Xin Li

Xin Li grew up in Beijing, China. She studied engineering at Changchun University and finished her studies with a bachelor degree in optical instrument design and subsequently designed optical instruments for six years. In 1987 she followed her Swiss husband, an engineer with Nestlé, to Switzerland where she quickly adapted to Swiss culture, learnt German and worked as a technical translator. From 1989 to 1998 she again lived in China where she brought up their two children and supported her husband actively in setting up the Swiss nutrition company Nestlé's first coffee factories in China. Xin Li helped build good relationships between the Swiss and the Chinese cultures. She could use her excellent communication skills and her first-hand knowledge of the two cultures.

In the years 1998 to 2000, she again lived in Switzerland, this time at Blonay in the French-speaking part of the country, where she learnt French and did extensive reading and conversation in the French language. The next four years she spent in Delhi, India, where she learnt the Hindi language and Baratnadiam classical Indian dance. She was actively involved in volunteer work at a slumschool where she taught English and Taiji. She got familiar with Indian culture and could enhance her skills as a bridge builder between different cultures.

Over the last few years she has successfully taught intercultural seminars and workshops for different companies, such as MAN Turbo, BearingPoint, Lonza, Plaston, Siemens, the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs (EDA) and at various universities.

Xin Li believes that life is a journey of continuous learning and would like to pass on her rich knowledge and experience to people working and living across the cultural borders, be it in business, politics or private life. Her special area of expertise is helping others in building bridges between Europe and China.