Muriel Haag has been a member of the Striatech team for over four years, where her unique background and evolving expertise have significantly contributed to the company’s marketing success. With a creative start in pastry making and an apprenticeship as an industrial clerk, she brought a fresh perspective and strong curiosity that quickly found a home in marketing. At Striatech, Muriel has continuously expanded her skills in strategy, LinkedIn, Google Analytics 4, and SEO — applying them to increase the visibility and reach of Striatech’s products. Combining her business administration knowledge with a keen interest in psychological insights, she helps shape marketing initiatives that truly resonate with the research community. Muriel also plays a key role in fostering effective collaboration with international distributors. In this feature, she reflects on her journey at Striatech and the lessons that continue to inform her work.

Professional Insights

What attracted you to Striatech, and how has your role evolved over time?

I was drawn to Striatech because, right after completing my training as an industrial clerk, I wanted to take on real-world challenges and testing my curiosity in a dynamic environment. This opportunity combined personal growth with hands-on experience. Although I initially aimed for the pharmaceutical industry, the down-to-earth, respectful company culture enabled me to contribute from day one, being trusted with a marketing role aligned with my goals. Continuous support during practical projects helped me to learn effectively, and further training allowed me to earn professional certifications and deepen my expertise. For example, flexible working arrangements made it possible to complete my Master Professional in Business Management (IHK) alongside my job, broadening my professional perspective and strengthening my knowledge and impact.

What challenges have you faced in your role and how have you overcome them?

One of the main challenges arose when I took on dual responsibilities during a colleagues’ parental leave, stepping in with limited practical marketing experience and no direct mentorship. This steep learning curve required me to become self-reliant and resourceful quickly. Additionally, I had to gradually build my understanding of the Chinese market through close collaboration and direct exchange with our sales partners, a process that demanded patience and continuous learning. By proactively seeking knowledge, embracing mistakes, and maintaining open communication, I was able to grow professionally and to confidently implement my own ideas. I also came to highly value the supportive teamwork as my colleagues returned, which further enhanced my professional development.

How do you engage with international partners and ensure successful collaborations, especially in regions like Asia?

Effective collaboration with international partners relies on intentional, respectful communication that considers cultural nuances, unspoken cues, and mutual expectations—much like any strong relationship. I’ve learned that clear language is essential to avoid misunderstandings and to build bridges of mutual understanding. Regular check-ins and continuously verifying whether the market is correctly understood, as well as adapting our approaches accordingly, are essential to maintaining successful partnerships.

What inspires your creativity and ideas for new projects?

My creativity is inspired by new perspectives gained through professional training, exchanges with international partners, and private reading, especially in areas like psychology, which broaden my understanding. Books play an important role in my life by helping me see things from different angles. An open mindset and connecting diverse ideas also spark innovation. At the same time, I deliberately create space for reflection – whether through time spent in nature or engaging in creative hobbies – which helps me focus and generate fresh ideas.

Personal Insights

What drives you personally in your work and life?

What drives me personally in my work is the opportunity to take on projects beyond the daily routine – tasks I can manage independently and where I can fully immerse myself in learning something new. I enjoy diving deep into topics, acquiring new skills through focused training and self-study, and applying that knowledge practically. This hands-on, continuous learning process keeps me motivated and allows me to grow both personally and professionally.

Outside of work, what inspires you or keeps you motivated?

Outside of work, I recharge by spending quality time with close friends, immersing myself in nature, and pursuing creative hobbies. Reading nonfiction expands my perspective and fuels my growth, while regular exercise keeps me energized and balanced.

Who or what has been your greatest source of inspiration throughout your career?

I don’t follow a single role model because I believe personal circumstances differ too much to directly transfer someone else’s path to my own. Instead, I strive to carve my own way, continuously aiming to improve myself. For me, inspiration comes from gaining new knowledge and embracing diverse perspectives, even those that challenge my own views. Encountering different opinions and attitudes helps me deepen my understanding and fuels my personal and professional growth. Ultimately, it is this openness and commitment to learning that drives me forward.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you wish you knew at the start?

One key lesson I’ve learned in my career is that I used to approach tasks with a lot of curiosity, passion, and energy, sometimes without giving enough attention to a logical, step-by-step approach. While my enthusiasm helped me move forward, I’ve since learned to balance it better by incorporating more structured thinking and careful planning – so I can make thoughtful decisions while still staying motivated.

How would you describe Striatech’s journey in three words?

Dynamic, authentic, approachable.

Want to meet the rest of the team?

Thanks for your interest in Muriels’s story. If you’re curious about the rest of the team, don’t miss the other five interviews — each one offers a different perspective.