Every week, interesting personalities from the world of finance and beyond share their personal preferences in our section Backstage.

What do you do first in the morning?

My mornings are pretty routine: shaving, a refreshing shower, a glass of water and a good cup of coffee. This helps me to start the day clear and focused.

What is the best thing about your job?

Definitely the daily interaction with very different people – this direct contact inspires me and brings new perspectives every day.

A moment that changed your life?

Both professionally and personally, moving from São Paulo to Switzerland 23 years ago was certainly a decisive turning point in my life. The birth of our first son in 2017 had an even greater impact on me – an unforgettable moment that shaped my life in a completely new way.

What cars do you own? Which is your favorite?

Cars don't mean much to me in an emotional sense. Safety, comfort and enough space for the family are important to me – especially on long journeys. My current Mercedes SUV meets these requirements perfectly.

What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?

Stay true to yourself and your values. Success only comes when ethics, passion, focus, diligence and fairness come together – nothing falls to you. There is no such thing as a «Free Lunch».

What are you particularly proud of?

I consider it a great privilege to be the CEO of the largest personnel services provider in Switzerland at the age of 42. At the same time it makes me grateful and proud to be able to maintain a stable, loving circle of family and friends despite the professional challenges.

What was your biggest defeat?

As a half-Brazilian, the 2014 World Cup semi-final – the 7:1 defeat to Germany on home soil – still leaves a bitter aftertaste to this day.

What is your favorite wine?

I prefer wines from Italy, France, Spain and Chile – they offer variety and character. I have a very special emotional connection to Vega Sicilia Único. I opened a bottle with my father for the birth of my son in 2017 – an unforgettable moment.

What projects are you working on at the moment?

I am currently working on numerous strategic projects with my team. In particular, we are focusing on the digitalization of our processes, the consolidation and sharpening of our brand and service portfolio and the internationalization of the Interiman Group.

What is most important to you at the moment?

Developing our organization in a future-proof and sustainable way – and not forgetting to spend conscious, valuable time with my family and friends in my private life.

What would be the biggest surprise for someone who had to take over your job for a day?

How many parallel issues and tasks have to be dealt with at the same time and how important it is to remain calm and clear.

What is your personal drive?

I am motivated every day to support our team and our customers in the best possible way, to exceed their expectations and at the same time to actively shape the future of the job market together.

What are you afraid of?

I find sharks incredibly fascinating - but I'm terrified of them.

Your favorite watch brand?

For me, watches are more than just timepieces – they accompany me through my everyday life and remind me of important moments in my life. Two models have a special significance: an IWC Portugieser and a Rolex Datejust, both gifts from my family for my 30th and 40th birthday.

What do your employees value most about you?

I hope and believe that they particularly appreciate my loyalty, my openness in dialog and my fair attitude towards people and challenges.

Your best investment?

Two investments that have more than paid off for very different reasons: My education – and our wedding celebration, which is still one of the best memories of my life.

Raphael Schmid has been CEO of the Interiman Group since 2024. Born in Brazil with Swiss roots, he studied business administration at the University of St.Gallen and gained entrepreneurial experience with several start-ups before entering the HR industry in 2010. He was previously Managing Director of Flexis and Albedis.