Leadership is easy to discuss when circumstances are stable. It becomes more revealing when the rules keep changing, expectations are rising and nobody has a complete answer. That was the starting point for Living in Nyon’s second annual leadership event, Leading Through Change, held in early September. A mix of professionals, local community members and people attending for the first time came together to discuss how to lead when change has become a constant rather than an occasional disruption. The event brought together four speakers with very different professional perspectives: Guido Palazzo, Professor of Business Ethics at HEC Lausanne Barbara Lax, CEO and Founder of Little Greenhouse Paulien de Haes, former Deputy Head of Audit at the International Red Cross Silvina Layani of Bee’z Consulting The discussion was moderated by Eoghan O’Sullivan, Director of That Comms Guy, who kept the conversation moving with warmth, pace and plenty of room for the audience to get involved. The moment the room went quiet Some comments stay with you because they change the way you look at a familiar problem. Guido Palazzo’s warning was one of them: “The biggest compliance risk in an organisation isn’t the rogue employee. It’s the charismatic leader.” Drawing on cases including Dieselgate, Boeing and Theranos, Guido explained how ordinary professionals can become part of harmful decisions when three conditions come together: fear, unrealistic goals and deliberately vague rules. The point was not that organisations are simply brought down by a few bad individuals. The bigger risk can lie in the systems around them, particularly when people feel unable to question decisions or raise concerns. His conclusion was more hopeful. Leaders can design better systems through clear rules, realistic goals and a culture where speaking up feels safe. Trust starts with listening Paulien de Haes identified honesty, integrity and transparency as the foundations of trust. People are more likely to support change when they feel heard, understand the direction of travel and believe that the process is being handled properly. That sounds simple, but it becomes much harder when organisations are under pressure and decisions need to be made quickly. Listening, in that context, is not a soft extra. It is part of how leaders build confidence in a decision and create the conditions for people to move forward with it. Safety and autonomy need to exist together Barbara Lax spoke about the balance between freedom and clarity. People need room to take responsibility and make decisions, but they also need to understand what is expected of them. Too much control can prevent initiative. Too little direction can leave people uncertain and exposed. When circumstances become difficult, her advice was direct: “Be optimistic and solution-focused rather than complaining and being scared.” It was a reminder that leadership is also visible in the emotional tone a person brings into a difficult situation. @ Tulip Films Nobody gets it right the first time Silvina Layani encouraged leaders to keep learning, testing and adapting. Change rarely follows a neat plan. Leaders need to be willing to review what is working, recognise what is not and adjust without treating every change of direction as a failure. The conversation also turned towards artificial intelligence and the pace at which technology is changing the workplace. Guido Palazzo stressed that innovation needs to be embedded carefully into the social fabric of an organisation, particularly as AI begins to affect how people work, make decisions and understand their roles. The question is not only what new technology can do. It is also how organisations choose to introduce it, who is involved in those decisions and what safeguards are in place. The questions continued beyond the panel Some of the strongest moments of the evening came from the audience. Questions included: What happens when your most charismatic leader is also your biggest compliance risk? How does leadership change when today’s graduates are preparing for jobs that may no longer exist? When change is relentless, do leaders need more answers or more compassion? These questions carried into the apéro, where guests continued the conversation over food, drinks and the ideas the panel had raised. That was an important part of the evening. Leadership is not only something discussed from a stage. It is also shaped through conversations between people who are working through similar questions in different settings. Capturing leadership, uncertainty and connection on film An event can take months to organise and a single evening to pass. The room fills, conversations begin, speakers take the stage and, a few hours later, the evening is over. What remains are the photographs, the feedback forms and the memories of the people who were there. For the second year running, Tulip Films filmed LIN’s leadership evening, capturing the atmosphere, ideas and conversations as they unfolded. A photograph can show us what an event looked like. Video can show us what it felt like: the pace of the discussion, the pause after a challenging question, the energy between speakers and the conversations that continued afterwards. That mattered particularly for an evening focused on leadership in a changing world. The questions raised were not limited to the panel. They belonged to anyone trying to lead a team, make decisions under pressure or understand how AI and uncertainty are changing the way we work. Professional event production allows the conversation to reach people who were not able to attend in person. It also gives the evening a life beyond the event itself, creating something that can be shared with future attendees, speakers, sponsors and partners. Tulip Films’ approach reflects what we value about event video: professional production that still feels natural. The aim is not to create something overly staged, but to capture the people, ideas and atmosphere as they were: speakers connecting with the audience, moments of reflection, questions that shifted the conversation and the exchanges taking place around the room. Smooth, well-composed footage, clear audio and a thoughtful edit help create a story rather than a collection of clips. The result is more than a record of the evening. It captures what the event was trying to create. Our second leadership evening now exists beyond the night itself. The video helps keep the questions around trust, responsibility, innovation and uncertainty in circulation. What you told us Thank you to everyone who completed a feedback form after the event. The responses were thoughtful and encouraging: 95% of attendees said they would recommend the event to a friend 90% said the discussion fully met their expectations Your comments will help shape next year’s edition. Our Sponsors An event like this depends on the support of a wider community. We were pleased to welcome several of our sponsors on the evening, as well as thanking A-one Business Park for hosting us and Tulip Films for capturing the event on film. We are grateful to all of our sponsors for supporting Living in Nyon as we continue bringing local news, stories and practical information to the community, while creating spaces where people can meet, exchange ideas and take part in conversations that matter. You can learn more about the businesses and organisations behind LIN through our sponsor articles: Albatross Read More >> Numeriq Payroll Read More >> A-one Business Park Read More >> Tulip Films Read More >> Kanadrinks Read More >> Jonas Berlie, Swiss Life Read More >> Thank you The evening was a true community effort. Thank you to our volunteer organising team; Estee Madaschi, Helen von Dadelszen, Silvina Layani, Mandy Bronsil and Chance Newcombe Bilham, speakers and moderator, and everyone who came, asked questions, challenged ideas and stayed to connect afterwards. A special thank you also goes to the three volunteers who helped prepare and serve the apéro, making it possible for the evening to continue with such a welcoming atmosphere. We are already looking forward to the third edition! Our next leadership event will take place on Wednesday 15 September 2027 so save the date! Keep an eye on the Living in Nyon newsletter for updates and the opportunity to vote on next year’s topic. If you would like to help organise the event, suggest a speaker or topic, or share an idea, we would be pleased to hear from you.

