Raphael Smith

I am Swiss-American who thrives in multicultural environments. My background in anthropology and psychology combined with my entrepreneurial experiences as a founder of a creative food and private event company in New Jersey, offer unique perspectives and solutions for business , cultural insight managent, client relations and documentation practices. While my expertise span multiple disciplines I am looking to combine them in innovate ways. I look forward to collaborating with create teams and am excited to contribute to dynamic professional environments in Switzerland. 

My professional experience is a combination of practical, hands-on work in the food industry (restaurants and service), followed by the launch of my own food business and growth into more creative endeavours, food advocacy, education, and writing. Lately I have been branching out into different domains, namely qualitative market research and non-profit work. Here I have been able to combine cultural insights, knowledge of taste preferences, food safety and aspects of business administration to study consumer insights for UK brands as well as observe and advise an NGO (Palms for Life) on their operations and establishment of early childhood education centers in Southern Africa. 

My most recent and relevant training in qualitative market research has improved my ability to conduct research, implement and create useful analytical tools, and present results in creative and concise ways. Here I refined my tool kit by conducting and observing group interviews/discussions for international brands like Blu and Pulze, transcribing data, creating tables and charts for analysis, translating, offering cultural insights, etc. I also learned how to implement AI in qualitative research, observing the potential for AI as well as its limitations in interpreting and analysing data.