Monika Sattler

From studying security sciences with a focus on nuclear weapons in the US, Monika began her career with the International Monetary Fund. She then moved to The World Bank, before serving as a research assistant at the University of Minnesota, whilst pursuing both an MSc in Kinesiology and a lifelong dream of becoming a professional cyclist. During the preparation for completing two major endurance records, Monika moved through strategy roles at both IBM and DT. In 2018, she rode every kilometre of the Vuelta a España route, a professional male-only race that covers over 3000km of cycling, only hours ahead of the professional peloton. She then cycled all 124 Swiss Mountain passes in just 26 days, which she also filmed a documentary of. Her experiences of extreme endurance provided the foundations of her leadership discussions: committing when things feel hard, continuing when your environment changes, and maintaining performance over time. Monika secured PR, sponsorships, and fundraising for her impressive feat, as well as worldwide media attention, being featured in over 10 countries and 5 National TV channels. In 2026, Monika will be taking on the 30 Swiss Summit Challenge, which entails climbing 30 summits in 30 days, with over 400km of elevation gain, a true testament to her determination, drive to push human endurance, and overcome the hardest challenges that life has to offer.

Monika has since served as a Marketing Manager for DT Swiss and a coach for Advance, delivering workshops on finding your ambition to female managers in the top Swiss companies. From 2022, she has acted as Managing Director of Sattler Consulting, offering keynote speaking, executive coaching, and performance training. Monika has also released three books, including ‘Unleashing My RAD Potential!’ ‘Adventure Gravel Transalp’, and ‘Because Success Is Not What You Think It Is’.

Today, Monika works alongside leaders and teams, offering them actionable plans to face hard decision face on and extend the phases of execution under pressure. She has also delivered the TEDx Talk ‘How To Pursue Those Goals That Scare Us’, explaining how fear of failure keeps people stuck and the mindset shifts needed to overcome that.