Yasmina Rauber
My Swiss Story
May has arrived in the blink of an eye, bringing with it a new story of inspiration for our ‘Entrepreneur of the Month’ feature. This month, we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on Yasmina Rauber, a Leadership and Transformational Coach based in Switzerland, a Gender Equality Warrior and a Corporate Trainer.
As someone entrenched in the tech sector, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges women face in striving for equality in the workplace. At a recent conference, I highlighted the ongoing gender gap, emphasizing that despite surface-level progress with diversity targets, there remains much work to be done. Women often find themselves balancing dual roles, managing households while advancing their careers, a discrepancy not mirrored by their male counterparts. That’s why I’m delighted to showcase Yasmina’s efforts in championing gender equality on our platform today.
Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself
My name is Yasmina Rauber – YAS Coaching, I am a leadership and transformational coach for women working in male-dominated industries and a corporate trainer on Diversity and Inclusion. I am originally from Geneva.
Following my graduation, I embarked on a global adventure, eventually finding myself amidst the bustling streets of New York City. It was there, amidst the towering skyscrapers of Wall Street, that I discovered my passion for stock brokerage. This experience instilled in me a profound belief: where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Returning to Geneva in 1990, my career took diverse turns, from marketing golf courses to navigating the complexities of ethanol trading. With each opportunity, I expanded my horizons, eventually spearheading market expansions into India and China. My professional journey traversed continents, from the vibrant energy of Rio de Janeiro to the political hub of Brussels, ultimately leading to a pivotal board-level position back in Geneva – a remarkable feat, particularly for a woman during that era.
In 2014, I embraced a new role as a mother to my son, David. This life-changing event inspired a move to Zug, as we wanted him to learn Swiss-German.
Tell us about your current business. What are you doing exactly?
I offer executive & leadership coaching designed to empower leaders worldwide, enhancing their confidence, and authenticity while being heard. Through the STAR Women in Leadership program, participants are equipped with practical tools and methods, promising to elevate their productivity significantly within months.
The program is built around six foundational pillars essential for navigating the corporate sphere with determination and poise: authenticity, confidence, balance, health, people management and self empowerment. These sessions provide the essential components for sustained success: continuous support, comprehensive action plans, constructive feedback, and, most importantly, a broader, more impactful perspective.
This program empowers female managers to thrive in the workplace, achieve work-life balance, and contribute towards a balanced workforce. My motivation is driven by the belief in the transformative power of empowered women for superior business outcomes and a fulfilling professional environment.
I regularly host in-person events in both Zug and Geneva, where we gather for positive interactions, support, and enjoyable networking during delightful lunches or dinners. Additionally, I provide corporate training for organizations interested in adopting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) programs. This includes Unconscious Bias workshops among various other leadership development trainings to enhance team capabilities.
Tell us your story, how did you come up with this idea?
Over the past 25 years, my career in the trading and shipping sector has exposed me to the pervasive gender biases ingrained within this predominantly male-dominated field. I frequently found myself striving tirelessly to prove that I was as competent and deserving of advancements as my male colleagues. For six years, I served as the President of WISTA Switzerland (Women in Shipping and Trading Association, http://www.wistainternational.com). In this capacity, I’ve organized numerous conferences and workshops. Additionally, I’ve held board positions with the Swiss Trading & Shipping Association (formerly STSA, now Suisse Négoce) and serve today as the Secretary General of the Zug Commodity Association (ZCA).
My background has fueled a fervent passion for initiatives like the Women in Maritime program, which strive for gender equality under the International Maritime Organization. Presently, my primary focus lies in advancing Sustainable Development Goal #5 of the United Nations, aiming to integrate these principles into the trading and shipping industry.
To best support women in the corporate world, I’ve dedicated myself to extensive training and certifications, particularly in management and leadership coaching, just before the pandemic hit. I am certified as a life and business coach by the International Coaching Institute in Geneva, hold a Health & Wellness Coach certification from IIN in New York, and have completed certification as a Transformational Coach from LMI in the US. These credentials have inspired me to develop the “Think Pink” Course, aimed at empowering women in their professional journeys.
Since 2020, I’ve actively embraced my role as a Gender Equality Warrior, seizing every opportunity to advocate for gender diversity and inclusivity. Supporting women as they climb the corporate ladder isn’t just a passion—it’s my life’s mission.
What is a day like “in your heels?”
After my son heads to school, I enjoy a walk beside the picturesque Lake Zug, engage in a brief meditation session, listen to innercises, and take a moment to reflect on my gratitudes for the day. This ritual paves the way for an ideal day. My office hours are filled with responding to emails, conversing with clients, providing coaching, and organizing my training sessions. I also frequently participate in conferences and networking gatherings in both the Zug/Zurich and Geneva regions, where I enjoy meeting new people. I’m deeply grateful for the abundant energy that fuels my endeavors.
To relax, I turn to painting, my primary hobby. Over the past 30 years, I’ve had the pleasure of displaying my artwork in various countries and recently had a chance to do it again in Zug and Geneva.
Do you have any specific advice to fellow entrepreneurs?
In a few words: resilience, patience, perseverance, and trust in the process.
Stay resilient and patient, persist through challenges, and maintain faith in the unfolding journey. Embrace each step as it comes, allowing your dream venture to gradually take shape. The path may indeed be bumpy, yet keeping steady will guide you to your goals. The entrepreneurial journey, with its ups and downs, promises a rewarding experience, making every ounce of effort and every moment of uncertainty worthwhile and rewarding.
The fulfillment of achieving your ambitions and bringing your vision to life holds unparalleled rewards.
For those looking to start their day with focus and positivity, I am happy to include HERE a link to “Create the Best Day of Your Life” free MP3 meditation that will help you set clear goals and cultivate a positive mindset, day after day.
