Schnyder CEO SCHNYDER
Miriam
Editorial
-Alaya Brown
Revolution in Reflection
Inaworldobsessedwithspeed,automation,and
output,itisraretofindaleaderwhoinvitesustoslow down,reflect,andreconnectwithmeaning.Miriam Schnyderisonesuchrarefigure—awomanwhostandstall withquietstrengthandfierceintention,redefiningwhatit meanstoleadwithbothvisionandheart.
AstheCEOofSCHNYDERGroupHoldingandthe visionarybehind Art X on Glass,Miriamisnotmerely blendingbusinessandcreativity—sheiscraftinganentirely newlanguagewhereinnovationmeetsemotion,and purposeelevatesperformance.Atatimewhenefficiency oftenoverrideselegance,sheisrestoringbalanceby showingthatformandfunctioncan,andmust,coexist. Througheveryglassinstallation,everyartisticdecision, andeverystrategicstepforward,Miriamcarriesan unwaveringbelief:beautyisnotaluxury—itisessentialto howweexperience,connect,andprogress.
WhatmakesMiriamtrulyinspirationalisnotjustwhatshe creates,buthowsheleads.Herleadershipisapowerful studyincontrasts—gentleyetexacting,boldyetdeeply empathetic.Shedoesnotsimplydirectteams;she empowerspeople.Shedoesnotjustchaseinnovation;she cultivatessignificance.Withemotionalintelligenceasher compassandcreativityasherfuel,MiriamSchnyderisnot rushingtokeepupwiththeworld—sheisredesigningits rhythmaltogether.
Inspirational Icon to Look For in 2025 ismorethana title—itisatributetoindividualswhoarechangingthe waywedefineimpact.Miriamexemplifiesthisshift.Sheis anarchitectofbeauty,astewardofintegrity,andaforceof transformationwhoremindsusthatprogressdoesn’thave tocomeatthecostofsoul.
ThiseditionisdedicatedtoMiriamSchnyder—awoman standingstill,movingforward,andilluminatingthefuture withglass,grace,andgreatness.
Miriam Schnyder Journey to Transform Art and Emotion
contents
ARTICLES
18 Commanding Change with Compassion How Human-Centered Leaders are Reshaping Business and Society
22 The Power of Purposeful Leadership: Inspiring Action, Driving Change, and Leading with Integrity
Art
Business
Business
Digital
Co-designer
Marketing
F E A T U R I N G
Miriam Schnyder
JourneytoTransformArtandEmotion
CEO SCHNYDERGroupHolding
InspirationalIcontoLookForin2025
Withvision,emotion,andferociousdetermination, Miriam Schnyder is standing still and moving forward in a world that frequently rushes past beautyinthenameofefficiency Sheisnotjustreinterpreting the relationship between art and usefulness as the CEO of SCHNYDER Group Holding and the driving force behind Art X on Glass, but she is also establishing herself as a revolutionary leader propelled by empathy, accuracy, and creativity.
Her path has not been typical at all. Rigid hierarchies and conventional systems don't define her leadership approach. Rather, she fosters teamwork, blurs the distinction between executive and artist, and creates a culture that values distinctiveness while allowing it to be incorporated into a unified brand story. She is embracing the power of global perspectivestocreateworkthatspeakstopeopleeverywhere whileleadingateamthatisascreativelyrichasitisculturally diverse.
Schnyder is unique in that she can strike a balance between emotionandinitiative.Whatstartedasadaringglasspainting concepthasexpandedunderherdirectionintoabusinessthat is collaborating with architects, interior designers, and collectors worldwide to create custom works that are both emotionally and functionally significant. Her vision extends beyondaesthetics;itaimstoquestionconventions,reinterpret the function of art in everyday life, and demonstrate that sustained commercial success and creative brilliance may coexist.
Schnyder is leading with heart and intent in every choice, a uniquecombinationthatkeepsArtXonGlassfrombecoming a specialized passion project to a long-lasting international brand.
TheMirroroftheSoul
"Art X on Glass is not just a piece of glass. Our artwork is the mirror of our soul; our eyes, our ears paint with us, not only our hands." Schnyder explains with the passion that has drivenherunconventionaljourney.Thisphilosophyisn'tmere marketing speak it's the foundation of a company that launchedin2024withanambitiousmission:tobringunique, emotionallyevocativeartintoeveryhome.
The technique Schnyder and her team have mastered is deceptively complex. Unlike traditional canvas painting, glass art requires artists to think in reverse literally. "The biggestchallengeisthefactthatweneedtothinkmirrored.We paintononesideofaglass,butwewatchitfromanotherside.
