Christophe is an Audit Manager at PwC Switzerland with nearly a decade of experience at the firm. Alongside his work in Audit, he serves as co-lead of Shine, PwC's inclusive business network for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. This June, in celebration of Pride Month, we sat down with him to hear more about his journey and the work Shine is doing at PwC Switzerland.
1 Tell us about yourself and your journey at PwC Switzerland and how you came to co-lead Shine.
I’ve been with PwC for around 10 years, which has been a very rewarding journey across different roles and locations. Back in 2018, while I was at PwC Luxembourg, I co-founded the local Shine network, driven by a strong belief in fostering an inclusive workplace.
When I moved to PwC Switzerland, it was important for me to continue that engagement. Getting involved in Shine here felt like a natural continuation of that journey and eventually led to my role as co-lead.
2 For anyone who hasn't heard of Shine before, how would you describe the network and what it means to you personally?
Shine is PwC’s LGBTQIA+ network, dedicated to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered. It brings together members and allies to increase awareness, foster connection, and promote inclusion across the firm.
For me personally, visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community is key. When people feel comfortable being themselves at work, they can truly unleash their full potential, and that benefits both individuals and the organisation as a whole.
3 How does PwC Switzerland show up for the LGBTQIA+ community both during Pride Month in June and throughout the rest of the year?
At PwC Switzerland, Pride Month is marked through a range of initiatives, from local events like our Pride brunch and walking together in the Zurich Pride parade, to broader activities across PwC EMEA. Beyond June, inclusion remains a year-round focus through continuous engagement, awareness efforts, and the work of networks like Shine.
"Pride is a moment of visibility, celebration, and reflection. It’s about creating space for people to show up authentically and recognising the importance of inclusion."
4 As Shine co-lead, you work closely with leaders across the firm to foster authentic leadership and inclusion. What does that work look like in practice, and what progress are you most proud of?
In practice, this means working closely with leaders to ensure inclusion is embedded in everyday interactions, through events, open discussions, and ongoing awareness initiatives.
What I’m most proud of is the strong engagement and support from our leadership, including the C-suite. Having visible sponsorship from leaders like our CEO Gustav Baldinger and our COO/CFO Sandra Boehm makes a real difference. Equally rewarding is the positive feedback we receive from colleagues, which shows that our efforts are resonating and making an impact.
5 What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a better ally in the workplace?
Be curious, be empathetic, and show up. Take the time to understand different perspectives, listen actively, and engage in conversations. Attending events and supporting initiatives is also a simple but powerful way to demonstrate allyship.
6 Looking ahead, what is your vision for Shine and for LGBTQIA+ inclusion at PwC Switzerland?
My vision is to continue growing the Shine community and strengthening its impact across the firm.
I would also like to build stronger synergies, not only within PwC across different employee networks, but also with our clients’ employee groups. By collaborating more broadly, we can amplify our impact and continue driving meaningful progress in LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
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