We conducted an insightful interview with our partner, Dr. Andrea Nienaber-Grundlehner! Learn more about her unique career path, past projects and personal values. Dive in and discover the multi-layered personality behind a successful career.
As an independent executive search boutique, DE BORD INTERNATIONAL finds sustainable solutions for companies.
Dr. Andrea Nienaber has been a key member of the DE BORD INTERNATIONAL team since 2018 and is our expert for executive search in the Med Tech and Life Sciences sector. With a PhD in biology and a wealth of consulting experience, Andrea combines her deep industry knowledge with a keen eye for detail. She not only looks at our clients' companies through a macroscopic lens, but also examines the microscopic intricacies of their products.
Andrea excels at finding the perfect team members and addressing critical medical and technical needs. Fluent in German, English and Dutch, she brings a global perspective to her work. At home, Andrea's two daughters keep her on her toes, but she always manages to bring her natural calm with moments of delicious irony to our team.
Dr. Andrea Nienaber-Grundlehner
Can you describe your previous positions, professional experience and professional background?
The common thread in my professional career can be described in three words: Business Development, Consulting and Passion for Science.
As a STEM woman, it made sense for me to study natural sciences and at the time I was fascinated by the innovative technologies in molecular and cell biology. I was later able to enter the industry via sales.
I broke out of the ivory tower of academia and entered the reality of selling innovative, technical products, where I laid the foundation for my consulting skills. “Consultative selling” was the buzzword and I was able to work with various pharmaceutical and biotech customers and was close to the research and development of drugs or diagnostics. Above all, my years in sales taught me to work in partnership with my customers. Commitment, perseverance and integrity were the basis for my success.
I can openly say that I quit my sales job due to family planning. It was the personalities in the team that convinced me to join Recruitment and develop my skills in consulting and services.
I have been working in the industry for almost 20 years now and have been able to build up new business and new customer segments at every stage. For example, in biotechnology, later in the pharmaceutical industry and medical technology. There were years when I specialized in certain functions, but today I have a broader base and mostly work on mandates with international responsibility. Thanks to the many insights into different organizational structures and companies, I have been able to gain various insights into management styles and change processes and am always close to the current challenges in the market.
The high degree of independence and flexibility in my work in Executive Search play very well with my family responsibilities and even though I like to be in the office a lot, I can fulfill my obligations from anywhere. So I sometimes have a virtual meeting from the Valais mountains or an island in the North Sea.
What important projects have you worked on?
The biggest milestones in the last 10 years have been executive search mandates where the responsibilities involved building a team or a department and I had to understand what the long-term goals of the company were. The challenge was to anticipate what new skills this leadership function should bring to the organization so that they can develop the team and take it to the next step. These were important projects for me as they strengthened customer relationships in the long term.
What are some notable achievements or milestones in your career that you are particularly proud of?
I have been able to build and develop new businesses at all stages of my career. This has also been from the ground up, which has not always been easy. However, I personally really enjoy these challenges and I have another project like this in the pipeline - more to come.
I am also proud to build up in-depth expert knowledge, as this is often required in connection with a new project for a customer and for a specific time window, such as Market Access (HEOR), Clinical Affairs, MDR expertise, Biologix market, multi-channel marketing or sustainability.
What are your current tasks and responsibilities?
Business Development! At the moment, my operational tasks also involve handling mandates with a strong focus on commercial.
What do you enjoy most about your current position?
Working in partnership with the decision-makers, whether in briefings, exchanging/analyzing candidate profiles or having inspiring conversations during interviews. Furthermore, the exchange with the network on current topics. Last but not least, the constructive exchange with my partners and team at De Bord International. Above all, it is a great pleasure when you can offer added value and bring people and skills together who might not otherwise have found each other. And, of course, the opportunity to constantly face new challenges from which we can learn and grow. In our industry, we also have to ask ourselves what entrepreneurship will need tomorrow? Where can we make our contribution to positioning the right skills and personalities as a sustainable solution?
