Dr John McDougall

**WALK THE TALK** Zurich Toastmasters is the place to be if you want to improve your public speaking, communication, and leadership skills. **Walk the Talk** offers a friendly and inspirational environment for all levels of public speaking experience. Guests and new members are always welcome! A typical meeting includes 1–3 prepared speeches by members, evaluations of the speeches, and Table Topics – impromptu speaking. This meeting is Hybrid. "You can speak well if your tongue can deliver the message of your heart." John Ford DISCLAIMER: We may take pictures/videos of our events and share them online or on social media. If you do not wish to be in the pictures, please let us know before the meeting starts. We will do our best to respect your wishes.

A decade. Hundreds of conversations, ideas, and inspirations. And we're celebrating with a meetup that truly delivers. Three exceptional speakers, topics that matter, and plenty of room for what has made this meetup special for 10 years: real people, real conversations, real networking. **The Evening at a Glance** 17:30 Doors open, first drinks, familiar faces and new ones 18:00 Welcome and a brief look back at 10 years of DevOps Meetup Zurich 18:15–18:45 **Claws in the Dark: Bringing DevSecOps to Legacy Hardware with Robotics and Playwright** by Alexander Friesen 18:45–19:15 **Beyond Agile: Structuring Organizations for Real Autonomy** by Lea Düker 19:15–19:25 Short break 19:25–19:55 **From Bottlenecks to Flow: OKRs, Value Stream Management, and Governance Done Right** by Vasileios Konofaos 19:55–20:15 Panel discussion with all three speakers 20:15 Networking, Open Space, snacks, drinks, and anniversary cake 🎂 **Claws in the Dark: Bringing DevSecOps to Legacy Hardware with Robotics and Playwright** What do you do when your software’s "deployment target" is a piece of security hardware embedded in a concrete wall for 20 years? In the world of access control, we don't have the luxury of "move fast and break things"—if the integration fails, the door stays locked. For decades, hardware development at Primion relied on manual bit-shifting, incomplete specifications, and the "read, write, and pray" method. When the pandemic decentralized our R&D department—scattering 60 developers across Europe—the traditional model of physical bench testing collapsed. We couldn't send a lab to everyone’s home, so we brought the developers to the lab through robotics. In this session, we deep-dive into how we bridged the physical-digital divide by building a fully automated hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing farm. We will explore: * The Architecture: How we orchestrate GitLab CI, Azure ephemeral environments, and Playwright to drive physical interactions. * The Hardware Hack: How a 200 CHF robotic claw replaced manual testing, allowing developers to "touch" hardware from anywhere in the world. * The Shift-Left Strategy: Moving from "praying for compatibility" to robust integration testing that catches bit-level errors before they ever hit the factory floor. * Scaling on a Budget: How a single working student scaled our setup to 20+ (and rising) automated test cells. Join us to see how "claws moving in the dark" turned hardware debugging from a nightmare into a breeze, and learn how to apply DevSecOps principles to the most stubborn, physical environments. **Alexander Friesen** Aexander is a **Lead IT Architect** with over a decade of experience in software architecture and technical leadership. He specializes in building and scaling modern ecosystems for major enterprises like **Swisscard** and **Siemens**. DevOps & Platform Engineering Highlights * **Platform Leadership:** Directed technical strategy for Siemens’ IoT flagship "BuildingX" and managed multi-million dollar budgets for large-scale SAFe trains. * **Automation & Compliance:** Expert in **DevSecOps**, achieving ISO27000 compliance through automated CI/CD pipelines and security scanning. * **Efficiency Gains:** Improved software team productivity by **30%** through the implementation of AI Ops and Internal Developer Platforms. * **Cloud Native Stack:** Certified **AWS Architect** with deep expertise in Kubernetes, Terraform, Serverless, and **Data Mesh** architectures. * **Global Teams:** Proven track record of leading cross-functional engineering teams across Switzerland, Germany, the USA, and India. **Beyond Agile: Structuring Organizations for Real Autonomy** Many organizations invest in agile methods, DevOps, and new technologies, and yet the desired impact on collaboration, accountability, and decision-making often fails to materialize. A key lever for change lies in how organizations are structured. This talk provides an introduction to Holacracy as a model for radical self-organization and places it within the broader landscape of organizational development. It explains what defines Holacracy, the principles behind it, and the problems it aims to address. The focus, however, is not solely on the organizational model. The talk also presents concrete tools and practices of self-organization, such as clear role definitions, structured decision-making processes, and transparent governance, that can be applied regardless of the organizational structure in place. **Lea Düker** * Since 2024: IT Project Manager and Scrum Master at digital agency Unic AG * 2021–2024: Project Manager and Deputy Head of IT at the Building Department of the City of Zurich * 2018–2021: Consultant for Process Management at Join GmbH * 2016–2018: Master's degree in Business Management with a specialization in Process Management **From Bottlenecks to Flow: OKRs, Value Stream Management, and Governance Done Right** In our session, we'll be delving into the advanced flow engineering practices we've implemented at KPMG CH for our Cloud Platform. These methods have truly transformed how we deliver outcomes—faster, safer, and with an even greater level of satisfaction. During the session, we'll take a closer look at how we leverage OKRs to align teams and drive strategic goals, and how Value Stream Management helps us optimize workflow and eliminate bottlenecks. Our robust Governance model will also be discussed, highlighting how we maintain compliance without sacrificing agility. Beyond sharing the technical details, we'll reflect on the lessons learned and valuable insights we've gained throughout our journey. Our goal is to provide actionable takeaways that will benefit the DevOps community and inspire organizations seeking to enhance their delivery pipelines and nurture a culture of continuous improvement. **Vasileios Konofaos** Head of Business Services CH Group Digital Vasileios Konofaos is a seasoned technology leader with more than 20 years of experience driving large‑scale software engineering, cloud infrastructure, and digital transformation initiatives. As Director of Business Services CH Group Digital at KPMG Switzerland, he leads high‑impact programs that advance innovation, operational excellence, and AI‑enabled capabilities across the organization. His career spans senior roles in global financial institutions and consulting firms, where he has successfully delivered complex projects in software development, automation, DevOps, and machine learning. Certified in Azure, ITIL, PMP, PRINCE2, and Scrum, Vasileios is recognized for his strategic mindset, strong leadership, and ability to empower teams to achieve exceptional results. He brings deep expertise in systems analysis, project delivery, and process improvement, consistently enabling organizations to scale technology solutions with quality and precision. Many thanks to our **sponsors**: * Catering and Location Sponsor: **KPMG** https://kpmg.com/

