Biography
Pascal Wicht

Pascal’s life has always been about navigating multiple worlds. Born amidst the serene meadows of Switzerland’s Pays de Vaud and shaped by the vibrant energy of African cities like Maputo and Johannesburg, Pascal has spent his life at the crossroads of diverse cultures and ideas. His early encounters with the stories of African activists—tales of injustice, Apartheid, displacement and resilience—ignited a deep interest in identity and belonging, shaping his global perspective.

Pascal’s career began as a graphic designer in Johannesburg, but his path has been anything but linear. Over nearly three decades, he has evolved into a respected UX design, branding expert and award-winning creative director in Switzerland. He has consistently pushed the boundaries of design, helping clients navigate an increasingly complex world through innovative and forward-thinking solutions.

Recognizing that traditional design approaches were insufficient to address today’s multifaceted challenges, Pascal turned to strategic foresight and field research. This shift led him to delve into critical social sciences and cultural anthropology, integrating these disciplines to create a holistic, future-oriented approach. Pascal’s focus is on emerging imaginaries—new ways of thinking and being that will shape the future—and he works with organisations to imagine sustainable business models and social innovations.

Currently, Pascal holds a multifaceted management role within a Swiss family-owned global leader in security inks and authentication solutions. At the intersection of Sales, R&D, and Marketing, he drives international strategic initiatives, supporting both the business and corporate sides. His work involves proposing future and system-oriented approaches through tailored interventions, particularly within the complex B2G landscape in collaboration with government sectors.

In 2018, Pascal founded Whispers and Giants, a Swiss-based consultancy dedicated to helping innovators and change-makers envision and work toward preferable futures. His approach is akin to an “Ocean’s 11” strategy, where he leverages a global network of elite experts to tackle challenging environments and rapidly generate strategic insights and customized interventions.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Pascal has dedicated a decade to specializing in teaching swimming to children with water phobia, helping them overcome their fears using breathing techniques and play to build confidence in the water. He also worked with a diverse group of learners, including those with varying abilities and older adults.

Beyond his work with Whispers & Giants, Pascal shares his expertise as a lecturer at HEC Lausanne, HEG Geneva and ECAL, where he teaches courses on design research, future thinking, and sustainable business models. His teaching and professional practice reflect a deep commitment to preparing today students for tomorrow’s challenges and wicked problems.

For those seeking to connect, explore his current projects, or dive deeper into his thought process, Pascal’s Now page offers the latest insights and updates.