Vanessa Foser : Love It, Change It, or Leave It, strive for conscious Leadership

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In this thought-provoking podcast, Vanessa Foser—a C-level executive, AI strategist, and leadership coach—shares insights into digital transformation, leadership, and the power of purposeful networking.  

Vanessa begins by identifying a common challenge among executives: not just a fear of missing out (FOMO), but a deeper fear of making the wrong choice in a rapidly evolving tech landscape—what she calls FOBO (Fear of Better Options). She explains that this hesitation often leads companies to delay critical innovation steps, which ultimately becomes costlier than taking calculated risks.

A core theme of the conversation is that digital transformation is not just about tools—it’s about people. The major obstacles aren’t technical, but cultural: lack of trust, unclear communication, and resistance to change. Vanessa stresses that empowering teams with knowledge—what she calls “swarm intelligence”—creates alignment and unlocks internal innovation. When people understand the purpose behind technology, they use it better and more responsibly.

She provides real-world examples of AI implementations gone wrong, such as poor communication bots or automation missteps that damaged customer relationships. These failures often stem from applying AI without proper training or human context, underlining Vanessa’s belief that leaders must consciously decide what to automate—and what must remain human.

An important part of the discussion focuses on networking and leadership visibility, particularly for women. Vanessa outlines three core principles: preparation, authenticity, and purpose. She encourages approaching networking with curiosity and clarity—understanding who you’re meeting, being genuine, and having a reason to connect. She also offers strategic advice, such as preferring lunch meetings over dinners to maintain professional boundaries and avoid social ambiguity.

Vanessa also highlights the importance of mentorship and sponsorship in advancing women’s careers. While policies on diversity are necessary, real change happens when individuals within organizations take active steps to support and advocate for others.

Her personal mantra—"Love it, change it, or leave it"—sums up her philosophy: be clear on your values and make conscious decisions about where and how you work. For Vanessa, true leadership is about clarity, confidence, and aligned action. She se

How do today’s leaders cut through the noise and shape the future?

In each episode of From Noise to Sound, host Dr. Dimitrios Marinos, from the Department of Marketing and Communication at HSLU, dives deep with CEOs, Board Members, and industry innovators to uncover the forces reshaping our world. Through insightful conversations, he explores topics like digital transformation, consumer behavior, and sustainability, revealing strategies and innovations that are driving real change.

Gain actionable insights and fresh perspectives on navigating a complex business landscape. Tune in each month to sharpen your view on leadership, tech-driven success, and what’s next in marketing and beyond.

New episodes every month, brought to you by HSLU, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts.

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