Every week, interesting personalities from the world of finance and beyond share their personal preferences in our section Backstage.

What do you do first in the morning?

Enjoy a lungo with lots of foam.

What is the best thing about your job?

I’m inspired every day that I can combine my passion for investing with a positive impact on society, the economy, and the environment. I find the entrepreneurial and strategic responsibilities on the management team especially fulfilling – along with the inspiring collaboration with my dedicated colleagues at Globalance Bank.

A moment that changed your life?

Definitely the birth of our children. It fundamentally changed how i view responsibility, time, and impact.

What cars do you own? Which is your favorite?

As a family, we’ve been driving a Tesla for over ten years, because the advanced technology and the design of the Model S have always appealed to me.

What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?

Be brave, try new things, and don’t shy away from risk – that’s how you learn from setbacks. Adaptability and looking ahead are essential for success.

What are you particularly proud of?

Professionally, I’m grateful that more and more private clients, foundations, and family offices entrust us with their capital—and that we can implement future-oriented investment solutions for them. I’m especially pleased that 50% of our clientele is now female.
Privately, I’m proud of our children’s big and small achievements—whether a win on the football pitch or a successful dance performance.

What do you do when you have doubts?

I head out into nature, take a deep breath, and broaden my perspective. For important decisions, I review the facts, listen to the strongest counterarguments, and then decide deliberately.

What is your favorite wine?

Depending on the season: a refreshing Franciacorta or an elegant Ticino Merlot – I particularly recommend the Quattromani.

What projects are you currently working on?

We continuously evolve our portfolios to align them optimally with a changing world. Our focus areas include digitalization, longevity, energy efficiency, and geopolitical realignment. For example, we have increased the share of “recycled” gold to strengthen the resilience of our investment portfolios. We also invest in companies that are seen as winners of decarbonization – such as Trane Technologies, which offers heat pump solutions, or Stantec, which specializes in energy-efficient infrastructure planning.

What do you admire in other people?

Integrity, courage, and a sense of responsibility.

What would be the biggest surprise for someone who had to take over your job for a day?

The enormous variety of my daily work: from developing long-term investment strategies to addressing specific client issues, to leadership matters and strategic discussions within the executive team – for instance, about new offerings for entrepreneurs and the next generation. To keep everything balanced, it takes clear priorities, 80/20 thinking, and a steady hand.

What is your personal drive?

Turning enthusiasm into impact: I want to invest energy in projects that inspire me, have a positive influence on people, and lead to decisions that move us all forward.

What are you afraid of?

My biggest fear is stagnation – it’s the opposite of what we stand for. And if the coffee were ever to run out in the office, that would be a nightmare too.

Your favorite watch brand?

I focus less on brands and more on stories. A watch should convey something special through its design, craftsmanship, or innovation. I appreciate timelessness and understatement most.

Is there an unfulfilled dream you'd still like to realize?

I believe in small everyday dreams – a final swim in Lake Zurich before autumn or an inspiring conversation with my husband. Those moments are true fulfillment for me.

Your best investment?

Financially, it was the stock of BYD, a leading Chinese manufacturer of electric vehicles. But personally, my family is my most valuable investment – they bring me the greatest return in joy and purpose every day.

Susanne Kundert is Head of Investments (CIO) and a member of the Executive Board at Globalance Bank, an owner-managed private bank. She has over 20 years of experience in wealth management for foundations, pension funds, and private clients. Previously, she was a Member of Management at Zürcher Kantonalbank and Head of Credit & Sustainability at LGT Capital Partners. She serves as a Board Member, is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of St. Gallen (HSG).