SUSANNA AKERET-WEISHAUPT
Pursuit Strategist And L&D Training Lead
Zurich
Summary
Passionate about unlocking the full potential of individuals and teams, excels in creating empowering environments that foster collaboration and meaningful relationships. Leveraging expertise and encouraging teamwork to enable others to achieve their goals, discover their true capabilities, and drive sustainable business success.
Results-driven professional with comprehensive background in strategic planning and execution. Known for delivering impactful solutions that align with business goals and foster team collaboration. Highly adaptable and reliable, skilled in critical analysis and innovative problem-solving to meet evolving organizational needs.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Pursuit Strategist & L&D Training Lead, Senior Manager - Pursuit Sales Excellence North & South Europe
Deloitte Consulting AG
11.2018 - 04.2025
- Directed large-scale global and local pursuits, managing the full bid cycle from pre-RFP to final pitch, ensuring alignment with client needs to maximise win potential.
- Provided strategic coaching, facilitation, and constructive challenge to executive-level stakeholders and pursuit teams for high-stakes client pitches, equipping them to engage confidently and effectively.
- Designed, delivered and evaluated impactful sales trainings across EMEA business lines, via onsite, virtual, and hybrid platforms - enhancing engagement, performance and alignment with evolving growth objectives.
- Cultivated cross-functional relationships with internal clients, SME's and senior leadership to align training and pursuit efforts with business needs.
- Ad Interim Head of the Swiss Pursuit Centre of Excellence (PCoE) (Nov 2021 - Jul 2022), leading cross-functional team to optimize pursuit delivery, sales performance and training initiatives.
- Led and developed Swiss-based Pursuit Leads, managing performance and career growth, while mentoring Swiss-based Pursuit Writers and Designers to strengthen team cohesion and impact.
Pursuit Lead, Manager - Pursuit Centre of Excellence (PCoE)
Deloitte Consulting AG
11.2018 - 08.2021
- Led bid responses for complex tenders, overseeing the entire pursuit lifecycle from planning to submission and presentations, including win labs and value proposition articulation to align solutions with client needs and maximise win chances.
- Provided coaching and constructive challenge to cross-functional bid teams, enhancing pitch readiness and client engagement.
- Designed and implemented L&D initiatives to elevate sales excellence in Swiss and Middle East Consulting teams, aligning with business strategy.
- Acted as a trusted advisor to pursuit teams and business leads, ensuring alignment between bid strategy, client objectives and internal capabilities.
Business Communications & Professional Development Specialist
Freelance
12.2017 - 10.2018
- Developed communication materials, including website content, LinkedIn profiles and CVs, to enhance personal branding and support business goals.
- Coached professionals on performance development, communication skills and effective stakeholder engagement.
- Advised on client-facing documents, ensuring clarity, alignment and stronger relationships.
Pursuit Writer & Manager | Coaching & Training
KPMG Switzerland AG
07.2014 - 11.2017
- Authored persuasive proposal narratives and collaborated with multinational pitch teams to craft win themes and competitive differentiators for RFP responses, strengthening client value propositions.
- Coached bid teams on client stakeholder engagement and messaging, providing strategic challenge and operational support throughout the pursuit process.
- Designed and delivered best-practice pursuit and business development training for senior management, enhancing performance and win rates.
Internal Communications Specialist
KPMG Switzerland AG
07.2014 - 02.2015
- Managed editorial projects to produce internal communications aligned with leadership vision, increasing employee engagement.
Communications & Content Strategist
Freelance
07.2012 - 06.2014
- Researched, wrote, edited, and translated documentation and marketing materials for business professionals in education, ICT, and sales & marketing, ensuring clarity, consistency, and cultural relevance.
L&D Programme Coordinator - Partner Enablement
Microsoft Switzerland GmbH
07.2008 - 06.2012
- Led the design and rollout of business development training programmes for internal teams and Microsoft Partners, collaborating with trainers, distributors and the local Partner community to support EMEA learning strategy targets.
- Developed and distributed tailored marketing and enablement content across multiple channels to build awareness of new Microsoft technologies and drive adoption of related training offerings.
