2024 Awards
Olga Schubert and Martin Ackermann won the ALEA Award 2024. They co-lead the Microbial Systems Ecology Group at Eawag/ETH Zurich. We spoke to them about their leadership approach.
Congratulations, Olga Schubert and Martin Ackermann! What does winning the ALEA Award mean to you?
Winning the ALEA Award means a great deal to us because it reflects what we value deeply: the people we work with and learn from every day. Being nominated for this award by our team is an honour and we feel humbled by their trust and support. It is a recognition of the collaborative spirit and mutual respect that underpin everything we strive to achieve together.
In your opinion, what makes good leadership?
Good leadership is about striking a balance between several essential elements. It begins with a clear and inspiring vision that provides the group with direction. At the same time, it is important to give individuals the freedom to develop their ideas while offering the necessary guidance and support. Leadership also requires compassion and authenticity to foster trust, well-being, and a sense of belonging. Equally important is taking responsibility — not only for the success of the team and its shared goals but also for upholding values and contributing to the institutions and broader communities we are part of. Balancing these elements is crucial to empower individuals and promote collective success.
Why is good leadership so important?
Good leadership is vital because it fosters trust and commitment, which are the foundation for a team to work effectively toward a shared vision. For our group, this vision focuses on understanding microbial communities, their roles in ecosystems, and how microbial processes can help address environmental challenges. More broadly, good leadership has a ripple effect that extends beyond the present. Many of us draw inspiration from the mentors who guided us, and we carry those lessons forward when we step into leadership roles ourselves. If we lead well, we not only support our group today but also contribute to shaping a future culture of thoughtful, effective, and empathetic leadership.
You operate as a leadership team. What is important for successful co-leading?
Successful co-leadership is based on trust and shared values. Open communication helps to avoid misunderstandings and ensure alignment of goals and responsibilities. Reliability and generosity — the willingness to share both challenges and successes — strengthen collaboration. Complementary skills and perspectives add additional value by bringing different strengths to the decision-making process. Finally, the acceptance of the group is crucial for co-leadership to be successful.
