When the level of warmth, lightness and joie de vivre in the zentroom suddenly increases, the whole community knows: Tiare Shim is here! It's as if a piece of Hawaii is coming through the door - not because of palm trees or ukulele sounds, but because of what they call aloha there.
The "aloha feeling" is a way of life that goes far beyond a greeting. It stands for love, compassion, kindness and peace - and for a deep connection to oneself, to others and to nature. Literally, "aloha" means the presence of breath. It is mindful living in the here and now, supported by respect, community and a relaxed attitude towards time.
Tiare embodies this feeling - not only because she lived in Hawaii for 25 years, but because she carries it forward in her everyday life: in her work, in her team, in every encounter. She brings aloha into the heart of the zentroom - and shows how much power there is in an open smile and a spontaneous conversation.
From the Pacific to Bern - a journey full of courage and curiosity
Tiare was born in Hawaii, lived there for up to twelve years, moved away and returned when she was 20. She was an event and bar manager on various islands and enjoyed life under the palm trees. At some point, however, she felt it was time for a change. She traveled around the world for two years on a one-way ticket. A time of almost endless encounters, cultures and experiences. Until suddenly enough was enough and she found herself back in Switzerland. With all the adventure and constant traveling, at some point she missed her family and friends too much.
"I knew it wouldn't be easy to gain a foothold here again. And I wanted a job that would challenge me and give me pleasure - preferably for an international company."
Thanks to her open nature, curiosity and the courage to simply try things out, it worked: today Tiare works as an assistant to the management at Tropicana. She is the contact person, coordinator and confidant - and brings aloha to the team.
But what is it that makes her enjoy her work? On the one hand the variety, but above all the people and especially her team.
Aloha in everyday life - how Tiare creates connection
What sets Tiare apart is her ability to open up spaces for conversations, encounters and community. She believes in the power of personal exchange. That's why coworking in the zentroom is so important to her work.
"Face-to-face is simply so important for us as a team. It gives us energy, connection and joy." That's why she and the team enjoy getting together once a week to cowork. Otherwise, they are on the road remotely all week.
Tiare brings people together; whether at a community lunch, small talk at the coffee machine or a conversation on the side. She approaches others and listens, asks questions, laughs warmly and creates an atmosphere that is reminiscent of what she experienced in Hawaii.
Exercise, nature and the right amount of adrenaline
A good work-life balance is very important to Tiare. Her employer gives her this opportunity. She is an active person and regularly needs a good dose of action and adrenaline. That's why she loves mountain biking in the Alps or, as she recently did in the mountains on a road trip through Colorado. "I need exercise to think clearly. I only have a standing desk at home - sitting is not my thing."
She finds peace in nature while walking - without a cell phone - and hiking and while cooking, getting together and sharing with friends and family.
In addition to the open lifestyle, Tiare misses the Hawaiian sun, especially in winter. No wonder this is her time to travel. Because it's not just the sun that beckons, but also her curiosity and thirst for adventure.
Aloha also means staying true to yourself
Tiare lives by clear values: authenticity, honesty, loyalty and a thirst for adventure. She believes in the good in people, in the power of trust and in the importance of community. She also has a tendency to say "yes". After all, you never know what might be behind a door.
Tiare describes herself as extroverted, spontaneous, positive, direct and sometimes a little chaotic. But that's exactly what makes her special. She lives what she feels. She says what she thinks. And she is convinced that you can get further with an open heart than with a perfect CV. She sees life as a movie in which we write our own script. With ups and downs, surprises and twists - and with the freedom to make new decisions again and again.
Mahalo, Tiare.
For your spirit, your openness and your way of combining work and life. You show how much power there is in community, movement and a positive mindset - and how the aloha feeling comes to life in the middle of Switzerland, in the coworking space zentroom.