**[⚠️>>Ticket needed (click here)<<](https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/sport-fitness/yoga/yoga-sound-healing-7437531987315800493.html) or** **[www.social-circle.ch](http://www.social-circle.ch/)** 🌿 **Social Circle Yin Yoga & Soundbath – Reset & Reconnect** 🌿 Join the Social Circle community for a deeply restorative evening designed to help you slow down, reset, and reconnect — with yourself and with others. 💖✨ 📲 Join our WhatsApp chat to keep up with the event: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EsTccDt6vB2A8z3OXbPUbW](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EsTccDt6vB2A8z3OXbPUbW) (if you run into trouble open it in WhatsApp Web on your desktop) We’ll begin with a gentle **Yin Yoga practice**, featuring long-held, calming postures that release tension and soothe the nervous system. No rush, no pressure — just space to arrive and soften. 🧘‍♀️ As you rest into stillness, you’ll be immersed in the healing vibrations of a **soundbath** with crystal and Tibetan bowls. The sounds will guide you into a meditative state, helping you drop out of your head and into your body. 🎶 After the workshop we will go in a cafe for a drink to relax and socialize. This combination of Yin Yoga and sound healing is perfect if you’re looking to: 🌸 unwind after a busy week 🌸 calm your nervous system 🌸 reconnect with yourself in a warm, welcoming group setting **What to bring:** – Comfortable, loose clothing – A bottle of water Come as you are. Leave feeling grounded, relaxed, and gently connected. 🌙💫 We’re looking forward to creating a calm and supportive space together as part of Social Circle. ​📸 Photos and short videos may be taken during the event. Let the host know if you prefer not to be in them. Tickets are non refundable. Want more events like this? Join our community! [https://chat.whatsapp.com/DaGFCvKs6iu62pftk5cotM?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DaGFCvKs6iu62pftk5cotM?mode=gi_t)

