top of page

Kathrin Cornelius

About Kathrin

With over two decades of experience as an executive in multinational fortune 500 enterprises Siemens Ltd. and ThyssenKrupp Ltd., midsize companies, start-ups and associations, I have established myself as a proficient mediator in a challenging VUCA environment. I have extensive expertise in various industries, including information technology (digitalization, AI, automation), energy & environment, finance, services, mobility & automotive, pharma & healthcare, military, construction, chemicals & raw materials, metals & electronics, which are committed to finding answers to the impact of megatrends. 

My approach is characterized by a pronounced can-do mentality, supported by a sound business background. I combine apparent opposites such as theory and practice and draw on a deep and broad wealth of knowledge as well as many years of international experience.

 

I am passionate about topics such as corporate resilience, digital transformation, integrative compliance and strategic sustainability in terms of ESG criteria. I am also proficient in their individual operational disciplines, such as occupational health and safety, health, environmental and energy management as well as aspects of safety and risk management.

My ability to quickly grasp and analyze complex problems enables me to develop visionary strategies and successfully achieve set goals. My strong customer focus enables me to successfully solve the complex challenges of rapidly changing global markets through innovative and pragmatic solutions. 

As an entrepreneur, I focus on visionary, strategic and operational organizational leadership with a strong focus on empowering interdisciplinary and diversified excellence teams.

My excellent communication skills complement my trustworthy personality and professional charisma, enabling me to make a lasting impression at prestigious events.

My large national and international network, including contacts in politics, enables me to tackle challenging economic policy issues against this background and to influence collaborative networks.

Fields of Activity

  • Interim Management

    • Provision of interim management services to assist organizations with short-term staffing shortages or leadership changes

    • Temporary assumption of leadership responsibilities to ensure continuity and smooth operation of business processes

  • Operational Leadership Support

    • Support for operational leadership through the implementation of efficient processes, structures, and communication channels

    • Consulting and coaching of executives to enhance their performance and successfully address operational challenges

  • Extensive experience and expertise in strategic, operational, cultural and leadership excellence

    • Implementation of efficient processes, structures and communication channels to support operational leadership

    • Advising and coaching managers and their teams to increase their performance and successfully overcome operational challenges

    • Promoting a positive and motivating corporate culture as a key management task

    • Utilizing new leadership realities such as New Work and hybrid working for the benefit of the company and its employees

    • Effective communication to prepare organizations for future challenges

    • Improving the feedback culture, optimizing decision-making processes 

  • Corporate Resilience as a key element for current and future organizations

    • Conflict Prevention

    • Resilience training for employees, managers and teams

    • Strategic support for compliance cases and crises

    • Preventing and responding to fraudulent behavior, non-compliance, white-collar crime and cybercrime

    • Maintaining the ability to act and the reputation of the injured parties

    • Measures to prevent breaches of the law

    • Ombudsman for whistleblowers in small and medium-sized enterprises

    • Crisis management and development of crisis skills

  • Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG)

    • Environment

      • Support with the introduction and certification of an environmental and/or energy management system

      • Reporting

      • Environmental and energy management as part of the corporate strategy

    • Social

      • Diversity and inclusion 

      • Occupational health and safety

      • Preventive health management

      • Emergency management and first aid 

    • Governance

      • Support in the way the company is managed and controlled

      • Moderation for the development of ethical principles, integrity, transparency

  • Support of Digital Transformation

Education
  • 2010 | Promotion (Dr. phil.) | Technische Universität Berlin, Germany 

  • 2000 | Diploma in Economics and adult education | Freie Universität Berlin, Germany

Supplementary Qualifications
  • 2023 | Digital Business Transformation, SGMI Management Institut St. Gallen, Switzerland

  • 2021 | Winning Sustainability Strategies, IMD, Lausanne, Switzerland

  • 2020 | Digital Leader, Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich (HWZ) / Schweizer Kader, Organisation, Zürich, Switzerland

  • 2018 | Program for Executive Managers – Shaping Complex Businesses, IMD, Lausanne, Switzerland

  • 2017 | Data Protection – TüV Nord, Munich, Germany

  • 2017 Leading High Performing Business, ESMT Berlin Partner of E.CA Economics, Berlin, Germany

  • 2015 | Leader as a Coach @ Siemens, Siemens, Munich, Germany

  • 2013 | EKAS Expert for Occupational Safety and Health, SUVA and SGAS, Luzern, Switzerland

Engagements & Network
  • 2021 | Member of Faculty and lecturer for Master and Bachelor courses, Intercultural Management, Communication and Public Public Relations at Swiss Business School (SBS), Kloten, Switzerland

  • 2020 | Lecturer Master program "IT-Leadership & TechManagement" and CAS "IT Leadership and Innovative Organizations" ZHAW Winterthur, Switzerland 

  • 2019 - 2022 Association Swiss Leaders | President Section Central Switzerland, Zürich, Switzerland

  • 2018 | Founder of the business network Zug Connection, Zug, Switzerland 

  • Keynote Speaker | Universities, MTM, SSI, SAVE AG, Confare (CIO Summit, CIO Award)

  • Mentor at Siemens Ltd. and ThyssenKrupp Ltd., European PWN und University St. Gallen 

Professional Memberships
  • Founder and Member of Zug Connection

  • Member of the Zug Chamber of Commerce

  • Member of Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)

  • Member of the International Business Forum 

  • Advance Network of Swiss Economy 

  • Member of Swiss Leaders Association

  • Member of Confare Female IT-Mentoring 

  • Member of Professional Women`s Network

Publications

  • SVH Südwestdeutscher Verlag für Hochschulschriften, ISBN 9783838118291

Languages

  • German | Mother tongue

  • English | Excellent knowledge

Kathrin Cornelius

Dr. phil. 

Of Counsel (Self Employed)

Not admitted to the bar in Switzerland

bottom of page