It is like when you see things from another perspective." she notes. This fundamental shift in perspective has become a metaphorforSchnyder'sentireapproachtobusinessandart.
The technical challenges don't end with spatial orientation. Glasspresentsuniqueobstaclesthatcanvasartistsneverface. The glass cannot absorb the moisture from the colors, and hereiswhereabigadventurestarts.Nooneeverknowshow the picture at the end will look.This uncertainty, rather than being a limitation, has become the company's greatest strengtheachpiecetrulyisone-of-a-kind,bornfromaprocess thatembracestheunexpected.
AGlobalTeam,AUniversalVision
WhatsetsArtXonGlassapartisn'tjustitstechnique,butthe diversetapestryofartistswhobringittolife.Thecompany's seven-person team reads like a United Nations roster, with talentdrawnfromacrossthecountriesofEuropeandbeyond. Each artist brings their cultural heritage and unique perspectivetotheglasscanvas.
EiriniStefanakifromCreteservesasthecreativeforcebehind the successful "Asia-collection," specializing in modern art techniques using acrylic spray. Her Mediterranean sensibilities blend seamlessly with Asian-inspired motifs, creating pieces that transcend geographical boundaries Veronika Gisler from Austria has earned recognition as the team's"glassexpert,"withherfloralcompositionsbecoming signature pieces that showcase the medium's capacity for delicatebeauty.
Manypeoplehaveone colorontheglassinthe kitchenandbathrooms RAL-colorsthatare everywherethesame.Why notbeuniqueandhavethe sunsetinthekitchen?Or havealotusaspainting?”
The Slovak contingent including Schnyder herself, MonikaProchazkaandherfather Miroslav, and brothers Miro and Marian Sidlik, brings what Schnyder describes as "a totally different wind into thepaintings."Theirworkischaracterizedby bold use of glitter, powerful colors, and compositionsfilledwith"hugeemotions."Thismulticultural approach isn't accidental; it's central to Schnyder's vision of artasauniversallanguage.
"Every nation in our world has so many strengths. It is so great to show these beautiful emotions on glass." Schnyder reflects. This philosophy extends beyond the studio walls, informing how the company approaches clients and customization.
WhereFunctionMeetsForm
ArtXonGlasshassuccessfullybridgesthegapbetweenfine artandfunctionaldesign,creatingpiecesthatservepractical purposes while maintaining artistic integrity From kitchen backsplashes to dining tables, coasters to large-scale installations, each piece must meet dual criteria: aesthetic beautyandpracticaldurability.
The company's approach to functional art is particularly evident in their kitchen and bathroom applications. Using 6mmtemperedglasswithpaintingappliedtothereverseside, these pieces offer both visual impact and practical benefits.
"Many people have one color on the glass in the kitchen and bathroomsRAL-colorsthatareeverywherethesame.Whynot be unique and have the sunset in the kitchen? Or have a lotus aspainting?"Schnyderobserves.
Wesupporteachother, thereisnohierarchy, thereisnobossand employees.Weareall artists,andweallsitin thesameboat.” “
This practical application of art extends to some impressive scales. The company's largest commission to date was a massive3mx2.5mglassinstallationforanatriuminahouse by Lake Neuchâtel. The piece, featuring sun, waves, and a paletteoforange,blue,andsilver,demonstrateshowglassart can transform architectural spaces while maintaining the intimate,emotionalconnectionthatdefinesthemedium.
ThePersonalTouchinaScalableBusiness
Despite the company's growth ambitions, Schnyder has maintained a deep personal approach to client relationships. "Before we start to paint a customized picture, we meet the client in person. Our painting should be a part of the life of someone; it should harmonize with person, with family." she explains.
Thiscommitmenttopersonalizationpresentsuniquebusiness challenges.Howdoesacompanyscalewhilemaintainingthe intimate artist-client relationship that defines its brand? Her answer lies in the diversity of her team and a collaborative approach that ensures each artist can contribute their unique perspective while working within the company's broader vision.
The studio operates without traditional hierarchies. "We support each other, there is no hierarchy, there is no boss and employees. We are all artists, and we all sit in the same boat." Schnyderexplains.Thisegalitarianapproachnotonlyfosters creativity but also ensures that the company's rapid growth doesn'tcompromisethepersonaltouchthatclientsvalue.
InnovationattheIntersectionofArtandTechnology
While rooted in traditional techniques, Art X on Glass isn't content to remain static. The company is actively exploring how emerging technologies can enhance rather than replace the human touch that defines their work. Current projects include developing light-responsive elements that can be integrated into glass paintings, creating pieces that change andevolvewithambientlightingconditions.
