The world is changing rapidly – old recipes for success no longer work. Alpiq is therefore committed to a management style that focuses on coaching. Care, Dare & Share is our way of creating an environment in which people can develop their full potential. That is why our leadership development approach was recognised as conforming to “best practice” by Advance and the University of St. Gallen (HSG) in September 2025. Simon Reber, Head of Organisational Development at Alpiq, talks about leadership in a fragmented world and what best practice means to him personally.
Simon, Alpiq’s leadership development approach was recognised as conforming to “best practice”. What does this recognition mean to you personally?
I see it as validation of what we’re doing. It’s not just the recognition that motivates me, but also the day-to-day work with employees, managers and coaches. In the last three years, we have put well over 300 people in management or key positions at Alpiq through secure base leadership training. We internalised the entire training at Alpiq and built up our own network of coaches and ambassadors. This meant we were able to shape the culture and change from within. I really enjoy that, and this award also recognises the joy of leading and working with people.
Simon, Alpiq is breaking new ground in terms of management. How does Alpiq manage?
Our life is characterised by crises, uncertainty and constantly changing framework conditions. The world feels fragmented and complex. In other words, strategies that worked in the past often no longer work. That’s why we at Alpiq have deliberately taken a different path. We have moved away from heroic, lone warrior leadership and towards a post-heroic approach. It is fundamentally a coaching-centred management style that is rooted in our values and based on the principles of Care, Dare & Share.
Care, Dare & Share – sounds nice, but aren’t values or principles often just beautiful words?
We actually hear that a lot – and we understand the scepticism. Too many values hang on walls as posters without changing everyday life. At Alpiq, we want to do things differently. We believe that values are not decoration but a decision-making compass. We are not yet perfect, but we are on a clear path. Our Executive Board is committed to that and is convinced that our culture is our competitive advantage.
What does that mean specifically?
Our leadership principles of Care, Dare & Share are directly linked to our corporate values and provide a specific code of conduct. “Care” means that managers create emotional and psychological security, which aligns with the “We Are ALP1Q” value. “Dare” means we are simultaneously challenging people and inviting them to rethink, which aligns with the “We Focus on the Outcome” value. And “Share” means we turn experiences into learning opportunities – for each individual, each team and the entire Alpiq company. This aligns with the “We Learn and Grow Together” value.
How does this manifest itself in day-to-day life?
We believe in the idea of “Your Energy Matters”. In other words, the energy and dedication of each individual make the difference. The task of management is to create a framework in which people can develop their full potential. We can do this through constructive feedback, reliable collaboration or the targeted promotion of strengths, for example.
As evidence of how seriously we take this, six managers have already undergone training as executive leadership coaches to firmly anchor this competence in the organisation and make it available to our employees. More coaches will follow.
It sounds almost too good to be true, doesn’t it?
We are taking nothing for granted. While we have achieved initial milestones – steadily increasing employee engagement scores and the “Great Place to Work” certification at all locations – this remains an ongoing process. Managers show increasing vulnerability, curiosity and inclusion and create safe spaces in which people speak openly and challenge limiting thought patterns. Nevertheless, we are all at different stages of this journey and pressure could easily cause us to fall back into old patterns of power. This is a balancing act that requires the necessary awareness. It is a daily obligation to truly live Care, Dare & Share.
More information on the Gender Intelligence Report