**[Tickets here on Eventfrog](https://eventfrog.ch/jackpotcomedy)** **Down on your luck?** Perfect. Comedy works best on people with low expectations. At **Jackpot Comedy**, comedians test brand-new jokes alongside the ones that actually work. Some hit the jackpot, some crash out spectacularly. Either way, you win, because it’s funnier when anything can happen. Expect a proper underground comedy night, close to the stage, real crowd energy, and comics who are risking their dignity for your entertainment. Hosted by **[Jack Roberts](https://www.instagram.com/jackrobertscomedy/)**, a man who has invested his long-term financial stability entirely into making strangers laugh. We’re downstairs at **Bar OTRO,** just off Langstrasse, the ideal location for high-risk decisions you’ll be glad you made the next morning. No dress code. No awkward theatre seating. Just drinks, friends, and a very high probability of laughing harder than you planned. Roll the dice. Bring someone you like. Or someone you’re unsure about, this is an excellent test. **[Tickets here on Eventfrog](https://eventfrog.ch/jackpotcomedy)** **SHOW BEGINS AT 20:00 (Doors at 19:00)**

### Daily Evening Meditation ##### For all peace lovers and others, for beginners and advanced meditators. We love silence. We meditate with our eyes open—or closed, if you prefer. Come and enjoy the powerful vibrations of peace. We are happy to offer guided meditation upon request. **Welcome—join the wave of peace!** [www.brahmakumaris.ch](www.brahmakumaris.ch)

Science teacher Ryland Grace wakes up on a spaceship with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory slowly returns, he soon discovers he must solve the riddle behind a mysterious substance that's causing the sun to die out. As details of the mission unravel, he calls on his scientific training and sheer ingenuity -- but he may not have to do it alone. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Hail_Mary_(film) Staring Ryan Gosling

Join us, once a month, on a Wednesday afternoon for an easy-paced walk by the lake — a midweek pause to breathe, move, and connect. We’ll meet in front of the Opera House and take a walk along the lake, letting conversation flow as naturally as the path. These walks are about more than slowing down — they’re a way to clear the noise and make space for new perspectives. Sometimes it’s in motion that the mind finds its calm and ideas come into focus. A simple hour to refresh, connect, and perhaps see something familiar in a new light.