"To illuminate the glass that way, that we have the light from all sides equally, is heavy," Schnyder admits. The technical challenges are significant, but the company is collaborating withtechnologyfirmsintheZurichareatodevelopsolutions thatmaintainartisticintegritywhileembracinginnovation.
This forward-thinking approach extends to the company's product development. The successful "Asia-collection" has beenjoinedbyanupcoming"HomagetoLittlePrince"series,
Beforewestarttopainta customizedpicture,we meettheclientin person.Ourpainting shouldbeapartofthe lifeofsomeone;it shouldharmonizewith person,withfamily.”
where each artist interprets Saint-Exupéry's beloved characterthroughtheiruniqueculturallensandartisticstyle.
ChallengingPerceptions,CreatingValue
Perhaps Schnyder's greatest challenge isn't technical or artisticit'scultural. "Art is often looked down upon by society as just a hobby or something non-essential. Changing these perceptions requires more than creating beautiful objects; it demandsafundamentalshiftinhowpeopleviewtheroleofart indailylife.”sheacknowledges.
The company's strategy involves showcasing not just the beautyoftheirwork,butitsuniquenessandpersonalvalue."It is ok to be unique," she argues. "It is ok to have something beautiful at home, what no one in the world has." This message resonates particularly strongly in an era of mass production and digital reproduction, where truly unique objectscarryspecialsignificance.
AVisionRealized
WhenSchnyderfoundedArtXinGlassAG,skepticstoldher itwouldtakeadecadetoachievesuccess.Herresponsewas characteristically direct: "It is too long, because in 10 years we will retire, and we do not have energy for behind glass painting.Weshouldbesuccessfulnow."
That urgency has paid off From their headquarters on Gewerbestrasse in Aesch, the company is serving a diverse clientele ranging from architects to VIPs, with a target audience that she simply describes as "everybody." This democratic vision of art accessibility, combined with the company's commitment to uniqueness and emotional resonance, has created a business model that challenges traditionalnotionsofbothartcommerceandartisticintegrity
LookingThroughtheGlass
As Art X on Glass continues to grow, Schnyder remains focused on the fundamental principle that launched the company: the belief that art should be accessible, personal, and emotionally meaningful. Each piece that is emerging fromthestudioshouldcarrynotjustthetechnicalskillofits creator, but the cultural heritage, personal vision, and collaborativespiritthatdefinesthecompany
"The beautiful matchless painting for beautiful unique person. This is Art X on Glass." Schnyder concludes. In a
worldincreasinglydominatedbymassproductionanddigital reproduction, this commitment to individual expression and emotionalconnectionofferssomethingincreasinglyrare:art thatistruly,irreplaceablyunique.
Through glass, Schnyder and her team have found a way to capturenotjustimages,butemotions,stories,anddreams.In doingso,they'vetransformedanancientcraftintoamodern medium that speaks to our fundamental need for beauty, uniqueness,andpersonalexpressioninourdailylives.
In an era defined by disruption technological, environmental, social, and economic—change is no longerachoicebutunavoidable.Buttheleaderswhoare cutting through the noise, leading movements, and building lastinglegaciesaren'tjusttheoneswithaclearvisionorgood strategicthinking.They'retheoneswholeadwithhumanity.
Welcometotheeraofhuman-centeredleadership—agamechanging style that combines strength and sensitivity, innovation and fairness, and authority and authenticity.This new model of leadership is leading through change, not through coercion or threat, but through compassion—and in doing so, it's reshaping success in boardrooms, institutions, andsocietyasawhole.
TheRiseofHuman-CenteredLeadership
The old leadership playbook—based on hierarchy, control, andmetrics—waswrittenforindustrial-eraefficiency,notfor the nuances of our current world. Our world today requires leaderswhocanthriveinuncertainty,createconnection,and establishculturesinwhichpeopleflourish.
Human-centeredleadershiphasfourpillars:
• Empathy: Embracing the lived reality and emotional truthofothers.
• Purpose: Grounding decision-making in values that go beyondprofit.
• Authenticity: Leadership with honesty, openness, and a desiretolearn.
• Empowerment:Buildingsystemswhereeveryvoicecan beheardandeverypersoncanaddvaluableinput.
Thisisn'taboutabandoningperformance—it'saboutarriving therewithtrust,inclusion,andsharedvision.
CompassioninAction:TheNewCompetitiveAdvantage
Someoftheworld'smostadmiredleaders—betheybusiness professionals, educators, public officials, or civil society activists—are showing the world that compassion is not a vulnerability. In fact, it's becoming the greatest strength in high-pressureleadership.
