“I find well-founded criticism exciting”

Migros contributes around CHF 140 million a year to society. A huge responsibility that has largely rested on Hedy Graber’s shoulders for the past 20 years. As Head of the Society and Culture department at the Federation of Migros Cooperatives, she has had a major influence over the private promotion of culture in Switzerland. Now she is retiring. How have you managed to keep up with all the latest developments for over two decades? And how will your legacy be handed over? Hedy Graber reveals how she has followed her inner compass and why not taking yourself too seriously is so important.

Standing up for your values

“As a private sponsor, Migros can provide support very quickly and avoid red tape. Not sitting in an ivory tower, but being close to the people has always really mattered to me. Many people have a close relationship with Migros and ideas about what we should and shouldn’t support. That’s why it’s really important for us to be consistent in our decision-making and not to make any exceptions. That’s essential if we’re to perform our role credibly and reliably.”

Don’t give up easily

“My background in humanities has taught me you first have to ask questions without necessarily receiving a direct answer. During my career, there have always been projects that I’d have liked to have done, but for which the time wasn’t right. Sometimes you have to set things aside and remain composed without losing sight of your goal. Thinks develop dynamically. Just because something didn’t work out first time, that’s no reason to give up.

Embrace change

“My job has changed a great deal over the last 20 years because the things affecting us as a society have moved on. For example, 20 years ago we still had our own CD label for Swiss music. Today, we deal with issues relating to technology and ethics, climate and resources and fair practices in the cultural sector. Our Migros Pioneer Fund supports emerging companies that are committed to a sustainable future. I personally find change exciting; it opens up new prospects, even though it can cause uncertainty short term.

Embrace other perspectives

“I love it when different languages, cultures and generations come together around the same table. I find it inspiring. Over recent years, we’ve supported many programmes focusing on inclusion. It’s important to listen to people first of all to find out what their needs are. The key is honest and open communication.”

Don’t take criticism personally

“Dealing with other people’s opinions is a key part of my role. I find well-founded criticism based on constructive approaches exciting. Let’s face it, we all have blind spots. It becomes challenging if the other party doesn’t accept that you’ve acted in good faith. The only thing that helps is to listen calmly and remember that it’s not about me as a person, but the role I’m performing.”

Show appreciation in everyday life

“If something has gone really well, it’s important to toast your success and celebrate with the team. But it’s no good if you only pat each other on the back when you succeed, but otherwise never say ‘thank you’. Supporting one other is more important in my view than celebrating together.”

Don’t take yourself too seriously

It is more effective when different people work together as equals than when one person unilaterally says: here’s how it’s going to go. “The maxim ‘servir et disparaître’ – serve and disappear – sums up how I view my upcoming retirement really well. I’m looking forward to handing over to the younger generation! I actually hope Migros’ social commitment looks very different in 20 years’ time to today. And I obviously hope this commitment that’s unique worldwide remains an important unique selling point for Migros in future!