Die The Art of Dance präsentiert mit Stolz eine exklusive, elegante und spektakuläre Gala, die anlässlich des 3-jährigen Jubiläums unserer Tanzschule organisiert wird. Ein Abend, an dem professionelle Show Dances, Live-Musik und luxuriöse Atmosphäre in der einzigartigen Kulisse der Goldküste verschmelzen. 📍 Location Ristorante Fiorello Seestrasse 83, 8703 Erlenbach 📅 Datum & Zeit Samstag\, 11\. April \| 19:00 – 24:00 Uhr Das Herz des Abends: Show Dance & Spektakel Die Goldküste Tanz Gala ist mehr als ein Tanzabend sie ist ein hochwertiges Bühnenspektakel, mit Liebe zum Detail inszeniert. ✨ Auf der Bühne: - Schülerinnen der Tanzschule - Professionelles Lehrerteam Show Dances auf höchstem tänzerischem Niveau. Live-Musik , das absolute Highlight: Den gesamten Abend begleitet die renommierte 🎺 CHARLY F. Orchestra Ein professionelles Live-Orchester, das die ganze Nacht spielt und für ein unvergleichliches, authentisches Tanzgefühl sorgt. 🎼 Live-Repertoire: Standardtänze: Langsamer Walzer · Tango · Wiener Walzer · Slow Foxtrott · Quickstep Lateinamerikanische Tänze: Samba · Cha Cha Cha · Rumba · Paso Doble · Jive Salsa & Bachata (DJ) 💎 Live-Musik verleiht jedem Tanz Eleganz, Tiefe und Emotion. Ablauf des Abends: 18:30 Check-in Dinner + Gala 19:00 – Gala Dinner 20:00 Check-in nur Gala 20:30 – Show Dances 21:30 – Tanz Gala 24:00 – Ende der Veranstaltung 🎟️ Reservation & Preise 🍽️ Dinner + Gala Menü: \- Gemischter Salat \- Kalbsbraten mit Ofenkartoffeln und Gemüse \- Wasser inklusive \(alle weiteren Getränke\, inklusive Kaffee\, sind im Preis nicht inbegriffen\) CHF 70\.– pro Person ✅ Reservation obligatorisch ⏰ Anmeldeschluss: Sonntag\, 5\. April 💃 Nur Gala (ab 20:30 Uhr) CHF 40.– pro Person ✅ Spontaner Eintritt möglich Solange Plätze verfügbar sind. Foto- und Videoaufnahmen Die Veranstaltung wird durch eine vom Veranstalter beauftragte Fotografin fotografisch und filmisch dokumentiert. Mit der Anmeldung und Teilnahme an der Veranstaltung erklären sich die Teilnehmenden damit einverstanden, dass Foto- und Videoaufnahmen, auf denen sie möglicherweise abgebildet sind, erstellt und vom Veranstalter zu Dokumentations-, Marketing- und Kommunikationszwecken (z. B. Website, Social Media, Printmedien) verwendet werden. Teilnehmende, die nicht fotografiert oder gefilmt werden möchten, werden gebeten, dies vor Beginn der Veranstaltung schriftlich mitzuteilen. In diesem Fall wird nach Möglichkeit darauf Rücksicht genommen. 🥂 Goldküste Tanz Gala – 3. Jubiläum Ein Event von The Art of Dance für alle, die Tanz, Live-Musik und besondere Abende lieben.

The **Digitec Galaxus Product Development Meet-Up** is back — this time diving into **recommender systems** with two talks bridging data science and engineering practice. **Talk 1: Insights from Building and Operating a Recommender System for Migros Supermarkets** *Max Nolte – Data Scientist & Team Lead at Supermarkt IT, Migros-Genossenschafts-Bund* When you think of a Migros supermarket, you don't usually think about recommender systems. Over the past four years, my team and I have built and operated the engine behind personalized Cumulus coupons and a few other digital touchpoints. I'll share how it works, why we invest in it at a brick‑and‑mortar retailer, and what we've learned, covering data, models, measurement, and the practical realities of running it day to day. **Talk 2: Recommendations at Digitec Galaxus — From Data Science to Engineering Practice** *Michael Weiss, Senior Software Engineer & Robert Rosenbach, Senior Data Scientist – Digitec Galaxus* How do you go from a promising model to a recommender system that is fast, scalable, and maintainable in production? We will walk through the Digitec Galaxus recommendation stack end to end: the engineering architecture that keeps recommendations snappy and reliable, and the data-science side of model training — what to optimize for, which input signals matter, and the trade-offs involved in both. The two presentations will take roughly a combined hour, leaving plenty of time for discussions, questions, and exchange afterwards over drinks and snacks. Whether you come from a software engineering, data science, product, or any other background — we'd love to have you join us!

