Success story: seniors@work connects ex-CEO of Microsoft Switzerland & Start Up

By Annette Ehrhardt, seniors@work

Peter Waser, the former country head of Microsoft Switzerland and CEO of Starmind, has been increasingly active in the start-up world for several years, is involved in numerous projects and also holds several board mandates. He has also been a member of seniors@work for some time - so there's no sign of retirement!

"As a 66-year-old, I still feel needed, and it makes me happy to be able to pass on my experience to young people"says Peter Waser on the background to his broad portfolio of tasks at the various start-ups. "It's a great feeling to help a young company get off the ground and lead it to success."

For example, a start-up in the training sector found him through seniors@work, and the collaboration is a win-win situation for both sides. Peter Waser: "Here I can contribute my experience in building up a young company and help shape a solid business model as a partner. The start-up is still self-financed and I am currently making my contribution pro bono. I don't think I should take the young founder's hard-earned money and start-up capital out of her pocket. When the company generates sales in a few months' time, we will revisit the arrangement. Until then - and beyond - this commitment keeps me on my toes and is a good addition to my other projects and mandates."

Although finding suitable (part-time) work is not always easy for retired specialists and managers, despite all their life experience and flexibility, Peter Waser from the seniors@work job platform is convinced: "Anyone who feels healthy and has life and work experience is in demand. And our economy and our standard of living need all hands and all heads!"