The Centre sportif du Rocher has been part of Nyon’s sporting landscape since 1977. It has been used by generations of schoolchildren and local clubs, but much of the site had reached the end of its technical, thermal and safety lifespan. After more than two years of work, the City of Nyon is opening the renovated centre to the public on Saturday 3 October. The open day will give residents the chance to look inside the updated facilities, explore the redesigned outdoor areas and take part in a programme of sports activities, demonstrations and guided tours. This is a one-day public event, rather than the opening of a new public swimming pool. Cossy remains the swimming pool most Nyon residents use for regular public swimming, alongside Colovray in the summer. The pool at the Rocher is primarily used by local schools and sports clubs, although visitors will be able to experience parts of the renovated facility during the open day. It is an opportunity to see what has changed and to understand how the renovated site will support the schools, clubs and wider community that use it. @ Franziska Werren / Ville de Nyon A major renovation Launched in 2023, the project represents an investment of CHF 22.3 million, with a further CHF 2 million allocated to the outdoor works. In total, 35 companies and nine specialist firms, including architects, landscape architects and engineers, were involved. The existing structures were preserved wherever possible, while the façades and roofs were refurbished and the sports facilities upgraded. The swimming pool, which closed for safety reasons in 2018, has been completely rebuilt. It now includes a 25-metre pool, a non-swimmers’ pool and one- and three-metre diving boards. The pool surrounds and changing rooms have also been renovated, with improved access for people with reduced mobility. The sports hall has also been upgraded. The triple sports hall covers 1,110 square metres and can accommodate up to 650 spectators. The entrance hall now includes a more functional refreshment area, and a lift makes it easier to access the different levels. The renovation of the interior of the sports hall, including the changing rooms and ventilation and lighting systems, is still to be completed. More space outside The work has extended beyond the buildings themselves. The outdoor areas around the Centre sportif and the primary school now include a Finnish track, additional trees, permeable surfaces, benches, tiered seating and a drinking fountain. Multi-generational spaces have been designed to support play and informal gatherings outside school hours. A wooden platform on the roof of the dojo creates a quieter place to sit, while the wooded area along the Asse and the railway tracks has been enhanced with native and climate-adapted planting. These changes are intended to make the site more useful and welcoming beyond its role as a place for school sports and club training. @ Franziska Werren / Ville de Nyon A more energy-efficient site Rocher was previously one of the largest energy consumers among the municipality’s buildings. The renovation has reduced its energy consumption by 53 per cent compared with the previous situation, while the power required for heating has fallen by approximately 38 per cent. The swimming pool has moved from CECB energy class G to D, while the sports hall has moved from G to B. The roof of the sports hall now has a photovoltaic installation with 220 panels covering approximately 440 square metres. The swimming pool has 72 solar thermal panels, which provide more than 70 per cent of its heating requirements during the summer. In the future, connection to the district heating network will provide energy from at least 85 per cent renewable sources. The reduction in CO₂ emissions is estimated at more than 450 tonnes per year. @ Franziska Werren / Ville de Nyon What can you see during the open day? The public programme takes place on Saturday 3 October, with activities continuing until 16:00. Some activities begin earlier in the morning. From 09:00 to 11:30, visitors can take part in recreational swimming and use the diving boards. This is part of the open-day programme and does not represent a permanent opening of the Rocher pool for public swimming. A friendly basketball match between BBC Nyon junior teams will take place from 09:30 to 10:45. Drinks and light refreshments will be available from 10:00 to 16:00, provided by Nyon Basket Féminin and BBC Nyon. From 11:00 to 16:00, visitors can try basketball, take part in an obstacle course on the Finnish track, discover martial arts with Judo Club Nyon or join a face-painting workshop. The programme will also include Latin dance introductions with Com2Salsa and a demonstration by the Nyon section of the Vaud Cantonal Association of Traditional Costumes. The sports facilities and redesigned outdoor areas can be explored freely from 13:30 to 16:30. Guided tours of the sports facilities will take place at 13:30, 14:30 and 15:30. Guided tours of the outdoor areas will be held at 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00. These tours require advance registration. Practical information Centre sportif du Rocher open day Saturday 3 October 2026 Main public programme: 10:00–16:00 Location: Centre sportif du Rocher, Nyon For full details and registration for the guided tours, visit the Ville de Nyon website.

Nyon’s town centre will be particularly busy on Saturday 3 October, with the return of the traditional Marché d’automne and the Fête de la Vigne taking place around the Place du Château. It is the kind of autumn Saturday that gives you plenty of reasons to spend time in Nyon. Together, the two events will bring a lively atomosphere to your weekend. Organised by the Société Industrielle et Commerciale (SIC) de Nyon, the autumn market will run from 08:00 to 20:00, bringing together local produce, food, crafts and a range of activities from sports and cultural associations. Browse the market stalls, stop for something to eat, discover local products and then make your way towards the Château for wine tastings, music and activities linked to the Fête de la Vigne. @SIC Nyon Getting to the market Several roads in the centre will be closed to traffic during the events, including Rue de la Morâche, Rue Juste-Olivier, Rue Perdtemps, Rue Saint-Jean, Grand-Rue, Rue du Marché and Rue du Collège. Visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport where possible. The TPN bus lines 803, 804 and 805 will be free throughout the day. For those arriving by car, the recommended parking options are Perdtemps, the train station car park and Le Martinet. The Marché d’automne takes place throughout the centre of Nyon on Saturday 3 October, from 08:00 to 20:00. For further information, visit sic-nyon.ch/marche-dautomne.

