Her Story
About Stefanie
Stefanie is an accomplished communications executive, strategist, and storyteller with more than two decades of experience helping global organizations navigate change, strengthen culture, and engage stakeholders. As Director of Compliance Communications at UBS, she leads communications strategy for complex compliance and transformation initiatives, overseeing executive communications, employee engagement, media relations, digital communications, and thought leadership. Known for her ability to translate complex topics into clear and compelling narratives, she serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, helping organizations align people, purpose, and strategy through effective communication.
Prior to UBS, Stefanie spent more than 15 years with Credit Suisse, where she advanced through a series of leadership roles spanning executive communications, digital communications, and employee engagement. Her career journey began humbly as a copy-paster while completing her studies, but her talent for storytelling, innovation, and audience engagement quickly propelled her into increasingly influential positions. As Head of Digital Communications and later a communications leader supporting executive teams, she developed data-driven communication strategies that significantly increased employee engagement across a global workforce of more than 70,000 employees. She also played a key role during the UBS–Credit Suisse integration, leading communications efforts that reached thousands of employees worldwide while supporting major transformation and regulatory initiatives.
A lifelong learner and advocate for authentic leadership, Stefanie holds a Master of Arts in English Literature with a focus on media and communications from the University of Bern and a postgraduate qualification in Organizational Leadership from the University of Zurich. Fluent in German, French, English, Italian, and Spanish, she brings a uniquely global perspective to her work. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is passionate about mentoring others, supporting philanthropic initiatives, and fostering inclusive environments where people can thrive. Guided by a belief that communication has the power to inspire action and create meaningful change, Stefanie continues to help organizations and leaders tell stories that connect, engage, and drive impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Stefanie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to the mentors who guided and challenged me throughout my career. I have been fortunate to learn from both positive and difficult experiences, with two particularly influential mentors—a seasoned banker at Credit Suisse and a Chief Compliance Officer—helping shape my leadership style and professional growth. For young women entering the financial industry, my advice is to remain authentic and not feel pressured to fit a specific mold or persona. There are many different paths to success in finance, so explore opportunities, stay curious, and build a career that reflects who you truly are.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
In a moment of self-reflexion, I have entered a program of re-orientation a few
years ago, in order to check if my current career path is still what I truly want to keep pursuing, or if my talents would be suited elsewhere. The program clearly showed me that I am in the right spot and reconfirmed my choices in the past. This journey, perhaps not entirely a traditional “piece of advice” from someone, gave me the confidence to keep going and showing up at my work, with a reinforced passion for what I love doing the most: engaging people with conpelling stores.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the industry to stay authentic and never feel pressured to be someone they are not or to adopt a tougher persona to succeed. Take the time to discover what you truly want from your life and career, and be open to exploring the many different paths available within finance and banking. Most importantly, show up as your genuine self every day—authenticity builds trust, confidence, and lasting success.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Honestly, I find the biggest challenge at the moment is good leadership.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are authenticity, integrity, and creating meaningful impact. Throughout my career, I have focused on building genuine connections, fostering engagement, and helping people feel informed, included, and valued. I also believe strongly in giving back to others, which is reflected in my support of initiatives to empower others to reach their goals through power
of positive storytelling. Whether leading communications strategies or contributing to community-focused causes, I strive to use my skills and experience to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.