Charnene Sommerfeld
Talent Partner
Get to know Charnene Sommerfeld
Charnene moved to Switzerland in 2022 and absolutely fell in love with the mountains, where she enjoyed long two-day hikes with her mountain Pug, Potato. Although she has since returned to South Africa to be closer to her family, Charnene continues to visit Switzerland regularly, driven by her desire to stay connected to both countries.
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What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love being outdoors in nature, exploring new places and trying new things. I enjoy kiteboarding (which mostly consists of me faceplanting 90% of the time!). I’m also really into hiking and climbing, so I spend all my holidays and free time doing these activities I’m passionate about.
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Who is your childhood hero?
My aunt – she showed me that no matter where you start in life, if you have resilience, determination and a lot of fun, you can do anything you put your mind to.
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Where is your favourite place in the world?
Egypt – I met some of the most amazing people there. Great food, good vibes, perfect wind and the most interesting history that always fascinates me.
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If you could change one thing about the recruitment industry, what would it be?
Firstly, people treating LinkedIn like it’s Facebook, or a personal diary. Secondly, the reputation of recruiters. So many of us genuinely care about our clients and candidates – it’s not just a money game to us. What drives us, especially at Elize, is seeing good people secure incredible, life-changing opportunities.
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What is your favourite app on your phone?
YouTube – I love watching cooking videos for inspiration on new dishes to try. I also really enjoy Spotify, mostly for listening to crime documentaries and my intense gym playlist, which keeps me motivated during that last painful rep.