Nyon’s annual celebration of local wine and the region’s vineyards returns to the Place du Château on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October 2026. The Fête de la Vigne brings together local winemakers, food, music and activities centred around the vineyards of the District of Nyon. It is an opportunity to discover more about the area’s wine production while enjoying a weekend in one of the town’s most recognisable locations. The event has its roots in the Duche vineyard, planted in 2009 in the Jardin de la Duche following the reunification of the Rolle and Nyon districts. Its 47 rows represent the 47 communes of the District of Nyon, making the vineyard a reminder of the area’s shared identity and agricultural heritage. @ Fête de la Vigne What’s happening during the weekend? Friday 2 October The weekend begins with a musical blind test from 20:00. Teams can register from 19:30 at the main bar under the large marquee, with prizes on offer for the best scores. Saturday 3 October Saturday brings a full programme of activities at the Place du Château. Breakfast will be served on the Château terrace from 09:00 to 11:00, followed by a walking rally between 10:00 and 16:00, with challenges along the way. From 11:00 to 18:00, visitors can meet ten local winemakers and taste wines from the District of Nyon. Cave de La Côte will also lead two introductions to wine tasting, at 11:00 and 13:00. The sessions last approximately one hour and take place at Le Comptoir de César, just beside the main event. They cost CHF 25 per person and are open to anyone aged 16 or over. Places are limited, so advance booking is recommended. Saturday afternoon will include a public grape harvest and traditional pressing demonstration, offering visitors the chance to see how grapes were processed using an old-fashioned wine press. Food will be available on site, with music and free entertainment continuing throughout the day and evening. If you already know your Chasselas from your Gamay or enjoy discovering more about the area you live in, the Fête de la Vigne offers a fun, local way to spend part of the weekend and learn more about the region’s wine heritage. The event takes place at the Place du Château de Nyon on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October 2026. The full programme, booking details and further information are available at fetedelavigne.ch.

Salary, dividends, shareholder loans and business expenses explained. As an entrepreneur, you’ve probably asked yourself more than once: What is the best way to pay myself from my company? The answer is more complex than it may seem. It depends on several factors, including your business model, financial capacity, and personal needs. Your compensation strategy should also take into account your personal tax situation and long-term planning objectives, which will ultimately influence the direction you choose. A well-structured tax strategy is essential for any entrepreneur, regardless of the size of the company. Alex Clarke from Albatross Group works closely with entrepreneurs navigating exactly these questions. Here, he breaks down the key elements for you to consider. Salary: stability and long-term security Salary remains the most traditional form of compensation. It is tax-deductible for the company, reducing its taxable profit. However, it is also subject to social security contributions (AVS, pension fund, etc.), which increases the overall cost. Its main advantage lies in the security it provides. Salary contributes to retirement, offers coverage in case of disability and provides financial stability. It is therefore a key pillar of an entrepreneur's long-term social protection and pension planning. Dividends: useful, but not a shortcut Dividends represent the distribution of company profits after tax. Unlike salary, dividends are not subject to social security contributions, making them an effective tool for tax optimization. However, they can only be distributed if the company has sufficient distributable profits. An important point to note is that dividends must be aligned with a reasonable level of salary. If the salary paid to the shareholder-director is considered too low compared to market standards, tax authorities may reclassify part of the dividends as salary. This can trigger additional social security contributions (AVS) and taxes. Dividends should therefore be seen as a complement to a market-level salary, not a substitute. Shareholder Loan: flexibility with caution A shareholder loan involves the entrepreneur borrowing funds from their own company. In principle, it is not considered income and is therefore not taxed as such. However, this mechanism is strictly regulated. It must comply with market conditions, particularly regarding interest rates and repayment terms. If these conditions are not met, tax authorities may reclassify the loan as salary or dividends. Often misunderstood, shareholder loans can be useful for short-term flexibility, but they carry significant risks if not properly structured. Business Expenses: often overlooked Business expenses are often an underestimated lever for entrepreneurs. When properly identified and documented, they allow the company to reduce its taxable profit while covering costs that are genuinely related to the business. However, the distinction between business and personal expenses must be strictly respected. Every expense should be justified, necessary for the activity, and compliant with tax regulations. In cases of abuse or insufficient documentation, tax authorities may deny the deduction or reclassify these expenses as taxable income. A structured and disciplined approach to managing business expenses not only helps optimise taxation but also protects the entrepreneur in the event of a tax audit. Bringing it all together There is no one-size-fits-all approach. In most cases, the right strategy involves a combination of salary, dividends and other tools, aligned with both the business and personal situation of the entrepreneur. At Albatross, this is a conversation they have regularly with clients. A clear, well-structured approach makes things easier to manage and easier to understand. Exciting News! Upcoming Seminar in Gland We are pleased to announce that Fidela our sister company we will be hosting a free seminar on this particular topic. Tuesday 12 May 2026 5.30pm to 7.30pm Salle des Colonnes, Chem. de la Serine 1, Gland In collaboration with the Commune de Gland, the session will cover: how to structure your compensation effectively ways to optimise your tax position how to manage business expenses as an entrepreneur It’s a practical opportunity to gain clearer insight into how these elements work together.

