We are delighted to share with you our interview “Questions and Answers with Ana Paula TEDIOSI, founder of Birdhause”.
Carla MARTIN: Please introduce yourself for those who do not know you yet.
Ana Paula TEDIOSI: I was born in Brazil and grew up in Bellinzona, Switzerland. I studied Pharmacology at the University of Geneva between 2003 and 2008 and then moved to Zurich for work shortly after completing my studies. After a few years working in pharmacies, I began my career in the pharmaceutical industry, a sector where I still work to this day.
As an active member of Zurich’s Professional Women’s Community, I am part of the feminist NGO Professional Women’s Group of Zurich. I was elected to the executive committee in 2014 and have been the organization’s President since 2018. Recently I became the owner of the first women Club and workspace in Zurich, BIRDHAUS.
CM: What was your path to the role you have now?
APT: Volunteering for 5 years in a female NGO focused on professional networking, has make me understand that my mission is to help women develop their professional life. In a NGO we work for the cause therefore the gratifications come out of the results. For me there is nothing more rewarding then to see woman moving forward with their professional life thanks to the effort of the organization I’m leading.
CM: What does a typical working day look like for you?
APT: Difficult to say. Currently I have 2 jobs. I work for a pharmaceutical company, where I have a very corporate career which I really enjoy; then I work two days for Birdhaus Social, which I consider my mission. My days are busy with meetings, interesting discussion, family activities to take care of; so every day is totally different, I love it!
CM: Tell us what is your success mindset?
APT: Everyone knows that mindset is key. I strongly believe that a positive and uncomplicated approach to life is the best. I do not duel too much on problems and I focus on solutions and I always find a way to laugh in every situation.
CM: What was your biggest challenge on the personal side also business side?
APT: From a personal point of view, the challenge is to dedicate enough time to me and to my family. I want to spend quality time with my kids and my husband and therefore I have to cut down time from work. From business prospects, in this moment I jungle between two jobs. I have two completely different roles, which is tough but I really enjoy it; the challenge is to remain focused on my projects and provide quality work to both companies.
CM: I would like to know what is the best advice in business you have been given?
APT: Being very new in the entrepreneurial life, I receive advice from everyone I’m interacting with. Most of the people tell me to take it slowly and move forward step by step. I have to remind me this tantrum every day. We always want to achieve more, therefore we need to work harder every day and this can lead to unnecessary pressure and stress.
CM: For a young entrepreneur, what advice would you give?
APT: To anyone who starts a project, whatever this could be, a new business or a NGO, I always recommend to firstly take good care of yourself. Your body and mind are crucial for the success of your projects and no one other then you will take care of yourself. Healthy lifestyle, enough sleeping hours and positive mindset are the fundamental components of success.
CM: What was the most challenging moment in your life? And how did you manage to overcome it?
APT: I think I’m in the middle of it. Two jobs, family, private life to enjoy, this is the most challenging time of my life so far. I take every task as it comes, and if I don’t have time to do it now, it will wait. The challenge is to be ok even if there are thousands things to do’s waiting for me.
CM: What is your business current focus?
APT: Birdhaus Social is not just a co-working space, is a lifestyle.
Birdhaus is a beautiful and smart space where women can grow professionally, take care of themselves and take care of their tribe while having sustainable behaviors.
Women who join Birdhaus look for a place where they can be their true self. In the Birdhaus tribe women feel empowered, productive, healthy, fulfilled and they support each other to succeed.
CM: What charity do you support?
APT: I support several charities who focus on supporting women and girls. One of them is Hemlata (Hemlata.ch), which support Indian girls coming from difficult situations to get high level education and raise from poverty. I also support a Swiss Organization OuverTür (https://www.ouvertur.ch/) who helps refugees and immigrate to integrate in Switzerland.
CM: Who inspires you today?
APT: I don’t have one specific person in mind. Every person who works to making the world a better place is an inspiration for me. I like people who are driven from a good causes and work hard to achieve them.
CM: You found your passion, in your opinion how does everyone find their own passion?
APT: I’m convinced that everyone has his own passion, some people just don’t give it this name and they think they don’t have it. Everyone has something that motives them, something that makes them happy and fulfilled. It can be climbing mountains, helping Panda’s to survive or singing. I’m also convinced that not all us can live out of our passions. Sometime it has to remain a side hustle, or a hobby, and we have to accept it.
CM: If you had the power to change just one thing in the world what would it be?
APT: Achieve genre equality, of course!
CM: Thank you so much Ana for your time and kindness to answer my questions.
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