Adriana Grüschow
Power engineer, psychologist
and advocate for women in STEM
“I have rarely worked with people as dedicated, positive, and open to challenges as Adriana”
- Dr. Manuel Oriol, Professor in Software Engineering for Quantum, AI, and Embedded systems- Schaffhausen Institut
About me
Adriana M. Diaz Grüschow
I am Adriana, a power systems engineer who loves transforming ideas into sustainable innovations, encompassing both hardware and software domains. Based in Switzerland, I work at Zühlke Engineering, where I get to pursue my passion and apply it to the industrial sector.
My favorite topics include QC, XaaS, data & AI for sustainability. It's the people and the opportunity to use technology for good that inspire my daily work.
Coming from Guatemala and having lived in Japan and Germany, I developed an insatiable hunger for more - more knowledge and personal growth. Focusing on the process, I find joy in the continuous journey of lifelong learning. My appetite for acquiring wisdom motivated me to embark on the study of Psychology, while delving into Western and Eastern philosophy in my free time.
Drawing from my psychology degree and guided by my philosophical principles, my aspiration is to embody the ancient Greek concept of ‘arete’, striving to fulfill my potential. This pursuit of personal virtue is first and foremost for my own piece of mind, but hopefully I can someday inspire others along the way, too.
CV in short
Work experience
2022 - now Zühlke Engineering - Industry Lead Business Development Manager, Switzerland
2018 - 2022 ABB - Product Manager Digital Solutions, Switzerland | Japan
2017 - 2018 General Electric (GE) - Power Plant Engineering, Switzerland
2015 - 2017 E.ON, Porsche, ABB - Different Roles in Engineering, Germany | Switzerland
2013 - 2016 TU Clausthal - Scientific Assistant for Mathematics, Germany
Education
2024 University of Hagen - Psychology B.Sc., Germany
2022 The Power Business School - ThePowerMBA, Spain
2017 Clausthal University of Technology - Power Systems Engineering M.Sc, Germany
2015 Clausthal University of Technology - Industrial Engineering B.Sc, Germany | Gran Canaria
2010 German School of Guatemala - German Abitur, Guatemala
Ways we can make transformative change happen, together
Technology innovation
Do you also believe that innovation & technology progression are meant to change our economy and society in a positive way?
Through innovation consulting encompassing both hardware and software domains, I love to support the change makers in their pursuit of positive and sustainable impact, focusing in the industrial sector.
Align purpose and balance
Wondering how to enhance productivity in the busyness of life while staying grounded and at peace?
Explore how the synergy of ikigai and nagomi helps to achieve a harmonious blend of accomplishment and serenity. Enhancing focus and presence fosters self-actualization and self-trascendence.
Technology innovation
In every organization a few passionate people make real change happen…
At Zühlke we love to support these catalysts in their quest to positive change through complex innovation consulting, hardware and software engineering:
Radical innovation → new products and services, prototyping
Device driven innovation: electronics, mechanics, embedded software
Smart connected solutions: data, genAI, industrial IoT
Digital services: XaaS business model innovation, servitization
Sustainability consulting: LCA, eco-design, circular economy
…and much more!
Interested? Hit me up and let's work together on sustainable answers for our future.
Align purpose and balance
As an Engineer with experience in the tech industry, I recognize the importance of the intersection between career and life. I strongly believe in the value that people with diverse backgrounds bring to teams and like to emphasize the impact of fostering the individual strengths that set us apart from one another.
A stoic mindset and emotional awareness are beneficial, not only in the workplace, but also for overall well-being. To cultivate them, it's crucial to uncover the passion that gives a deeper meaning to one's life.
This requires taking a step back, to delve into self-discovery, and ultimately choose our own path.
Adriana is very wise and has great insights into the psychology of not just the corporate world, but life in general!
Adriana assisted me during the hiring process for a software engineering role at a large US Tech company. Not only did she help me prepare for the behavioural interviews and salary negotiations with practical tips and examples, she also helped me discover my true strengths and find confidence within, which I'm still continuing to build on today.
Nathalie, SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER
with this philosophy…
Start with ikigai
Call it dharma or purpose - it's the reason we wake up every morning, the source of joy in the office and outside. To find it, we must surpass mere goals, uncovering our authentic selves rooted on higher values. Not knowing who we are keeps us stuck with limiting beliefs and self-doubt. Unlearn our self-imposed conditioning to start living with intention.
Continue with nagomi
Create space to decelerate and find balance. In this fast-paced world and era of relentless self-optimization, slowing down and reconnecting with ourselves becomes crucial. When we are constantly pushing for more, we often lose touch with harmony. By centering in a state of equilibrium, we can live more aware and present, allowing us to thrive without the constant rush.
Holistic approach
Delve deeper into the psychological aspects of our psyche, integrating the purpose-driven motivation of ikigai with the tranquil balance of nagomi. By aligning our life's purpose with a centered state of being, we can create a sustainable and fulfilling life. This alignment cultivates a more connected and harmonious society.
I like to ‘Philosophize’ about…
What Stoics and Buddhists can teach us about awareness, resilience and presence.
The use of Japanese philosophy to cultivate self-actualization and self-trascendence.
The courage of being true to oneself and embracing vulnerability to bridge societal divisions.
How our inextricable connection to one another fosters empathy in a polarized world.
Adriana's guidance and inspiration have been invaluable in helping me achieve a better work-life balance in recent years.
Her advice and genuine passion helped me understand the areas in my life that needed some adjustments for my benefit. Adriana creates a warm environment, which made it easy for me to open up in order to talk about my professional and personal aspirations with her. She understands the importance of nurturing personal relationships, pursuing hobbies, and maintaining self-care practices alongside professional growth. Adriana is very inspiring and it is evident that she genuinely cares about the well-being and success of her clients.
- Isabella Kanne, Principal UX Designer, Roche Diagnostics