Living in Nyon doesn’t run on algorithms or robots (thank goodness). It runs on people, three of us in fact, who volunteer their time because we care about this town and enjoy sharing its stories. We bring our own voices, ideas and passions to the mix, and together we keep LIN alive with the things that make Nyon special. As an association, we also enjoy welcoming new faces, so if you’d like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. Mandy Bronsil Mandy has been an integral part of Living in Nyon team since 2020. She brings vibrant energy, local knowledge, and a real passion for connection. For her, this beautiful region is more than a place to live. It’s a community full of stories, opportunities, and inspiring people. A graduate of the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne and fluent in English, French, Dutch, and Spanish, Mandy’s career has taken her from team-building and career development workshops to launching her own consultancy, B-Inspired. She’s also a TEDx speaker, Mastermind founder, and the driving force behind The Clubhouse, a lively co-working and meetup space in the heart of Nyon. At LIN, Mandy uncovers what makes the town tick, from local artisans to community events and inspiring individuals. She believes community isn’t just where we live; it’s how we connect, support, and grow together. When she’s not writing or leading workshops, you might find her hosting a mastermind session, diving into improv, or enjoying a good games night. Her favourite part of Living in Nyon? Working alongside the people who make this town so creative, welcoming, and unique. Seema Sharma Seema has lived in the centre of Nyon for well over a decade, watching the town evolve while it keeps its unique rhythm and charm. That mix of old and new is what she loves bringing to life at LIN: highlighting local businesses, profiling the voices behind them, and sharing what makes this town feel like home. With British roots, Indian heritage, and a Swiss home, Seema is drawn to the spaces where cultures meet and communities grow. She believes meaningful communication bridges people, and that belief runs through everything she writes. Beyond LIN, she's the founder of The Hormone Harmony Network, where she helps women, and the organisations they work within, navigate the (peri)menopause transition with practical tools and evidence-backed guidance. She's also a content writer and creative partner, helping individuals and teams cut through the noise with clear, engaging storytelling. Her favourite part of Nyon? Its energy, especially in summer, when the buzz of festivals brings out the town's creativity and community spirit. Chance Newcombe Bilham If there’s one thing Chance is good at, it’s starting new chapters. After two decades between the UK and US, he’s now firmly rooted in Nyon. What began as a love story with a Swiss woman has grown into something bigger: a love for the town itself, its people, and the everyday rhythm of life here. These days, he’s raising a young family, lacing up his tennis shoes whenever he can, and enjoying the small-town feel that makes Nyon special. At LIN, Chance looks after partnerships, bringing fresh ideas, curiosity, and a good dose of humour to the team. He’s another pair of hands and a welcoming voice, helping keep the site useful and true to its purpose. Most of all, he ensures LIN continues to do what it does best: connect people to the place we call home. You, our readers Want to say hello? The Living In Nyon team is always open to conversation, collaboration, and connection. Fancy a coffee and a chat? We can talk local tips, explore creative projects or ideas. It is great when we hear from our community. Send us an email or comment below! Mandy Bronsil & Seema Sharma

Across La Côte, more people are trading employment contracts for the freedom (and the admin) of working for themselves. One founder used to run project teams from a glass-walled office in Geneva. Another spent a decade coordinating logistics for a Lausanne-based company. Both now work for themselves: one from a kitchen table in Nyon, laptop open and one client already on the phone before nine; the other from a co-working space in Rolle, three clients and a growing invoice pile to show for it. If you're standing where they once stood, ready to turn your skills into a side hustle, or finally take the leap into full-time entrepreneurship, but not quite ready for the weight of a limited company, this guide is for you. Alex Clarke from Albatross Group breaks down what every new entrepreneur needs to get started with confidence, while making sure your business is set up legally and remains compliant with Swiss requirements. What Do You Absolutely Need to Get Started as an Independent? Sign Up for AVS Social Insurances (Mandatory): This is the non-negotiable first step. You'll need to register as an independent and pay social insurance on your profits. We recommend FPV in Paudex for a smooth registration process. Other cover, like accident or pension insurance, isn't automatically required, but it's worth thinking about once you're relying on this income alone. Register in the Commercial Registry (Not Always Mandatory): As a general rule, this only becomes compulsory once your annual turnover exceeds CHF 100,000. Below that, it's your choice, though some people register earlier anyway, simply because it lends their business a bit more credibility with clients. Certain industries have their own additional rules on top of this. Register for VAT (Conditional): You generally become liable once your worldwide turnover crosses CHF 100,000 or CHF 25,000 in the first three months. Registering earlier is possible too, and sometimes worth it, particularly if you're billing clients outside Switzerland, where VAT rules can turn complex pretty quickly. Not sure? Have a chat with Alex and the team before you commit either way. Set Up a Basic Accounting System (Mandatory): Someone has to keep the numbers straight, and that someone is you. You are responsible for keeping your accounts updated and filing annually The good news: it doesn't need to be complicated. Simple software or even Excel is enough for most people starting out, and Albatross can provide you with templates so you're not building this from scratch. Once you’ve ticked these boxes, you’re ready to dive into the Swiss market! A Few Potential Roadblocks to Note Here's the part people tend to underestimate: registering as independent isn't just filling in a form and calling yourself self-employed. AVS wants to see that you're actually working for yourself. That's setting your own hours, choosing your own clients, carrying your own risk. Not quietly doing the job of an employee without the payslip. To register as an independent with AVS, you’ll need at least three clients, which proves you’re truly independent and not an employee for a single company. If this doesn't fit your situation, a limited structure or a Swiss payroll solution is worth considering instead. The other thing worth sitting with: as a sole proprietor, you and your business are legally the same entity. If something goes wrong (a client dispute, a debt, a bad year) you're personally on the hook. It's the trade-off for how quick and simple this structure is to set up, and for many people starting out, it's a trade-off worth making. Just make it with all the relevant information. Albatross can make sure your business setup is on point, with an efficient accounting system and advice on allowable business expenses. As you grow, they will guide you on the tax steps to take and keep your finances in top shape so nothing catches you out later. What Does It Actually Cost? Less than you'd think, in most cases. The administrative fees to get registered typically come in under CHF 150. The exact cost of setting up as an independent entrepreneur in Switzerland will depend on where you are based, the type and scale of your activity, and any insurance coverage you choose. Where the real budgeting comes in is deciding whether to bring in an accountant or adviser to guide you through the process and and factoring in their professional fees. How Long Will It Take? On average, the process can take around two weeks. For more complex situations, it may take up to one month, depending on your circumstances, the canton, and whether additional documentation or clarification is required. To avoid unnecessary delays, it’s a good idea to prepare all the required documents in advance and make sure your application is complete before submitting it. This may include: a description of your activity client contracts or confirmed work invoices or quotations proof of business expenses a website or other evidence of your business activity identification and residence documents details of your expected income The more complete your application, the easier it is for the relevant office to assess your situation. Where Do You Go From Here? Starting your own business can feel both exciting and intimidating. If you're weighing this decision the way they once did, somewhere between excited and slightly overwhelmed, that's completely normal. Albatross can walk you through your specific situation, tell you honestly whether independent status fits, and handle the parts of the process that tend to trip people up. Get in touch, and start building the version of self-employment that actually works for your life. Next in this series: What it looks like to set up as an entrepreneur through a limited company instead. Disclaimer: Albatross are your expert accountants, demystifying the labyrinth of taxes without the jargon. But remember, the information here may not be one-size-fits-all for your situation. Reach out to them for the latest tailored advice.