Describe yourself in 3 skills that you bring to your role as a consultant!
Partnership-based approach, i.e. good listening skills and a solution-oriented and pragmatic approach to collaboration
High level of service orientation and associated enthusiasm for the life science industry
Enthusiasm for people
What specifically attracted you to our company to work as a consultant?
The professional experience in the team and clear positioning; the entrepreneurial spirit of founder Jean-Michel, the diversity of special personalities and also the beautiful office 😉 ...
How do your personal values align with the goals and values of DE BORD?
The overlap here is: Independent action and ownership; high quality standards; similar understanding of freedom and entrepreneurship.
What plans do you have to further develop your consulting skills?
On the one hand, there are specialist topics that I am reading up on and exchanging ideas with experts, such as ESG and sustainability. On the other hand, there is a need to further develop my knowledge of finance and leadership. I am planning to attend specific courses or further training and am currently reading various specialist books on the subject.
I am also currently trying to optimize the use of Chat GPT and use it for market analyses.
What approach do you take when solving problems in the context of consulting?
First of all, I reflect on things myself, get a picture: what is the problem, what is the urgency, who should be involved, how should we communicate? I try to avoid overthinking and not get too lost in the issues, but extract the essentials and keep them in mind.
Then I try to ask the right questions and provide impetus. Proposed solutions emerge through discussion and exchange and this can be with a person who is involved or externally, e.g. with my better half.
Describe a complex problem that you have successfully solved for a customer!
I can't think of a big problem; it's more the many small situations and urgencies that create a “sense of urgency” in project management. This sensitization can be decisive in the course of a mandate and its conclusion. Communication and close monitoring of the stakeholders are important here.
How do you build and maintain strong client relationships?
We see our clients as partners and demand this attitude. Honesty, openness and transparency, as well as clear positioning and constructive discussions. The joy of working together, a healthy optimism and a pinch of humor are also important factors.
How do you work with cross-functional teams within a client company?
As with all partners: interested, open, appreciative and good listeners.
How do you incorporate innovation into your consulting approach?
By trying to implement what I've just learned, sometimes spontaneously and on instinct. I also like to try out new things and don't do everything according to predetermined patterns.
How do you keep up to date with industry trends and new skills?
Conversations with clients and in the network and interviews with candidates are the most important sources for finding out what is going on, how and where. It also helps to exchange ideas with like-minded people. I regularly attend trade fairs such as Swiss MedTech, Swiss Biotech, Pharma Network, ILMAC and smaller events that provide information on specific specialist areas. These are, for example, smaller events in the areas of ESG or digital health.
Tell us something about yourself and your hobbies and interests?
For me, the harmony of “body mind soul” is essential. I consistently achieve this balance by regularly being outside in the fresh air and keeping in good shape - by hiking, jogging or rowing on Lake Zurich. The best ideas and thoughts come to me when I'm walking. 😉
Maintaining friendships and the village community is important to my family and me, so we are regularly involved in events and activities in Stallikon.
What motivates you in your professional life?
Inspiring people who make me think and motivate me to break new ground or open a door. Of course, recognition and a thank you after a successful collaboration also motivate me immensely.
Do you have any advice for people who want to be successful in a similar role or industry?
It takes perseverance and a high degree of flexibility - like a stand-up man or woman?
Are there any specific goals or projects that you are looking forward to?
I'm really looking forward to working with our newest partners Sandra and René. We have great potential to use even more of our synergies and develop new business segments. In my private life, I'm looking forward to planned trips with my loved ones, my second rowing season and hopefully successfully becoming a citizen of our municipality.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
Thank you readers for your interest in De Bord International and me as a person. We all usually show our best side on social media - there are always two sides 😉. It is precisely the difficult times and failures that have sharpened us and made us stronger.
Here is the statement from the office of my dear colleague Axel: “life is not a straight line!”
