5 Things I’ve Learned Starting a Business in Switzerland
I didn’t relocate to Switzerland with the intention of starting a business. I moved here to build a life. A few years later, I’ve done both, while navigating a new culture, becoming a mother and a wife, running a business remotely and now a new venture based in Switzerland..
There’s no guidebook for this. But if there were, here’s what mine would say.
1. Trust takes time, and it’s worth it
In Switzerland, people take time to get to know you before they do business with you, and rightly so. Trust matters, word of mouth matters, and consistency matters more than charisma. It’s not about selling yourself quickly. It’s through consistent meetings, thoughtful exchanges, mutual respect and letting your reputation speak for itself. Swiss clients may not share everything up front, but when they do, it’s considered, clear, and lasting.
2. Slow doesn’t mean uncertain
One of the first things I noticed working in Switzerland was the change in pace. It was slower, more deliberate, and more grounded, especially compared to the fast-moving US market and the spontaneity I grew up with in Belize. Slower here does not mean stagnant; it means intentional. Swiss clients take their time to decide, but once they do, the commitment is solid and lasting. That depth has taught me patience and has strengthened the way I work.
3. Say less, mean more
From my roots in Belize, I carry energy, warmth, and expression; they’ve always been part of how I connect. Switzerland showed me something different: that clarity and structure can give words more weight. Together, these lessons taught me that less can carry more meaning. Big energy creates a spark, but it’s the quiet confidence of a clear message that leaves a lasting mark.
4. Language shows intention
Starting a business in a country where you're still learning the language is humbling. Depending on the canton, language can be a silent gatekeeper. Even if you do business in English, showing effort in French (or German or Italian) opens doors and signals respect. My French is still in progress, but even small efforts have gone a long way in building trust.
5. Commitment speaks loudest
Switzerland has seen too many expats and entrepreneurs come and go. There’s a natural scepticism toward anything that feels too temporary or too transactional. This is a country that values commitment. I don’t just talk about long-term strategy. I’ve lived it - building a life here, adapting to a new market, and creating The Grand Strategy Co. with the intention of building something that’s meant to last.
Final thought:
This experience has required me to slow down, refine, and dig deeper - not just into the Swiss market, but also into how I work, what I value, and how I want to grow. It has taught me patience, humility, and the importance of showing up with both heart and structure. I’ll keep sharing what I learn along the way, and I hope it resonates with your own journey too. If it does, know that supporting leaders through these transitions is at the heart of what I do.