Last summer they brought Les Misérables to the stage. This August, GAOS Youth is back and this time they're taking on one of the most recognisable figures in film history. Chaplin: The Musical tells the real-life story of Charlie Chaplin, spanning his extraordinary career from his first performance as a child in 19th-century London to his rise as an iconic actor, filmmaker, writer and director, and his emotional acceptance of an honorary Academy Award in 1972. Along the way, the musical goes behind the famous bowler hat and moustache to explore the man behind the Little Tramp: someone who made the world laugh on screen while struggling to find happiness in his own life. It's a big story to take on. But behind this summer's production is another rather good story. Young people aren't simply performing in the show. They're directing it, choreographing it and getting involved in everything from set construction and costumes to lighting, sound and promotion. Ahead of opening night, we caught up with three of the young people at the heart of the production: director Arthur Mitchell, choreographer Orla Cartwright and Sam Fiore, who takes on the role of Charlie Chaplin. Arthur Mitchell Arthur From Les Mis to the director's chair Anyone who saw GAOS Youth's Les Misérables last summer may remember Arthur Mitchell on stage as the tavern owner. This summer, he's on the other side of the stage. Arthur is directing Chaplin, but his GAOS story actually began front of house. Since then, he has worked across set construction, sound, lighting and performance, as well as appearing in two Youth Group productions. Directing wasn't necessarily something he'd imagined doing quite so soon. "I probably wouldn't have put myself forward to direct a show were it not for the encouragement of the people around me at GAOS." That encouragement gave him the confidence to take on what he describes as a mammoth project. And it has changed the way he sees theatre. Sitting on the opposite side of the audition table for the first time, for example, showed Arthur just how many considerations go into casting a production. It also made him realise that some of the things he'd previously worried about as a performer hadn't even crossed the minds of the panel. Being director, he says, has effectively put him on the opposite side of every single metaphorical table in a production. It's an experience he believes will change the way he approaches every role he takes on in the future. There's much more happening than what you see on stage We asked Arthur what young people learn from being involved in a GAOS Youth production beyond performing. His answer makes you realise quite how much of the production the young cast gets to experience. GAOS Youth encourages its members to try different roles, and preparing the shows largely during the school holidays gives them the opportunity to get involved behind the scenes as well as on stage. Previous productions have seen cast members helping with set construction and painting, costumes, promotion and marketing, technical set-up, directing and choreography. For Arthur, understanding the work happening around you is valuable even if your ambition is entirely focused on performing. "The appreciation that you get for the work of those around you, and what you learn about how to collaborate most effectively with them, is some of the most valuable knowledge you can have" And if a career in theatre isn't the plan? Being part of a project on this scale still teaches you about teamwork, responsibility, collaboration and, as Arthur puts it, essential lessons about yourself, how you work, and who you are. Orla Cartwright Orla From shy cast member to choreographing the show Orla Cartwright knows something about that progression. She has been involved with GAOS Youth productions since 2023 and describes the person who first joined as someone who was really shy. Orla has gone from having a small role last summer to now teaching an entire cast. "I've seen myself go from being someone who was really shy to someone who was confident taking on a small part in Les Mis last summer, and then teaching a whole cast this summer as the choreographer." Orla is the choreographer for Chaplin, alongside her professional ballet training at London's Central School of Ballet. Her dance journey began even earlier. At 13, she moved away from home to train professionally at PNSD Rosella Hightower in the south of France, where she spent five years before moving to London in September 2025. Her current training includes ballet, contemporary and jazz, as well as weekly choreography lessons and opportunities to create work for her classmates. All of that has found its way into Chaplin. Her jazz training has been particularly useful for the musical theatre style of the production, while ballet provides the foundation for much of her training. Audiences should even look out for a short piece of ballet choreography in the show. Creating the choreography, she says, comes quite naturally. "I find that imagining and creating choreo for the show comes quite easily to me most of the time, probably because dance has now become a second language for me." For Orla, one of the best parts has simply been seeing her ideas come to life. She's also learning how to teach, correct and motivate an entire cast while keeping rehearsals fun. Her unconventional technique for anyone who gets something wrong? A Nerf gun. “I’ve particularly enjoyed my great idea of using a Nerf gun against anyone who makes a mistake!” We suspect this particular teaching method may not feature on the Central School of Ballet curriculum. Orla and Sam Sam Finding the man behind the Little Tramp While Arthur and Orla have stepped behind the scenes this summer, Sam Fiore has a rather different challenge. For Sam, one of the things he enjoys most about a GAOS Youth production is being surrounded by other young people who share the same