Interview with Gesine Schuchert: Insights into the world of NPOs and digitalization
Hello Gesine, thank you very much for taking the time for this interview.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you became the team leader for programs and projects in the Ambit Group's NPO business unit?
I grew up in a family that was strongly characterized by voluntary work, especially in the area of children and youth work. I took on leadership roles in various initiatives at an early age.
I have been living in Switzerland for 14 years, after studying humanities in Germany and Switzerland in the fields of cultural studies, philosophy, linguistics and literature. I worked in a foundation there and turned my voluntary work into a career. I then worked in various administrative positions, mainly in IT and financial management.
Six years ago, I co-founded a consulting agency that specializes in the digitalization and organizational transformation of NPOs. And now I'm at the Ambit Group to support organizations in the areas of fund allocation, program and project management.
About the person
Gesine, to get to know you a little better, could you please answer the following questions intuitively and give reasons for your answer?
Music or outdoor?
Outdoor: Music means a lot to me, but without time in the fresh air I would go crazy. I would prefer an outdoor office instead of a home office.
Germany or Switzerland?
Switzerland: After so many years of living here, Switzerland is my home, especially the small town of Kriens where I live. My level of Lozärnerdütsch doesn't quite reflect that yet, but I'm working on it.
Family or job?
Definitely family. I am very grateful for my small immediate and large extended family, for the people in it from whom I can learn and who challenge me to grow.
Recommendation from our news blog?
Recommendation from our news blog?
You have undergone further training in the area of organizational transformation. Can you tell us more about it?
That was an important part of my work at the foundation. Digitalization is just one aspect; it's also about how we work and what people expect from their work.
I have trained in the areas of organizational development, change management and new work. These topics are crucial for improving the work within organizations and making them adaptable to constant pressure for change from within and outside.
How did you join the Ambit Group?
I have known the Ambit Group for about four years through various consulting mandates. The Ambit Group's vision of providing holistic support to organizations convinced me.
The aim is to support organizations in all areas that are relevant to them. This holistic support with the opportunity to contribute my experience and knowledge is what prompted me to join the Ambit Group.
What does it mean that the Ambit Group provides holistic support to organizations?
The Ambit Group's NPO unit is known for its work in fundraising and fundraising. But in addition to this unit, there are also other business units that have specialist knowledge in various areas, such as customer service, customer experience and ERP. The NPO unit can use this expertise to support organizations in all relevant areas. It's about thinking in terms of cross-departmental processes and achieving strategic goals and visions. The Ambit Group can offer this holistic approach.
You head the Data Team of the German Fundraising Association. What exactly is that?
The Data Team is an initiative within the German Fundraising Association that is open to interested parties and focuses on the topics of data management and data competence in NPOs/NGOs. The aim of the specialist group is to support a practical exchange of experience in the sense of further education and training for organizations in the midst of digital transformation. We meet 5-6 times a year for virtual, topic-oriented sessions and once a year for a symposium. I have been a member since it was founded in 2022 and have been a member of the specialist group management for just over a year. My main task is to introduce relevant topics and ideas to the group and to create spaces for exchange, networking and further training.
Which Ambit Group value do you identify with the most and why?
Passion and determination. I put my whole heart into the things I do because I can only do things that I can really stand behind. These values are crucial for me to achieve a goal together with others.
What are the most important success factors in a project?
Embedding the project in the overall strategic direction of the organization and the support of those responsible for the organization are crucial. Projects should be understood as organization-wide development projects, not just software projects. The aim is to adapt and optimize work processes. Enthusiasm for the journey and a sense of achievement along the way are also important.
Why do customers choose the Ambit Group?
I think customers choose Ambit Group because they are choosing a partnership rather than just a system service. It's about creating something together that specifically serves and adds value to the organization. The Ambit Group contributes to this with a team of people who commit to working with organizations over several years to develop and implement solutions.
What do you do in your free time? Do you still have time for hobbies?
In my free time, I am still active as a religious education volunteer. However, I devote most of my time to my family and music. I play the piano and have been responsible for the musical direction of a choir and the associated band for several years. Music has been with me all my life and is an important balance to my work.
What is your ambition?
My ambition is to support organizations in the NPO/NGO sector to better achieve their goals, to engage in cross-departmental learning collaboration and thus strengthen their resilience. In my "Programmes & Projects" area, the main focus is also on facilitating the substantive work of the organizations and supporting them in their mission by working with them to identify where people and processes benefit from digital support - no matter where in the world they operate.
Are there moments in your life when time seems to stand still? Moments that you are particularly proud of?
That's a difficult question. I think it's the small successes and the moments when you see that your work has a positive impact. It's these moments that motivate me and make me proud.
Many thanks to you, Gesine, for the personal interview and your answers to our many questions. We hope you continue to enjoy your work at the Ambit Group and thank you very much for this exciting interview!
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Christian Schipp, Chief Business Development Officer
christian.schipp@!ambit-group.com
+41 79 954 17 09
