We present: Michelle Abboud
With Lucerne Business over 10 years as VP Promotion USA, Canada & Mexico and at the «front line» for the North American Markets
This is me.
I often refer to myself as an American with a Swiss heart. I grew up spending my summers in northern Italy with family. We visited Lucerne as well, and there my «love affair» with Switzerland started, with spectacular views of the city and lake of Lucerne from the nearby Bürgenstock hotel resort. And to think – years later I would be officially representing Canton Lucerne as a business destination for the North America market – this is a dream come true.
Like many of us though, my career plans did not follow a straight line. At first I imagined I would be an architect, then I dreamed of being an astro-chemist, and I finally «landed» a career in business-government relations and economic development. I've represented many an economic region, but none as spectacular and dynamic as Lucerne! I began with a small mandate representing the five Central Swiss cantons, then a slightly bigger mandate representing our flagship office park, the D4 Business Village, and then joining Lucerne Business in 2010.
I remain proud and passionate.
Hobbies
Enjoy a game of ping-pong, get my moves on with some Bachata or Salsa dancing, learn Country Music dancing.
Inquired
What excites you the most about your role at Lucerne Business?
Without a doubt, the people I meet and the people I work with are what excites me the most. Bright, courageous, change-making people who are pursuing their professional dreams, who are influencers and disruptors (in the best sense of the word).
I am privileged to meet the founders and C-suite-executives of technologically innovative companies who are making an impact in the world and our daily lives. In small part, I too am making a difference when I help them find their dream setup in Europe through a presence in Lucerne.
What do you prefer: Wine or beer?
My favorite beer, hands down, is Yuengling. It is the oldest continuously running brewery in the United States in Pennsylvania. It is a savory beer that is full flavored but not overpowering. Check it out the next time you are in the USA.
What was your career dream as a child?
My earliest career dreams were to be a horse jockey or a dance choreographer. I spent many a childhood fantasy imagining the pounding hooves of a racing horse under my command or orchestrating the flow of contemporary music dance moves...
As a young adult, my dreams shifted to being an architect, followed by an astro-chemist. Along the way, there were always people and experiences that inspired my dreams.
What do you do when you're not working?
- Being in Nature, I believe in «ecotherapy»
- Exploring new spaces and places
- Visiting new cafes and tasting their matcha lattes
- Visiting and sharing with people that I love...
What is your favorite place in the canton of Lucerne?
I have two faves! Hiking along Mount Rigi and refreshing at the quaint cafe bars along the hiking trails (love that).
Perching myself on a scenic boulder atop Mount Pilatus and taking the expansive view of Lake Lucerne, plus the cityscape and countryside. It's outstanding!
How to please you?
Thoughtful appreciation goes a long way for me.
What bothers you?
Lack of appreciation goes a long way for me.