passion for theatre, with everyone working towards the same goal of bringing something special to the stage. And there's plenty being learned along the way. Sam points to teamwork and trust in others as two of the things the experience develops, qualities, he says, that apply not only to theatre and musicals, but to every other sector of life. That shared goal involves Sam taking on one of the most recognisable performers in film history. He's playing Charlie Chaplin. Or, more accurately, he's playing two sides of him. There is Charlie Chaplin the man and the Little Tramp, the screen character recognised around the world. To prepare for the role, Sam went back to Chaplin's films to study the Tramp's physicality and movement. For the scenes exploring Chaplin's life away from the camera, he researched the historical context and the real people who surrounded him. And he discovered a much more complicated person than the silent-film comedian most of us immediately picture. "We all know him as an incredible performer, but I've now learned about Chaplin the filmmaker, composer and political figure." He also began to see connections between Chaplin and the character he created. Themes of love and belonging run through the Little Tramp's story, Sam explains, but they also appear in the scenes exploring the real Charlie Chaplin. Preparing for the role has therefore meant looking beyond Chaplin's famous physicality to the filmmaker, composer and political figure behind the screen persona. What if you love theatre but don't have the confidence to join? There was one question we particularly wanted to put to all three of them. What would you say to another young person who might love theatre but has never had the confidence to get involved? The answer from all three was essentially the same. Go for it. Arthur's own GAOS journey didn't begin with a leading role or even on stage. It started front of house. There are so many different ways to get involved, you can always start small and go from there, he says. Meeting people through that first experience led him into more roles, both backstage and onstage, with each one giving him the skills and confidence to try something else. "You have to do everything for the first time at least once. No one comes in immediately ready or perfect." Sam remembers what it was like when he first started too. The group, he says, truly feels like one big supportive friend group, bringing together people of the same age who share a passion for theatre. His advice to someone standing on the outside wondering whether they're confident or experienced enough to join is simple: neither is a prerequisite. "You don't need to be the most confident or experienced person in the room. Getting involved, can bring experiences and friendships you would've never expected." And perhaps Orla is the clearest example of that. She went from describing herself as really shy when she first became involved with GAOS Youth to performing in Les Misérables and now standing in front of an entire cast teaching choreography. "It can be scary jumping into something new and unknown,but you'll never know if you never do it." More than putting on a show Listening to the three of them, there's a common thread. Yes, GAOS Youth puts on ambitious musicals. But somewhere in the process of learning lines, building sets, rehearsing choreography, figuring out lighting, standing up in front of people and occasionally getting something spectacularly wrong, something else is happening too. Young people are being trusted with real responsibility. They're discovering what they're good at. They're learning to work with other people. They're making friends. They're trying things before they necessarily feel ready to do them. One year you can be the shy person joining the group. The next you might be performing in Les Misérables. And a year later, you could be choreographing the whole show or sitting in the director's chair. That makes Chaplin worth watching for more than one reason. WIN TWO TICKETS GAOS Youth is giving one lucky Living in Nyon reader the chance to win two tickets to see Chaplin: The Musical Saturday 29th August Matinee Show 14:00 To enter, answer this question: When did Charlie Chaplin win an Academy Award? Competition closes: Monday 24th August Midday The winner will be selected from the correct entries and contacted directly. Dates: 28 Aug - 30 Aug 2026 Venue: Théâtre de Marens, Nyon Tickets and More Info: HERE Good luck to everyone entering and break a leg to the entire GAOS Youth cast and crew!

@Nyon Street Food Festival 2026 The Rive will once again be transformed into a hub of food trucks and pop-up stands as the Nyon Street Food Festival returns from 20–23 August. Now in its seventh edition, the festival will bring together nearly 40 food trucks and stands, with dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world alongside local wines and beers and a selection of cocktails. It all takes place around the Quai de Rive, the covered area there and the Rive parking, making it an easy stop for lunch, dinner or an evening drink by the lake. There are plenty of options for different dietary requirements too. All exhibitors offer at least one vegetarian option, while vegan (VG), gluten-free (GF) and dairy-free (DF) choices are marked on the festival’s exhibitor listings. Opening hours Thursday 20 August: 17:00–22:00 Friday 21 August: 12:00–00:00 Saturday 22 August: 12:00–00:00 Sunday 23 August: 12:00–22:00 Entry is free. A note about parking If you usually park at Rive, take note: Rive-Est car park is closed from the morning of Wednesday 19 August until the end of Monday 24 August to allow for the festival set-up and dismantling. The festival is around a 10–15 minute walk from Nyon train station, or you can take bus 811 to the Nyon, Usine à Gaz stop. For the full list of food trucks and practical information, visit the Nyon Street Food Festival website.

