CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 8 2023 9 Jun24647 As CEO and Managing Partner of smzh ag (smzh), Gzim Hasani embraces a transformational leadership style that encourages collaboration. He works to inspire trust, foster growth, and align his team’s efforts with organizational objectives. This enables the delivery of personalized financial advisory services that empower individuals and SMEs to achieve their goals. Gzim has been named Most Influential CEO 2024 - Switzerland (Insurance & Mortgage Solutions). We speak to him to learn more about his exceptional leadership, his career, and the company that he leads with pride. In his role as CEO, Gzim Hasani leads the strategic direction and operational management of smzh ag. “Every task, no matter how small, contributes to our larger purpose. By approaching each day with clarity, commitment, and collaboration, we transform routine actions into meaningful contributions towards our shared goals. Everyone in the company understands their contribution to the smzh vision and lighthouse,” he explains. Gzim’s journey within the world of finance began in 2009 at Credit Suisse, where he quickly took on responsibility for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs). From there, he moved to Julius Bär, working in the directorate. In 2018, he founded Impegno & Partners, and subsequently took over smzh ag. Starting with just five employees, he has grown the team to over 150. Today, Gzim leads a team that embodies an entrepreneurial attitude to drive innovation and growth. “With short decision-making processes and a flat hierarchy, we respond swiftly to opportunities and challenges. Risk-taking is encouraged within our organization, and I play an active role in maintaining and nurturing this dynamic internal culture.” He places great importance on being a positive role model, for his team and within the industry, and on personifying the core values of smzh: Responsibility, Customer Orientation, Trust, Long-Term Entrepreneurial Spirit, and Independence. Gzim goes on to tell us about his approach to leadership: “Over the years, my leadership style has evolved from a focus on goal and deadline setting to a more employeecentred approach. I prioritise fostering an environment where team members feel empowered to innovate and take on new challenges.” Underscoring this is his mantra of “Collaboration: Achieving goals requires teamwork and cooperation, leveraging collective strengths to achieve shared objectives”. His ambitious team leverage their extensive expertise and specialised knowledge to deliver customised solutions that are perfectly aligned with each client’s specific needs. Through its all-in-one service, smzh is its clients’ trusted partner for every financial, insurance, real estate, tax, and legal need, ensuring their success at every stage of their life. “We provide all our clients with access to top-tier financial services, regardless of their wealth or experience. Our advisory services are free for clients, with smzh earning fees from partner products. This creates a low entry barrier and is unique in the industry,” Gzim explains. This isn’t all that gives smzh a competitive edge, as smzh also implements advanced technology in order to equip and support its advisors whilst maintaining the essential human touch that – not only clients demand – but which smzh also strongly cares about. “Our client-centric approach and bespoke services set us apart from the competition. We focus on technological innovation to enhance our advisory capabilities. Our holistic approach to wealth planning considers all private, legal, and tax perspectives to provide comprehensive financial planning.” smzh has seen rapid growth, which Gzim tells us has required continuous adaptation and a learning mindset. This has created numerous exciting opportunities for team members to grow into new roles, develop innovative solutions, diversify their skills, and foster a culture of versatility and excellence. This entrepreneurial attitude and can-do spirit enable them to welcome new challenges and drive forward-thinking solutions. Creating such a dynamic environment has been instrumental in the company’s success and maintaining its competitive edge. However, while fast growth is a fantastic achievement, it doesn’t come without its hurdles, such as resource constraints and the need for effective prioritisation. Gzim’s dedication towards promoting a culture of continuous learning and open communication has helped the company to overcome these challenges, with its training designed to enhance adaptability and resilience. Gzim views it as important to adapt to each team member’s learning curve and ensure that no one feels overwhelmed or sidelined, saying, “This awareness has helped mitigate potential issues and foster a more cohesive and motivated team environment.” So, what do smzh’s clients say about their experience of working with the company? One delighted individual shares, “I have been thoroughly impressed by smzh’s commitment to providing top-quality financial services to its clients – to me. One of the things I appreciate most about smzh is their attention to detail. They take the time to thoroughly understand their clients’ unique financial situations, and then work diligently to develop tailored solutions that meet those needs. Whether it’s investment management, insurance, or other financial services, smzh has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the industry and a commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for me and my situation.” Ultimately, it’s clear to see how smzh has accomplished such incredible success. With Gzim Hasani at the helm and an excellent team behind him, the company’s growth has accelerated significantly, whilst leaving an array of overjoyed clients in its wake. Gzim’s leadership is nothing short of extraordinary, making him a deserving recipient of the Most Influential CEO Awards 2024. Now, smzh has its sights set on the next 12 months and beyond, with no intentions of slowing down. The company plans to expand its service offerings and enhance its technological capabilities. Additionally, it plans to open six new locations in Switzerland and increase its international footprint to serve a global client base. In terms of his own plans for the future, Gzim will be looking to develop his leadership skills and deepen his knowledge of emerging trends in the financial industry. He tells us that he will also aim to mentor the next generation of leaders within the company to ensure their success. He will also continue to value exchanges with other leading personalities, with this networking and his additional entrepreneurial activities and mandates helping him to expand his horizons and push the boundaries of what is possible. Above all else, Gzim Hasani’s goal is to continuously develop himself, his people, and thereby the entire company, offering people perspectives and being a reliable partner for the long run. Company: smzh ag Contact: Gzim Hasani Email: [email protected] Website: www.smzh.ch
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