My trip to Switzerland this summer was mainly for work, but it also offered me interesting insights into the country and its people in my private life. On the professional side, discretion was omnipresent. The business meetings were always conducted in a very professional manner, precisely and without unnecessary formalities. It was obvious that the Swiss business partners attached great importance to confidentiality. In our conversations, I sensed this subtle reserve, which was not only characterized by Swiss politeness, but also by the desire to remain professional and serious. It almost seemed as if the Swiss way of working involved a kind of tacit understanding – without words, it was understood that discretion and precision were the top priorities here.

Although the conversations were often sober and business-like, there were always moments when I could feel the friendliness and warmth of my conversation partners. But this friendliness did not come with grand gestures or exuberant words, but rather discreetly and cautiously, almost like an underground stream that only became visible on closer inspection. It was this kind of interaction that fascinated me: you never felt ignored, but also never overwhelmed – a balance that the Swiss seem to master effortlessly.

In my private life, the atmosphere was quite different. Here, people were open, friendly and curious. When I had the opportunity to meet some locals after work, I immediately noticed the openness with which they talked about their country. The Swiss love to talk about their mountains, lakes and traditions. It was almost as if they wanted to convey to me their enthusiasm for the natural beauty of their homeland. Often, the conversation was accompanied by a deep pride in their region, and I could feel the deep connection of the people with nature.

I had a particularly memorable encounter with an older Swiss man in a small mountain village. He told me stories from his youth, how he grew up in the mountains and what shaped him about the Swiss way of life. He spoke with shining eyes about the snow-capped peaks that he saw every day from his doorstep and about the peace he found in nature. This conversation made it clear to me how deeply rooted the Swiss are in their environment and how strongly this connection shapes their character.

However, I also sensed a certain reserve in my encounters with people – an aspect that was present in all areas, both professionally and privately. The Swiss only open up when they have gained trust. This restraint was not at all off-putting, however; rather, it was part of a respectful way of dealing with each other. I never felt pressured to reveal more about myself than I wanted to, and at the same time I felt that I should not make hasty judgments either.

Overall, Switzerland left a deep impression on me – professionally as a country of precision and discretion, and privately as a place where people approach each other with calmness, friendliness and respect.