CEO Today Magazine July 2018 Edition

executive insight 35 www.ceotodaymagazine.com CEO Today had the pleasure to meet with Darrell Jacobs – Co-founder, Co-owner and CEO of Switzerland-based Clinic Lémanic. Back in 1998, Mr. Jacobs and Dr. Véronique Emmenegger (FMH), who is also Chief Doctor at the clinic, set up a small enterprise for skin treatments, which 20 years later has grown to become an internationally recognised medical, anti-ageing and aesthetic clinic. Below, Mr. Jacobs tells us more about the origins of Clinic Lémanic and the things that make it Europe’s best aesthetic clinic! Can you tell us a bit about your education and career path prior to co-founding Clinic Lémanic? When I was younger, becoming a CEO in the medical and cosmetic sector was never a goal of mine. When I was still a student in the Collège de Champittet in Lausanne, aged 16, I started a sports career at a nearly professional level. I did boxing and began taking part in professional fights, on a European level. However, a motorbike accident put a sudden end to my career. What followed was a difficult period in my life with a lot of doubt and loss of confidence. But I overcame it. It is my “go-getter” nature which allowed me to pursue an independent career in marketing. Being an athlete taught me how to be disciplined and hardworking, as well as the importance of putting in the effort to reach a goal. Another thing that greatly helped my development is the fact that I also have an autodidact side of me: I learnt how to play jazz piano on my own! I also have a sixth sense when it comes to PR and I love being in contact with people, which is very important for this job. My zodiac sign is Leo and I was born in the year of the dragon - two signs that are a very good combination according to the Chinese zodiac. And over the years, I have noticed that whether you believe in it or not, you can always feel the strength that comes out of it. What were Clinic Lémanic’s beginnings? As with probably quite a few businesses, the idea was born out of multiple small factors that were combined into a larger concept. Meeting Dr. Véronique Emmenegger directed me towards my current career - when we met, she had just opened her practice in Dermatology and Allergology FMH with a speciality in laser and cosmetic treatments and I was able to help her with the marketing and business development side of the clinic. The instant success of the practice presented an opportunity to grow it and start a clinic dedicated to both health and beauty - which was the official beginning of Clinic Lémanic. How did you improve on the existing market offering? Our key focus has always been on the therapeutic aspect of aesthetic and anti-ageing medicine. We don’t only take beauty in consideration – we also think about our patients’ health. This has been our mission since the very beginning and is without a doubt what differentiates us from the existing market offering in aesthetic medicine. What does a typical day look like for you as the CEO of Clinic Lémanic? What daily challenges do you encounter and how do you overcome them? I try to oversee everything, pay attention to everyone and be present when I’m needed. And then of course, I try to find the time to do my own work which keeps me in my office for many hours. Traveling is also a big part of my day- to-day responsibilities. It’s just something that has to be done. In addition to our local clientele, we also have many international clients, whose number continues to grow every day. I also supervise this aspect of the business. What is the most rewarding aspect of your role? What motivates you? The one thing that motivates me is that 20 years later, I am now realising what we have achieved over the years and the notoriety we have gained at our level, which is just incredible! Especially when you take into account the fact that we have been a family-run business since the beginning and our shareholders haven’t changed. Four years ago, we won the highly respected Crystal Trophy in Moscow, which recognised Clinic Lémanic as the Best Aesthetic Clinic in Europe. In 2012, we were awarded the IIPP prize for ‘Merit in the Development of Medical and Aesthetic Technologies’ at UNESCO in Paris, recognising the innovative nature of the services we provide and the excellent results for our patients. It is so rewarding to be the head of a company that is recognised internationally for its achievements and quality