ConsiderCEOswho'vemadementalhealtheffortsapriority duringtimesofturmoil,executiveswho'veopenlyspokenout againstsocialjusticeissues,ormanagerswho'vetransformed work cultures to be more dynamic and well. These aren't gesturesforthesakeofwarmth—they'rebusinessimperatives in an age where talent, trust, and transparency are no longer debatable.
Researchbearsitout:thosecompanieswithmoreempathetic leaders have higher engagement, lower turnover, improved innovation,andhighercustomersatisfaction.Compassion,in short, generates loyalty, drives resilience, and ignites creativity—allessentialduringtimesofextremechange.
LeadingChangeWithoutLeavingPeopleBehind
Change is too often accompanied by disruption and disruption,whennotwellmanaged,givesrisetofear Humancentered leaders understand that lasting change involves emotionalintelligence,notoperationsstrategy
Instead of imposing compliance, they construct collective buy-inthroughlisteningdeeply,communicatingopenly,and valuing people's concerns. They also know that the path to changingpassesthroughpeople'sheartsandminds.
They also build psychologically safe cultures in which individuals feel empowered to challenge the status quo without fear of censure. Change is not imposed in such cultures—it's co-created. This co-creative model guarantees that transformation is sustainable, inclusive, and consonant withthelivedrealitiesofthoseitaffects.
Human-CenteredLeadershipinSociety
The impact of compassionate leadership extends far beyond the organization In government, NGOs, and social movements, human-oriented leaders are bringing systemic change—climate change, inequality, education, healthcare —usingempathy-fueledinnovation.
Theyunderstandthatsystemswon'tshiftuntilpeopledo,and that people won't shift without trust. These leaders listen to communities, amplify marginalized voices, and create policiesforthegreatergood,notspecialinterests.
Whether it's a mayor speaking out for green cities, a school superintendent planning trauma-sensitive classrooms, or a tech entrepreneur developing ethical AI—empathy is the currencyofcredibilityinpublicleadership.
TheBalance:StrengthandSensitivity
Human-centeredleadershipisnotsoftleadership.Itrequires, infact,morecourage,honesty,andself-awarenessthanmost traditional models. These leaders must confront uncomfortabletruths,maketoughchoices,andstandfirmin uncertainty all while keeping themselves anchored in people'shumanity
They don't avoid responsibility or ambition—they redefine them. Success isn't just about profits, rankings, or returns anymore.It'salsoabouttherichnessofrelationships,depthof impact,andinclusivenessofprogress.
This balance between decisiveness and empathy, performanceandmeaning—iswhatdistinguishestoday'sbest andmostrespectedleaders.
BuildingaCultureofHuman-CenteredLeadership
In order to make this leadership model effective, it must be integratedintoorganizationalDNA.Thatmeans:
• Reshaping leadership training programs to include emotional intelligence, active listening, and inclusive decision-making.
• Rewardingleadersforwhattheydo,butalsoforhowthey lead.
• Creatingfeedbackloopsthattrackemployeewell-being, notonlyKPIs.
• Leading vulnerably at the top—because people trust leaderswhoarereal,notflawless.
It also requires an adherence to diversity and representation —ensuring leadership teams reflect the communities and culturestheyserve.
TheRoadAhead:CompassionasaCatalyst
Sincetheworldisgettingmoreunstable,moreuncertain,and more connected, the demand for empathetic leadership will only keep increasing.We need leaders who don't merely get things accomplished, but inspire a sense of belonging. Who don't merely act fast, but pause to listen. Who don't merely endurechange,butguideothersthroughitwithkindness.
Even as the unprecedented challenges come, compassion is notasoftskill—it'sastrategicsuperpower
Because when people feel heard, valued, and cared for, they don'tjustadapttochange—theybecomethechange.
The of Purposeful Power Leadership: Inspiring Action, Driving Change, Integrity and with Leading
Inanuncertain,intricate,andfast-movingworld,thebest leadersarenotnecessarilythosewiththeloudestvoices orthemostpenetratingstrategies.Instead,theyarethose who lead with purpose clarity—those who leverage their visiontodriveaction,createmeaningfulchange,andbuilda cultureofintegrity.
Purposeful leadership is not a trend or management jargon. It's a practice and a philosophy—an intentional method of decision-making, empowering teams, and establishing businessoutcomesintermsofbroaderhumaninfluence.Atits core, it's about answering an intrinsic question: Why do we lead?And the best leaders answer not with profits or power, butwithpeople,principles,andprogress.
