Leadership Journeys [194] - André Schneider - "Change is always scary" (From Orchestras to Airports)

Choosing Leadership with Sumit Gupta

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this episode of *Choosing Leadership*, we dive into the remarkable journey of André Schneider, CEO of Geneva Airport, who transitioned from being a professional musician to leading through complex challenges in global organizations.

André shares how his curiosity and willingness to embrace daunting changes have driven his success, offering powerful insights on balancing comfort with innovation and overcoming the fear of change.

You'll learn how he connects seemingly unrelated fields, navigates career shifts, and leads with authenticity, staying deeply connected to his team.

Whether you're facing uncertainty or looking for inspiration to make bold choices, André’s story will inspire you to lean into discomfort and lead with courage.

Tune in to discover how resilience, curiosity, and genuine connection can transform your leadership journey.

You can find André Schneider at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreschneider/

In the interview, André shares

• “Leadership is a choice. Each episode of ‘Choosing Leadership’ celebrates those who make bold, sometimes uncomfortable decisions that propel them forward.”
• “André Schneider’s journey from musician to CEO illustrates that adaptability and curiosity can drive incredible career transformations.”
• “From IT research to sustainable development consulting, André Schneider’s career is a testament to connecting diverse fields through relentless curiosity.”
• “Embracing change isn’t just about making conscious decisions; it’s also about seizing serendipitous opportunities.”
• “André’s leap from a stable career as a musician to studying computer science was driven by fear—and that fear fueled his extraordinary work ethic.”
• “Every new challenge brings discomfort, but André Schneider shows us that diving in fully can lead to resilience and tremendous growth.”
• “Balancing comfort with innovation is key. André continues to explore new projects with the same energy and curiosity he’s always had.”
• “Staying connected to your team, whether through daily interactions or occasional acknowledgments, is crucial for fostering a positive work environment.”
• “Honest communication, even with higher-ups, combined with a touch of humor, can effectively address unrealistic demands and ease tension.”
• “André Schneider’s commitment to decarbonizing aviation and giving back showcases how leaders can use their experiences to drive broader impact and positive change.”