@Ville de Nyon Looking for something active to do this weekend? Nyon’s Festival of Sports returns to Colovray on Sunday 23 August, giving children and adults the chance to try out a huge range of sports for free. Running from 10:00 to 16:00 across the Centre Sportif and Piscine de Colovray, the annual event brings together around 50 local sports associations, with introductions, demonstrations and activities taking place throughout the day. The programme covers everything from yoga, climbing and basketball challenges to urban sports, while activities at the swimming pool include scuba diving, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing and water polo. It’s also a useful opportunity if you or your children have been thinking about joining a local sports club in an interactive way. Visitors can meet the people running Nyon’s clubs, find out what they offer and try different activities before deciding what might suit them. There will also be a special rally with more than 30 challenges to complete around the site. articipants who complete at least one challenge in each rally zone can enter the prize draw, which takes place at 15:30. And for the day, entry to the Piscine de Colovray is free, giving everyone the chance to take part in the aquatic activities too. More information on the Ville de Nyon site Practical information When: Sunday 23 August, 10:00–16:00 Where: Centre Sportif and Piscine de Colovray, Route de Genève 37, Nyon Cost: Free Getting there: Bus 803 or 811 to Nyon, Colovray Parking: Available at the Centre Sportif de Colovray The event is open to all ages.

Moving to Switzerland comes with a fairly substantial to-do list. Find somewhere to live. Sort out your permit. Choose health insurance. Open a bank account. Work out where to buy groceries on a Sunday when everything appears to be closed. Understanding your pension probably isn't at the top of that list. And then life happens. You change jobs, take time out to raise a family, start working for yourself or return to work after a career break. Somewhere along the way, understanding exactly what you're building for your financial future can remain firmly on the "I'll get to that" list. For newcomers in particular, it can be a lot to get your head around. The good news is that it’s never too late to start paying attention. Switzerland has its own pension system, and understanding where you stand now can help you make more informed decisions about what comes next. How does the Swiss pension system actually work? Are you building enough for retirement? What happens to the years you spent working outside Switzerland? And what are all these references to first, second and third pillars? Whether you've recently arrived or have called Switzerland home for years, these are things worth understanding. In the first of a new sponsored series for Living in Nyon, Jonas Berlie, Financial & Pension Specialist at Swiss Life, takes us through the basics of the Swiss pension system and what you need to know about building your financial future here. First things first: what are Switzerland's three pillars? If you've been in Switzerland for any length of time, you've probably heard someone mention "the three pillars."The Swiss pension system is built around three different forms of provision: the state pension, your occupational pension and private savings. Together, they're designed to provide financial security once you retire. Here's what each one actually means. First pillar: AHV/AVS This is Switzerland's state pension, commonly referred to as AHV in German and AVS in French. If you are employed in Switzerland, both you and your employer make contributions to AHV/AVS. Those contributions help finance the pensions of people who are currently retired and, in turn, build your entitlement to a state pension when you reach retirement age. One detail that can be particularly important for people who have moved to Switzerland from abroad is your contribution history. Receiving a full AHV/AVS pension requires a complete contribution record. Missing years can result in a lower pension. As of 2026, the maximum individual AHV/AVS pension is CHF 2,520 per month, subject to the relevant contribution and income requirements. For someone who arrives in Switzerland partway through their working life, this is one reason it's worth understanding your individual position rather than simply assuming the Swiss state pension will provide a particular amount at retirement. Second pillar: your occupational pension The second pillar is your occupational pension, commonly referred to as BVG in German and LPP in French and is connected to your employment. You and your employer contribute to a pension fund, with the money accumulated to help fund your retirement. The first and second pillars together are intended to replace roughly 60% of your previous income, although what you actually receive will depend on factors including your salary, how long you have contributed and the rules of your particular pension fund. There is also a document worth becoming familiar with: your pension certificate. It contains information about your accumulated pension assets and projected benefits. It may not be the most exciting document that lands in your inbox or letterbox, but it's worth reading rather than filing away for another day. Third pillar: the part you organise yourself The third pillar is private pension provision and is divided into pillar 3a and pillar 3b. Pillar 3a is particularly well known because contributions can provide a tax advantage. If you are employed and affiliated with a pension fund, you can contribute up to the applicable annual limit and deduct eligible contributions from your taxable income. For 2026, that maximum is CHF 7,258 for people affiliated with a pension fund. There are restrictions around how and when pillar 3a funds can be accessed, because the money is intended primarily for retirement. Pillar 3b is more flexible and can include other forms of private savings and investments. It comes with fewer restrictions but does not offer the same direct income-tax deduction as pillar 3a. Why does this matter if retirement is decades away? It can be tempting to regard pensions as something to think about later, particularly when you're still establishing your life in a new country. But understanding where you stand now gives you more options later. And not everyone arrives in Switzerland with a straightforward employment history. Perhaps you moved here for your partner's career and spent several years out of paid work while raising children. Now you're returning to work, starting a business or becoming self-employed and thinking about building greater financial independence of your own. For international residents, there may also be additional questions to consider. You may have pensions or assets in another country. You might not know whether Switzerland will be your permanent home. You may have arrived here after already spending 10, 15 or 20 years working elsewhere. Your financial picture may therefore look quite different from that of someone who has spent their entire working life in Switzerland. And retirement isn't the only consideration. Your pension and financial arrangements can also affect what happens if you become unable to work, what protection your family has in the event of your death, whether early retirement is realistic and how your overall finances are structured. All of these things can affect your financial picture and make it particularly important to understand what you're building for yourself now. About Jonas Berlie Jonas Berlie is a Financial & Pension Specialist at Swiss Life and a new Living in Nyon sponsor. Based in the region, Jonas advises clients on pension and financial planning, including retirement provision, insurance, home ownership and financial protection. This is the first in a series in which Jonas will help LIN readers understand different aspects of managing their finances in Switzerland. If you would like to review your own pension situation, understand your expected retirement income or discuss whether your current arrangements meet your needs, Jonas offers a complimentary initial consultation. If you get in touch, let him know you found him through Living in Nyon. Jonas Berlie Financial & Pension SpecialistSwiss Life 022 818 36 96 jonas.berlie@swisslife.ch The information provided is general in nature and does not constitute individual financial, tax or investment advice.