LeadingfromtheInsideOut
Purposeful leadership begins with self-awareness. Before a leadercanmotivateothers,theymustunderstandwhatdrives them.What are their values that inform their choices?What futurearetheyworkingtoward?Whatwillbetheirlegacy?
These types of leaders are egoless and not centered around short-term gain. They're grounded in a personal purpose—a bigger"why"thatdrivestheirchoicesandunitestheminbad times. Whatever that motivation is—whether it's improving healthcare, building sustainable businesses, influencing the next generation, or driving innovation—it's a north star that guideseveryconversation,initiative,andstrategy.
This purpose clarity allows intentional leaders to lead from withinout,establishingauthenticityandemotionalresilience thatisrareyetcompellingintoday'svolatileclimate.
InspiringActionThroughMeaning
Leadership is not control—it's influence.And purpose gives theleadershipitsmagneticpull.Whenindividualsunderstand the "why" of the work, they are more involved, committed, andcreative.Aclearpurposebuildsalignmentsothatpeople canseethemselvesaspartofsomethinggreaterthanajobora quarterlyobjective.
Purposeful leaders are master storytellers.They don't assign tasks—they set tasks in purpose. They build cultures where workersareheard,seen,andmotivatedtooffertheirbest,not becausetheyhaveto,butbecausetheychooseto.
They create mission-driven workplaces where collaboration isenergizedthroughvalues,andsuccessismeasurednotjust infigures,butinimpact.
DrivingChangewithCourageandConviction
Change is certain—but progress isn't. It requires conscious, fearlessleadershipthat'snotbotheredtochallengethestatus quo.Principle-centeredleadersareuniquelyqualifiedtodrive changebecausetheiractionsareguidedbysomethinggreater thanself-interest—they'reguidedbyprinciples.
Lookforthemtospeakupwhenit'shard.Theytakeunpopular standsintheshorttermthatareessentialtolong-termjustice, sustainability, or innovation. They don't ride trends; they championtruth.
Whetheritisembracinginclusivepolicies,alteringbusiness models to reduce environmental impact, or altering organizational culture, intentional leaders are change disruptors.
They do not hesitate to tread through the uncomfortable territorysincetheyrealizethatprogresshasthepropensityof beginningatthedoorstepofuncertainty
Integrity:ThePillarofSustainedLeadership
Without integrity, leadership is empty. Intentional leaders don'tonlyspeakofvalues—theylivethem.Theiractionsand words are consistent. They lead with candor, own their failures,andestablishtrustthroughconsistency
Integritybuildscredibility,andcredibilitybuildsloyalty Ina time when cynicism about institutions is high, leaders who lead with moral courage are needed more than ever. They rebuildtrustinleadership—notbybeingperfect,butbybeing responsible,principled,andhuman.
This ethical guide also has a ripple effect. Teams echo what theyseeintheirleaders.Ifintegrityispracticedatthetop,it becomes part of the culture—enabling a workplace where ethics are more than compliance boxes but become routine behavior.
PurposeinPractice:AStrategicAdvantage
Purpose is considered to be a soft concept, but the evidence tells another story Those companies with purpose-based leadership outperform their peers in almost every key metric—invention,retentionofemployees,customerloyalty, andlong-termprofitability.
Why?Becausepurposegeneratesfocus,resilience,andunity Itallowsorganizationstoharnesscomplexitywithclarityand transform without surrendering their essence It unites
stakeholders, sparks customer trust, and lures talent particularly from next-gen generations seeking purposefulemployment.
Not virtual, but authentic, purpose becomes a practical advantage, allowing leaders to mobilize people, inform strategy,andstayearthedamidstchaos.
TheFutureBelongstoPurposefulLeaders
Astheglobestruggleswithconvergingcrises—rangingfrom climate change and international tensions to mental health crises and digital disruption—demand will grow only for effectiveleadership.
Tomorrow'sleadersmustnotonlybevisionaries.Theymust be value-driven builders who can transform purpose into reality They must motivate, not direct. They must work in concert,notdemand.Andaboveall,theymustunderstandthat leadershipisnotanoffice—leadershipisacalling.
Conclusion:LeadingwithPurpose,LeavingaLegacy
Purposefulleadershipisnotheroicmomentsorbigspeeches. It'sintentionalchoicesmadewithcourageandempathyevery day It'saboutdoingtheharderrightandnottheeasierwrong. It's about setting people's fire ablaze, not igniting it underneaththem.
Inspiring action, driving change, and leading with values—thisisthepowerofpurpose.Andinaworldhungry forhope,vision,andimpact,itisalsothemostenduringform ofleadershipwecanhopetoachieve.
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