- Directed the optimisation of Partner Skills and Development processes, reducing costs and effort in delivering Partner learning initiatives.
Assistant to the Director Small & Medium Market, Solutions and Partners
Microsoft Switzerland GmbH
04.2005 - 06.2008
- Edited corporate communications and supported strategic change initiatives.
Office Manager Assistant & Training Coordinator
Symantec Switzerland AG
09.2003 - 10.2004
- Managed office operations and coordinated client training programmes.
English Language Teacher
Hull's School Ltd.
01.2003 - 08.2003
- Designed and delivered English courses for business professionals.
Executive Search Assistant & Event Management
Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates AG Executive Search
07.2002 - 12.2002
- Managed search processes and organised high-profile business events.
Executive Search & Business Development Assistant
Guido Schilling AG Executive Search
09.2000 - 06.2002
- Supported search processes and helped implement new corporate branding.
English Language Teacher
Inlingua Sprachschule
05.1999 - 08.2000
- Taught general and business English across all proficiency levels.
Education
MBA - Leadership & Management
Institute of Communication and Leadership
01.2010 - 01.2013
Foreign Language Correspondent - Economics; German/English/Spanish
Spachen-und Dolmetscher Institut
01.1996 - 01.1998
BA Hons - German Intercultural Studies (Cum Laude)
University of Port Elizabeth
01.1990 - 01.1993
BA - German Literature Studies and Psychology
University of Port Elizabeth
01.1990 - 01.1993
Skills
Analytical thinker
Goal-focused leader
Motivational team guidance
Cross-cultural communication
Learning and development expertise
Project management
Problem-solving
Strategic planning
Audience engagement
Strategic networking
Certification
Professional Certificate in Coaching, Henley Business School, University of Reading, Henley-on-Thames, United Kingdom, 01/01/16
Proficiencies
English, German (Native), Afrikaans (Fluent), French, Spanish (Basic), MS Office Suite, Power BI, Salesforce, SAP, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Teams, Zoom
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
German
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Afrikaans
Advanced (C1)
French
Intermediate (B1)
Spanish
Intermediate (B1)
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
HybridImportant To Me
Work-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursWork from home optionPaid sick leavePersonal development programsInterests
Art & Culture
Interior Design
Photography
Gardening
Software
MS Office Suite
Zoom
MS Teams
Power BI
Timeline
Pursuit Strategist & L&D Training Lead, Senior Manager - Pursuit Sales Excellence North & South Europe
Deloitte Consulting AG
11.2018 - 04.2025
Pursuit Lead, Manager - Pursuit Centre of Excellence (PCoE)
Deloitte Consulting AG
11.2018 - 08.2021
Business Communications & Professional Development Specialist
Freelance
12.2017 - 10.2018
Pursuit Writer & Manager | Coaching & Training
KPMG Switzerland AG
07.2014 - 11.2017
Internal Communications Specialist
KPMG Switzerland AG
07.2014 - 02.2015
Communications & Content Strategist
Freelance
07.2012 - 06.2014
MBA - Leadership & Management
Institute of Communication and Leadership
01.2010 - 01.2013
L&D Programme Coordinator - Partner Enablement
Microsoft Switzerland GmbH
07.2008 - 06.2012
Assistant to the Director Small & Medium Market, Solutions and Partners
Microsoft Switzerland GmbH
04.2005 - 06.2008
Office Manager Assistant & Training Coordinator
Symantec Switzerland AG
09.2003 - 10.2004
English Language Teacher
Hull's School Ltd.
01.2003 - 08.2003
Executive Search Assistant & Event Management
Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates AG Executive Search
07.2002 - 12.2002
Executive Search & Business Development Assistant
Guido Schilling AG Executive Search
09.2000 - 06.2002
English Language Teacher
Inlingua Sprachschule
05.1999 - 08.2000
Foreign Language Correspondent - Economics; German/English/Spanish
Spachen-und Dolmetscher Institut
01.1996 - 01.1998
BA Hons - German Intercultural Studies (Cum Laude)
University of Port Elizabeth
01.1990 - 01.1993
BA - German Literature Studies and Psychology
University of Port Elizabeth
01.1990 - 01.1993