Please contact me if you want to join the class. Добрый день! This class is for learners with a level B1 or higher. We will learn Russian rock songs and do exercises and discussions based on them. We will use the book Russian rock and Russian Grammar. We will meet one time per week. Below is an information about the class. Cost: 2 students 35 chf per hour, 3 or more student 25 chf per hour per person. Class Length: 1 hour Class structure: • We read a text or a chapter from a book, discuss new words. We learn part of grammar and practice using it. • After that we discuss the topic and answer the text follow-up questions. • I also give homework tasks to make sentences with new words or do a grammar exercises. • If we finish the exercises earlier, we play word games or have a free chat. If you have questions send me a message or post it in comments.

**Workshop about anger according to Alexander Lowen** **Bioenergetic (somatic) exercises** Anger is a complex emotion for many of us. We may feel like it’s getting out of control or be afraid to show it. Anger is associated with aggression, screaming, and hurting others. Those who get mad are treated as unpredictable and unfriendly. The truth is that we need a healthy expression of anger! When we let off some steam, we release tension, reduce stress, and win precious energy back. The therapist and psychiatrist Alexander Lowen invented bioenergetic analysis and its exercises. They give us the tools to understand and work with our anger. WORKSHOP ABOUT ANGER: WHAT TO EXPECT? **Understand** You will examine your attitude towards anger. We will discuss the different shades of this emotion. Often something else hides underneath, like sadness or shame. You'll understand why a healthy expression of anger is OK and beneficial for you and others. **Exercise** In a small group and safe space, we'll learn the basic somatic exercises for working with anger. To access this strong emotion safely, you need to be grounded and aware of your body. Through expressive practices, you'll connect with your own anger. **Regulate** One of the main goals of bioenergetic exercises is to regulate emotions and improve well-being. Thanks to regular practice in expressing anger, you'll be able to manage stress, improve sleep quality, boost confidence, and even boost your libido! This embodied work can help you become more assertive at work and in your relationships. **Who this workshop is for?** * Participants of all genders welcome. * You can treat this workshop as a self-development tool or as an addition to talk psychotherapy. * You are ready to express your emotions in a small group of people in a safe, confidential setting (all exercises are voluntary). * You can tolerate shouting, stomping, and expressive movements. * If you have a mental health condition, check with your health provider first. You need to feel stable enough to confront more intense emotions. The same applies to people who have experienced violence and abuse. **Contraindications:** * Pregnancy * Epilepsy * History of psychotic states or taking antipsychotic medication * Strong anger management issues or aggressive outbursts (more suitable for individual therapy). * If you have a serious health condition, consult your doctor first (for example, very high blood pressure or other conditions that can be triggered by intense emotions). Location: Cozy studio near Triemli station. The event is open to participants aged 18 and over, regardless of gender. The room has accessibility restrictions, as you need to take a few steps down to enter. *Note: The list price of 62 CHF doesn't include system processing fee. At checkout, you will be charged approximately. 65 CHF. This is the only way for me to take on the charges on this website.* *The number of sold tickets may not reflect the actual number, as this event is cross-promoted. First-come, first-served.*

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. We will be hearing from Becca Powell, Director of Advocacy and Outreach at Unchained At Last, an organization whose mission is dedication to ending forced and child marriage in the United States through direct services and systems change. Unchained At Last's mission clearly meshes and addresses several of our Humanist Ten Commitments. Becca will educate us about an issue many of us may not be familiar with--but should be. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

Dinner and dancing

Join Neurospicy Columbus at the Stauff's for coffee and then a stroll through the Book Loft nearby! This will be a friendly chat for like minded individuals with Autism and/or ADHD (or somewhere on the Neurodiverse Spectra).

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

This trail is a meandering path through the woods. There will be some overlooks and a couple stops at the creek as well as time along a waterway. It will not be a fast paced hike. There is some elevation change and uneven terrain. I will be using poles just to be safe! Will aim to get in about three miles. Optional lunch after if there is an interest.

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads**®**, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar