I'm Peggy Grueninger, a South African-Swiss woman who has navigated the world's prejudice and hurdles to rise to executive positions.

I've been often the only black person in the room, but I've thrived and learned.
I'm here to show you that it's possible, no matter where you come from.

Why did I choose this path?

Truthfully, “choosing” is almost the wrong word. I didn’t pick this work—it picked me. My personal experiences, my deep belief in societal fairness, and my passion for driving positive change have all led me here.

There’s a mantra I live by that sums it all up: “I don’t want nobody to give me nothing (open up the door, I’ll get it myself)” — James Brown. That one line holds so much truth. There’s incredible power in believing you can achieve your goals, but there’s also responsibility in holding the door open for others.

That’s what I do. I open doors, and I teach others how to walk through them—not with fear, but with boldness and authenticity. If you’ve been looking for someone who understands the nuances of navigating marginalization, someone who believes in empowerment with every fiber of her being, you’ve found her.

“Diversity isn’t just a moral good—it’s a strategic advantage.”

— Peggy Grueninger

A Certified
D&I Executive Coach
by Your Side

  • Navigating Diversity

    My inspiration springs from a simple truth: our world thrives on diversity and the freedom to move and adapt. David Attenborough's words resonate deeply with me, underscoring the vital importance of embracing change and mobility for all life, including us humans.

    As migration continues to significantly boost the workforce in both the USA and Europe, I see the immense value and necessity of global citizenship in our interconnected world.

    My mission is to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations, proving that with passion and determination, they can transform their deepest desires into purposeful actions that drive meaningful change.

  • A Journey of Resilience and Leadership

    Resilience and Determination - My professional journey began in the challenging environment of Apartheid South Africa, where, as a young black woman, my aspirations were limited to nursing, admin, or teaching. Despite these limitations, I chose to take what I got and ran with it, taking charge of my own destiny. 

    Career Growth and Adaptability - Upon moving to Switzerland, the landscape of my career dramatically expanded, offering me a wealth of opportunities that propelled me into various leadership roles. I served as Head Nurse in several clinics across Basel, where I honed my skills in patient care and team management. My journey continued at Novartis, where I embraced the role of Occupational Nurse, further broadening my expertise in healthcare.

    Team Leadership, Collaboration, and Impact - My tenure at Roche marked a significant advancement in my career. Initially hired as Data and Clinical Trials Manager, I oversaw critical research projects. Subsequently, as Vice Director of Clinical Operations, I partnered with international key opinion leaders in oncology, rheumatology, and autoimmune diseases to create novel treatments for patients beyond known therapies. I led clinical trials, managing large international teams in groundbreaking research efforts during the blockbuster days of oncology in the pharma industry.

    Contribution to Society - The next step was taking the job as the head of Company-wide Philanthropy and Donations, where I drove Roche's global philanthropy and disaster response strategies. My work directly influenced our annual donations and forged robust partnerships with esteemed entities like the Basel Rehabilitation Centre, ICRC, WWF, UNICEF, and the Roger Federer Foundation.

    Additionally, I fulfilled the role of secretary for the Roche Employee and Roche Africa Foundations with dedication, championing projects that spanned humanitarian aid, social and community development, environmental conservation, arts and culture promotion, scientific advancement, and educational support in underdeveloped countries.

  • Championing Social Impact and Lifelong Learning

    My commitment to social impact is further demonstrated through my volunteer work, including leadership roles in the Lion's Club Bruderholz, founding the Roche Network of Professional Women of African Heritage, serving as President of PROWAH, trustee for Mothers2Mothers in the UK, and board member for Swisscontact.

    My dedication to these causes is complemented by ongoing education in philanthropy, executive coaching, board governance, and Diversity & Inclusion, reflecting a lifelong commitment to learning and leading with purpose.

    Founder of LoAD - women of African heritage at Roche / Secretary & board member of Re&Act, Roche Employee Action and Charity Trust / Secretary & board member of Roche Recherche en Afrique Foundation / Secretary & board member of Roche Friends of Phelophepa Foundation / President of PROWAH - professional women of African heritage in Switzerland / Board member of mothers2mothers Foundation, UK / Advisory board member to SJF (Schweizer Jugend Forscht), Bern / Advisor to Simply Science Foundation, Zurich / Subject Matter Expert to Swiss Talent Forum (STF), Bern /   Advisory member Partnership Council ETHZ Foundation with Ashesi University, Ghana / Member of the Swiss Southern Africa Chamber of Commerce

  • INSEAD Certified Advancing Diversity and Inclusion Program

    A strategic roadmap for leaders to integrate diversity into organizational frameworks. This program focuses on identifying challenges, formulating impactful strategies, and cultivating inclusive cultures to drive sustainable change. Learn more

     

    IMD Board Governance for Philanthropic Foundations

    Designed to equip board members with essential governance skills, this program covers key areas such as audit, compliance, and strategic oversight. Developed by the IMD Global Board Center, it prepares participants to handle emerging risks and complexities in board governance for Philanthropic Foundations. Learn more

     

    Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship, Carroll School of Management - Certified Executive for Corporate Giving

    This program helps professionals develop corporate giving strategies that align with business goals, address common challenges, and measure philanthropic impact effectively. It covers trends like cause-marketing and crowd-sourcing to enhance corporate giving initiatives. Learn more

  • When people ask me why I became a Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Executive Coach, I tell them this isn’t just a career—it’s personal. I’ve lived the experiences of marginalization, faced the uphill battles, and felt the sting of being overlooked. Being part of an underrepresented community has shaped me, as has the understanding that a fairer, more inclusive world doesn’t just happen. Someone has to actively build it, addressing systemic barriers while empowering individuals to overcome the visible and invisible hurdles. That’s why I chose this path.

Get in touch

At Diversity Compass, we believe in the power of diversity and the potential within every individual. Whether you're navigating a career transition or seeking to create a more inclusive workplace, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Contact us: we are discreet, professional, and mindful. What matters to you truly matters.

Diversity and Inclusion | Executive D&I Coach | Empowerment | Inclusive Leadership | Transformational Change | Resilience | Authenticity | Social Impact | Inclusive Leadership | Advocacy | Organizational Change | Equity and Fairness | Collaboration | Philanthropy | Representation | Lived Experience | Breaking Barriers | Sustainable Change | Career Growth | Breaking Unconscious Bias | Relationship Brokerage |

Diversity and Inclusion | Executive D&I Coach | Empowerment | Inclusive Leadership | Transformational Change | Resilience | Authenticity | Social Impact | Inclusive Leadership | Advocacy | Organizational Change | Equity and Fairness | Collaboration | Philanthropy | Representation | Lived Experience | Breaking Barriers | Sustainable Change | Career Growth | Breaking Unconscious Bias | Relationship Brokerage |

Personal Journey: With my South African heritage and experiences, I understand what it means to be excluded on the grounds of ethnicity and placative explanations.

Personal Journey: With my South African heritage and experiences, I understand what it means to be excluded on the grounds of ethnicity and placative explanations.

Experience: With a rich international background in both private and public sectors, I provide unique insights and strategies to my clients.

Experience: With a rich international background in both private and public sectors, I provide unique insights and strategies to my clients.

Specialized Services: I am dedicated to promoting diversity, inclusion, and understanding in both individual and organizational contexts.

Specialized Services: I am dedicated to promoting diversity, inclusion, and understanding in both individual and organizational contexts.

Career Transition Guidance: I guide individuals through various career transitions and challenges, promoting both personal and professional growth in a culturally sensitive and inclusive way.

Career Transition Guidance: I guide individuals through various career transitions and challenges, promoting both personal and professional growth in a culturally sensitive and inclusive way.

Holistic Approach: Recognizing that the system where the client works influences their thinking and behavior, I understand that a shift in one part of their lives affects the rest. This includes working and living far from home, adapting to new cultu

Holistic Approach: Recognizing that the system where the client works influences their thinking and behavior, I understand that a shift in one part of their lives affects the rest. This includes working and living far from home, adapting to new cultures, norms, etc.

Humanist Approach: Acknowledging what it takes to survive discrimination and racism and still come out on top, my aim is to work with people to be open to new experiences, self-trusting, and willing to grow even when things are not straightforward.

Humanist Approach: Acknowledging what it takes to survive discrimination and racism and still come out on top, my aim is to work with people to be open to new experiences, self-trusting, and willing to grow even when things are not straightforward.

Languages: By offering services in both English and German, I aim to connect more deeply with the diverse voices of Switzerland's multilingual community, ensuring that more people feel seen and supported.

Languages: By offering services in both English and German, I aim to connect more deeply with the diverse voices of Switzerland's multilingual community, ensuring that more people feel seen and supported.

Diversity and Inclusion Focus: I work with clients to use their uniqueness to their own competitive advantage, such as language skills, knowledge of new markets, and cultural norms, especially when employers want to expand to those countries.

Diversity and Inclusion Focus: I work with clients to use their uniqueness to their own competitive advantage, such as language skills, knowledge of new markets, and cultural norms, especially when employers want to expand to those countries.

Why Diversity Compass?

  • “I have worked with Peggy on successful CSR initiatives in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Malawi. Her expertise and ability to manage diverse partners are remarkable. She supports her team to perform at their best through her coaching and servant leadership.”

    Dr. Stephen Maina
    Global Medical Director – Roche, Switzerland

  • “I’m grateful for a long partnership with Peggy, working with her on projects in countries like Malawi or Ethiopia. Peggy is compassionate, critical, and fully committed to the cause to support those in need. It has always been inspiring, enriching and a huge pleasure to know her, learn from her and work with her!”

    Bettina Junker
    CEO at UNICEF Schweiz und Liechtenstein

  • “Peggy’s work and life experience, her truly international viewpoint, and impressive network make her unique. Peggy thinks outside the box, is always willing to listen, support, and give frank feedback.”

    Sabina Balmer
    Member Board of Directors at Zuger Kantonalbank

  • “Peggy saw something in me that I didn't see and helped me to rise up and achieve it.”

    Jackie Wambua,
    General Manager at Roche East Africa

  • “Peggy is a ferocious networker and relationship broker. She is driven, easy-going, yet maintains high standards and expects a lot from herself and others. She leverages her competitive advantage from her African and Swiss background by showing resilience and perseverance.”

    Cristina Karrer,
    Documentary filmmaker, freelance Africa Correspondent, Winner Swiss Press Award Video 2023

  • “Peggy exemplifies true leadership, rooted in empowerment and empathy. Her commitment to open direct dialogue and a flat hierarchy, has not only nurtured our individual talents but also strengthened our collective spirit.”

    Niko Guirlinger,
    AI intern, Corporate Donations and Philanthropy

  • “I know Peggy from both professional and social gatherings and events. She is a very energetic, dynamic and spontaneous person, exceptionally kind-hearted and loyal, she can be persistent and shows a high level of perseverance when needed.”

    Ulrich (Ueli) Frei,
    Director FUNDES Internacional