Elias has been working at Ypsomed for over five years – two of them as team leader for the Service Center. In his free time, he is very active in sports, enjoys road cycling, and plays tennis and ice hockey. In addition to his work at Ypsomed, he is also active as a military influencer. We met him for an interview and talked to him about his activities.
How old are you, where are you from, and what do you like to do in your free time?
I am 28 years old, grew up in the heart of the Emmental region, and have been living in Bätterkinden in the canton of Bern for a good six years now. I used to be active in athletics (javelin throwing). Due to an injury, I had to retire from this sport and devote myself to other sporting activities. Today, I am an active tennis player, I also play ice hockey in winter and occasionally ride a racing bike. Basically, I am enthusiastic about all sporting activities. I also like to spend time with my friends and go on regular trips with them.
What is your role at our company?
I have been a team leader in toolmaking for almost two years, managing the Service Center and Pre-assembly teams.
What do you like about your work and the company?
I particularly enjoy the responsibility of leading a team and achieving success together. It motivates me to promote the strengths of each individual and to overcome challenges together. At Ypsomed, I appreciate the innovative strength and clear focus on quality –as well as the trusting work environment that allows me to support my team in the best possible way.
What is a normal working day like for you?
My day usually starts with a quick overview: What tasks are pending in the team, where are there bottlenecks or a need for support? Then I coordinate the ongoing work, consult with other departments or external partners, and keep an eye on priorities. In addition to organization, it is important to me to be there for my team – whether it's for technical questions, feedback, or simply as a contact person. This keeps the day varied between planning, coordination, and active support.
How have you developed with us?
I have been able to grow both professionally and personally at Ypsomed: Five years ago, I started working on the large CNC milling machines, and now I have been in a management position for almost two years. Professionally, I have been able to significantly deepen my knowledge and build new skills in the areas of machining and process optimization. On a personal level, I have learned to take on responsibility, lead a team independently, and manage/supervise projects.
What is the working atmosphere like at Ypsomed?
The working atmosphere is very pleasant and characterized by mutual trust and respect. We support each other as a team, can communicate openly, and feel valued. That motivates me to give my best every day.
Name three terms you would use to describe Ypsomed.
Innovative – Reliable – Collegial
In addition to your work at Ypsomed, you are also active as a military influencer – how did that come about?
I slipped into this role through a good friend who, as a PIO, had to put together a team for the Press and Information Unit (PIZ). The group consists of the press and information officer (PIO) and three other ADAS, including me, who form the PIZ.
What exactly do you do?
Basically, we are responsible for the internal and external communication of the Air Transport Command (LT Kdo3). This includes:
- Providing information to the public before and during a refresher course.
- Communicating relevant events, missions, or instructions within the unit.
- Accompanying exercises and missions, including documentation in images, text, or video.
In short, we ensure that LT Kdo3 is understood, visible, and correctly represented.
Which platforms do you use and what topics do you focus on?
The following platforms are used:
- Army intranet: For internal communications, orders, and reports
- External media channels: Collaboration with newspapers
- Social media: Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
The focus of the recordings and information is on LT Kdo3 exercises and missions. The population and other army members on duty should be able to see everything that is going on at LT Kdo3.
Who is your content aimed at?
Depending on the content, it is aimed at the civilian population (cantons, municipalities, fire departments, etc.) and also army members who want to know what happens in a refresher course (WK). If the information is internal or confidential, it is not made public.
What motivates you to take on this task?
To accompany the exercises and missions, capture exciting activities, and cheer up the troops in adverse conditions with great photo or video moments.
What reactions do you get from the military, privately, or professionally?
Many people don't even know that this function exists in a refresher course model. When I show them our Instagram channel, many are amazed at the great content we produce.
