Theresa is a Manager in Advisory at PwC Switzerland. In her second year as a Manager, she was nominated for the Development Center for Managers (DCM), a transformative milestone programme designed to help managers deepen their self-awareness, strengthen their leadership skills, and unlock their full potential. Read on to discover what the experience looked like through her eyes.
1 Tell us about yourself and your journey at PwC Switzerland so far
I started my journey at PwC Switzerland as a Senior Associate in Assurance in the Sustainability and Climate Change Team and later moved with the team into Advisory. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to support large-scale sustainability and specifically Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive implementation projects across the firm. These experiences have shaped my journey and have helped me grow significantly, not only in terms of technical expertise, but also personally and as a leader.
2 What expectations did you have before starting the DCM programme?
Before starting the DCM, I primarily expected it to be an opportunity to learn more about myself as a leader, especially around how I interact with others and how my leadership style is perceived. I also saw it very consciously as a chance to step out of day‑to‑day delivery, slow down, and reflect — something that can be hard to do in a busy consulting environment.
At the same time, I expected the programme to challenge some of the assumptions I had about myself, which would require a degree of openness.
"The more honestly you engage with the process — including the uncomfortable moments — the more valuable it becomes. Don’t focus on performing well; focus on learning."
3 The programme puts a real emphasis on self-awareness and feedback from peers, internal observers, and facilitators. Did you discover anything about yourself as a leader that you hadn't seen before?
One important realisation for me was that leadership is not only about guiding and leading a team, but also about enabling others to develop into strong leaders themselves. This perspective really resonated with me, and it’s something I want to focus on much more going forward.
4 The DCM combines virtual sessions with an intensive in-person workshop and individual coaching session. How did you find that blend, and what stood out most from the in-person experience?
The blend worked extremely well. The virtual elements provided structure and guidance, while the in‑person workshop created a level of depth and intensity that would not have been possible online. What stood out most for me was the psychological safety in the room. Combined with the individual coaching sessions, this made the experience both challenging and highly personal, and allowed me to get insights that I can use in my day-to-day business and private life.
I felt really supported by our facilitators and internal observers, who offered thoughtful, personal feedback and took the time to help us improve individually. The 1:1 sessions after the on-site workshop were especially valuable to me as they allowed me to fully process and integrate the feedback. Having the support of my career coach also helped me define small actions based on the feedback received that I can apply now in my day‑to‑day work.
5 How has the DCM influenced you as a leader?
The DCM has had a lasting influence on how I see my role as a leader. I now place much greater emphasis on enabling and developing others, rather than focusing mainly on being a strong leader myself. This includes being more intentional about creating space for others, and supporting team members in developing their own leadership style.
What I appreciate most is that the learning doesn't stop after the workshop. There are additional coaching sessions built into the programme, giving participants the space to continue exploring their insights and embed what they've learned on a deeper level.
"I think PwC does a great job supporting upskilling and professional growth. Programmes like the DCM show how much the firm invests in developing its managers and above, but what really stands out to me is the broader learning culture."
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