Navigating the world of insurance might feel like a tedious task, with endless phone calls and hold times that seem to last a lifetime. Well, things are changing, thanks to Cheyen Caron and the team at Generali Insurance in Nyon. They aim to redefine this experience, putting customers at the forefront and emphasizing a personal touch. Cheyen, a Canadian national, born in Switzerland spent a lot of his childhood back and forth between the two countries. Finally settling down in Switzerland 12 years ago, he began his training with Generali in 2021. He has been working as an advisor in the Nyon/Geneva agency since February 2023. He understands the challenges of moving here and wants to create a supportive environment for his clients during this transitional time. Switzerland and insurance go hand-in-hand like chocolate, the Alps, watches or cheese... (you get my point). Understanding the intricacies of the Swiss insurance landscape is essential for a secure future here. This comprehensive guide provides insights into both 3rd pillar pension plans and basic health insurance, offering you a road map to financial stability during your Swiss adventure. Before delving into pension plans, it's crucial to safeguard your health. Understanding Basic Health Insurance When you first move to Switzerland, one of the important tasks to check off your list before you can get anything else done, (picture chicken and egg, or Catch-22 type situation!) is take out basic health insurance. Switzerland boasts one of the best healthcare systems in the world but it's not for free and ensuring you have the right insurance coverage is essential. Understanding the basics is vital. What Basic Insurance Covers Treatment with doctors or specialists Hospital stays in your canton of residence Emergency treatment worldwide Medicines, laboratory tests, and medical aids In case of accidents, basic insurance covers the costs if included in your policy. Workplace accidents are covered by your employer for those working over eight hours per week. How much does Basic Insurance Cost The premium amount will depend on your chosen deductable and copayment. You can select annual deductibles ranging from CHF 300 to CHF 2,500. Higher deductibles mean lower monthly premiums. What is the Deductible? Your chosen yearly amount that you pay before insurance covers medical costs. For instance, with a CHF 500 deductible, the insurer covers the difference once costs exceed CHF 500. What is a Copayment? This is a fixed percentage (usually around 10%) you pay for covered services, after reaching your deductable. When to get your Basic Health Insurance Basic health insurance must be taken out for every individual member of the family. You have a window of 3 months to take out this insurance. So it's best to get cracking as soon as you arrive. Once you are signed up, you will have to pay retroactively for those first 3 months. No Free Insurance here! Cheyen Caron Direct Line: +41 76 357 49 07 Email: cheyen.caron@generali.com Navigating the Different Insurances with Generali That's not all, along with the basic health insurance there are many other different types and choosing them can be overwhelming. That's where Generali step in. They can guide you and provide you with their range of insurance solutions they offer. Basic Health Insurance Supplementary Insurance Life and Investment Insurance Home Insurance Vehicle Insurance Liability and Legal Insurance Commercial Insurance Changing Insurers If you've been a resident in Switzerland for a while but find yourself not satisfied with your current insurance, it's important to note that the opportunity to switch insurance providers only happens in November.So don't leave it until the last minute - it's best to do your research early so you're ready for the Transfer Window! Typically, you can switch health insurers at the year's end. To start this process, you need to submit a written cancellation of your basic insurance. Ensure your letter reaches your current health insurer by November 30th. Your current insurer will inform you of your premium for the following year by the end of October, giving you ample time to cancel if the terms are not to your agreement. The Power of the 3rd Pillar Now let's talk retirement plans. At its simplest, the 3rd pillar is your voluntary savings plan, your key to supplementing the 1st and 2nd pillars, providing additional financial support and security for your retirement. The 1st and 2nd pillars of the Swiss pension system serve as the foundation for your retirement, with the 1st pillar covering state-provided benefits, and the 2nd pillar comprising occupational pension funds provided by employers. You have two options: the restricted private pension plan (3a) and the unrestricted pension plan (3b). These plans empower you to put away extra funds for your retirement years and offer financial flexibility and security. Key Features of 3a (Restricted Plan) You can contribute up to a set maximum each year. Offers tax-deductible contributions. Strict conditions for withdrawal. For 2023, employees could contribute up to CHF 7,056, while self-employed individuals without a 2nd pillar can pay 20% of their income, capped at CHF 35,280. Key Features of 3b (Unrestricted Plan) Unlimited annual contributions. Taxed annually for flexibility. Take out your savings whenever you need without additional tax. There are no annual limits exist for the 3b unrestricted pillar. The Benefits of a 3rd Pillar Supplement your retirement income. Deductible Contributions - reduce your taxable income. Flexibility to access your savings for life's big moments. When Can You Withdraw? Typically upon retirement or no earlier than five years before reaching retirement age (64 for women, 65 for men). Early withdrawal is possible for specific reasons, such as home purchase or leaving Switzerland. Tailoring Your 3rd Pillar Plan Choosing between the restricted 3a for tax benefits and regulated withdrawals or the unrestricted 3b for flexibility in contributions and withdrawals really depends on your lifestyle and financial goals. Why Generali? Need more information? If you feel overwhelmed by pension and health insurance options and need some guidance, then Generali provides comprehensive advice tailored to your needs. With a range of insurance options covering vehicles, health, life, and more, they ensure you only pay for what you truly need. What They can Offer: Comprehensive advice on all types of insurance. Tailored coverage with no unnecessary insurance. Multilingual service in English and French. What's the Process? Let Cheyen guide you through the process. He encourages meeting in person to make sure that he can find the right solution for you. 1. Chat with him over the phone with the option of a video call (book here). 2. Followed by a first meeting to establish your needs and family situation. 3. Followed by a second meeting to present solutions and concrete pricing. Get in Touch Take a step towards financial and health well-being, a worry-free retirement and secure your Swiss future with Generali. Contact Cheyen Caron here for a free consultation today.