Arthur Honegger (Young Leader 2010)
Correspondent USA, Washington Bureau Chief, Swiss Broadcasting SRF
What can Americans learn from the Swiss?
Precision. We apply it as a principle just about everywhere: watches, laws and yes, reporting. Plus, nobody drills 'em rail tunnels like we do.
What can the Swiss learn from the Americans?
Messaging. Americans are unmatched in that regard, be it in marketing or politics: short, sweet, resounding. No wonder it was you guys who came up with Twitter.
What defines your leadership style?
Listening, I'd say. I find that most problems already carry their solutions within, you just have to get rid of the clutter around them. And once the solution is clear, decisions come easy to me.
What qualities do you most admire in a person?
Honesty and guts. Especially combined.
What are your greatest strengths?
Finding the right words. After all, that's what they pay me for, no? Joking aside, I do think engaging with people on a level that's comfortable for them is what I'm good at. And I'm willing to swim against the current if need be.
What is your greatest weakness?
I tend to be messy. My office can look like a cross between a paper stack and a flea market. That can complicate things.
Where do you live?
I recently started a real American lifestyle: suburbia! Still within the Washington, DC Beltway though.
Where are you from?
Davos, the infamous mountain town where the powerful of the world meet once a year. All downhill from there.
What is your favorite leisure activity?
Photography. My favorite model being the sweetest 3-year-old girl in the world, huge eyes as brown as Swiss chocolate. Yes, I'm a dad first and foremost.
What is your goal in life?
Hm. Probably: to make a difference, by cultivating understanding. In the end, that's what journalism – and parenthood – are all about.
About Arthur Honegger
Arthur is U.S. Correspondent and Washington Bureau Chief for Swiss Broadcasting (SRF).He reports on a wide array of subjects. Some of his assignments have included the 2008 and 2012 Presidential campaigns, the Financial Crisis, the UBS case, the UN General Assembly and the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Prior to assuming his post, Arthur worked for SRF's News shows Schweiz Aktuell, Tagesschau and 10vor10. He has also reported on the Swiss Parliament. Arthur started his career in journalism in 2001 at the renowned Ringier School of Journalism. Subsequently, he worked as a Business Editor at Switzerland's daily Blick, before joining SRF as a Reporter for Schweiz Aktuell in the broadcast journalism trainee program. He was a columnist for the weekly paper Sonntag and the daily Aargauer Zeitung. Arthur lives in Washington with his wife and daughter. He enjoys photography, music, movies, and history.