Dr. Thomas Gartenmann
Managing Partner
I am passionate about designing and guiding transformational programs, and I marvel at the joy that psychological insights, presence and trust-based connections can bring. I also coach executives and help them (re)discover their purpose and their zest for life.
My aim is to facilitate the transformation of individuals, teams and organizations so as to develop greater self-awareness, a stronger sense of purpose and stronger, more trustful connections; this helps people to experience their lives as more meaningful, and inspires them to create greater impact for their organizations and communities.
My most frequent client feedback: I bring clarity, I’m inspirational and playful.
Before aergon
I started my working life as a research and teaching assistant in chemistry before joining the business world, where I enjoyed a career of 17 years with The Boston Consulting Group. At BCG I was also responsible for recruiting in Switzerland.
Since 2005 I have been working as a transformational facilitator and coach in Europe, America and Asia, mainly for Swiss and German companies, while managing around 20 employees. During this time I also taught the psychology course ‘Strategy in Action’ at the Executive School of the University of St. Gallen (HSG) for several years, and co-authored the book ‘Transforming Leaders’ (Haufe 2010).
I hold a PhD and a Master of Science in Chemistry and Education from the University of Zurich, and an MBA from INSEAD (88). I am certified as a systemic coach with the IFW in Munich (1998) and have completed several leadership programs and courses on cognitive and behavioral psychology in the US and UK. I am a member of the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA).
Beyond aergon
I live in Switzerland, near Zurich, with my wife, Annika, and our daughter and two sons. I love being in the mountains, meditating, traveling with my family and singing in an a capella choir called B-Live. I am a member of the Foundation Board of the Schweizerische Studienstiftung, President of the Assessment & Personal Support Committee and ‘Crisis Coach’.
Most transformation processes are driven primarily by the need or desire for better economic performance (‘better results’). As well as the business side of things, however, there are two further aspects to an organization which need to be part of the transformation process; we describe this as the ‘I-We-It’ model. ‘It’ stands for a company’s strategies, systems, structures and business activities – these are usually the main focus of change projects. But in order to efficiently manage and develop these purely business elements, an organization needs a strong ‘We’ – a unified leadership team with enduring partnerships based on trust, shared values and an overarching mutual purpose. This enables a well-configured team to become a source of economic power which stimulates it members and helps them grow, unlocking their hidden potential. There are few joys in life that compare with experiencing success as part of a team.