Over the years you've been many things: an external, then a permanent employee, an engineer, a project manager, and, outside of work, a mother. We'd love to hear more about all of it. Let's start with the job:
What is your current role at Adnovum, and what percentage do you work?
I'm a Project Manager and Team Lead for our software engineers, working 80%. Given my technical background, though, I stay very hands-on and take on considerably more than typical project management tasks.
How long have you been with Adnovum, and how did your journey here begin?
Officially, nine years. If you count my time as an external employee, it is ten. My background is in software development. I began as a software engineer before moving into project management. Even as a developer, I managed a fair amount of administrative work alongside my technical tasks, so the transition felt natural. In many ways, I find myself balancing several responsibilities once again today.
What are your most important tasks?
Alongside the administrative side of project management, I handle requirements engineering, often working directly with clients. I also carry out code reviews, support testing, and advise clients on how to improve their products and introduce new releases.
My technical background allows me to engage closely with the details rather than staying at a distance. This is where I feel most comfortable, and it means I genuinely understand the projects I manage. It also makes communication with both my team and our clients considerably easier.
As a single mother, what does a typical working day look like for you?
Fortunately, no two days are quite the same. In the mornings, I get my daughter ready for school, then work either from the office or from home, depending on the day. I usually start calmly with a cup of tea and an initial look at my e-mails and meetings, though that calm is often interrupted by urgent matters that need immediate attention.
On days I'm in the office, I drive in. Tuesday afternoons are always reserved for working on-site and meeting clients.
How well do you manage to balance work and family life?
It works well, largely because I'm deliberate about how I structure my time. Depending on the day, I shift fully into my role as a mother from around 6 or 7pm. Once my daughter is asleep, usually around 9:30pm, I sometimes attend to personal matters. Whether I'm working from home or in the office, I can arrange my hours flexibly, and that means everything to me.
What role does Adnovum play in that?
A significant one. Following my separation, I was open with Adnovum about needing flexible working hours, and this was very well received. The client I was working with at the time was also supportive from the outset. Without this openness and flexibility, many things would have been considerably more difficult.
Which success stories have you been part of at Adnovum?
One experience that stands out in particular was a technical reorganization for a major client around three years ago.
Together, we developed a clear migration plan and implemented it step by step, working closely not only with the client but with several other suppliers. The feedback afterward was overwhelmingly positive. Many colleagues told me how structured and successful the project had been, and how valuable it was to have someone take clear ownership and coordinate the effort.
Why did you choose to join Adnovum nine years ago?
Having already worked for Adnovum as an external employee, I had gained valuable insights into the company and was particularly drawn to its culture and people. After spending 13 years with my previous employer, changing jobs was not a decision I took lightly. When Adnovum approached me directly, however, I recognized an opportunity for further professional growth. Following the interview process, and thanks to my existing connections within the company, the employment contract was signed shortly afterward.
What do you value most about Adnovum?
Above all, the flexibility and the freedom to shape my own approach to work. As long as things are progressing well, nothing stands in your way. You're trusted to take responsibility and get the work done. I also greatly value the trust and the overall working atmosphere.
What gives you the sense of truly being part of Adnovum?
The open culture. You can genuinely approach anyone, regardless of seniority, and if you encounter a problem, you'll find support. Adnovum's open-door policy is something people actively practice.
How has the professional world changed when it comes to equality?
Women today experience considerably more acceptance and recognition than in the past. That said, in some fields, their presence still isn’t the norm.
My personal experience at Adnovum, however, has been very positive. Here, it makes no difference whether you're a woman or a man. Everyone is treated equally.
Have you ever encountered resistance in your career?
Yes, at a previous employer. As a young woman early in my career, I found that clients often didn't take me seriously, even when my input was technically correct. This only changed once I was able to demonstrate what I was capable of.
What does diversity look like for you at Adnovum?
In my role as project manager, I currently oversee six different projects. In some, I'm deeply and technically involved at every stage; in others, my role is purely administrative. My teams are diverse by nature. I work with developers in Zurich, Bern, Budapest, and Ho Chi Minh City, who differ in language and cultural background. For one client with three projects, I lead a dedicated team of two software engineers; for another, I share engineers across several projects. Seniority levels range from junior to expert.
Do you have role models or people who inspire you?
To me, every woman is a role model, regardless of her role. Whether she's a mother or in a leadership position, women accomplish an enormous amount and constantly have to navigate, or justify themselves against, expectations and stereotypes.
In your view, what are women particularly good at?
Women often bring a great deal of empathy and are skilled at reading between the lines. They notice not only what is said, but how it's said, which allows them to recognize moods, needs, or uncertainties at an early stage.
Thank you, Tanja, for sharing your world with us.
A final note
Since 2022, this blog series has introduced a number of interesting and inspiring women at Adnovum. In 2027, we'll be launching a new format, and so we take this opportunity to conclude this series. Sincere thanks to everyone who contributed, particularly Camille Miller, Andrea Duttwiler, Andreas Grimm, and Linda Szabo, for their significant commitment to creating this content.
Elisabeth Schulz and Claudia Meile