Behind the Title: Publisher Sabine Hauptmann

Sabine Hauptmann has called Switzerland home for the past 20 years. Originally from Munich, Germany, she earned a double major in criminal law and forensic psychiatry from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität. But through hands-on experience, she soon realized that her true interests lay elsewhere. This led her to shift toward journalism, beginning with an internship at a publishing house that marked the start of her career in media. She went on to hold key leadership roles in advertising at prestigious publications including Condé Nast, Burda Verlag and Süddeutsche Zeitung. Eventually, Sabine established herself as both an entrepreneur and publisher through her own company, Sabine Hauptmann Media GmbH. In 2021, she became Editor-in-Chief of Gala Switzerland, a celebrity and lifestyle magazine founded in 1994, known for its spotlight on prominent personalities, glamour and entertainment.

Safar: Sabine Hauptmann, what inspired you to study law?
Sabine Hauptmann: I was fascinated by TV series featuring lawyers, especially criminal law, and the abyss people can fall into. So, I decided to study it. I pursued a double major in criminal law and forensic psychiatry and had the opportunity to visit various prisons with Professor Horst Schüler-Springorum, a well-known figure at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität at the time. What intrigued me most was the notion that everyone possesses both a light and a dark side to their personality.

What made you leave the legal industry and switch to journalism?
I had always dreamed of standing in court in a black robe, defending criminals. But after my first law exam and working for a criminal lawyer, I realized the reality was far from what I had imagined. I remember sitting on a sunny day, buried under a mountain of cases filled with tragic and disturbing stories. It hit me hard, and I told my father, “I don’t think I like this.” Soon after, I did an internship at a publishing house and ended up staying, taking on various roles.

Did your legal background help you in your career as a journalist or publisher?
Definitely. For instance, when reviewing an employment contract, having a legal education gives you a distinct advantage – you approach it with a deeper understanding. As an entrepreneur, that knowledge is invaluable. Many people don’t consider all the potential legal pitfalls, but with the right training, you know what’s permissible and what’s not. It might sound a bit bourgeois, but it simplifies things and makes life much easier.

Was there a difficult period in your career, and how did you overcome it?
Yes, there was a challenging period during a management change. The new manager displayed clear disrespect toward women and certain religious beliefs, leading to a year and a half of legal proceedings. While it was a difficult period, it gave me the chance to pause, reflect and ultimately redirect my energy into launching a new venture in design and sales.

What type of company was that?
It was a business focused on dog accessories – leashes, collars, beds, down blankets and even matching handbags. It was doing well, but when I moved to Switzerland 20 years ago, I handed it over to my sister.

How did you experience the transition from employee to entrepreneur and publisher?
The transition was gradual. After moving to Switzerland, I never worked full-time. I always kept one day a week free for personal projects. Over time, I gained the know-how, the confidence and the capital to take the leap into entrepreneurship. It’s all about timing and knowing when you have enough resources to start.

What was your vision four years ago for the redesign and relaunch of the Swiss edition of Gala?
The previous editor had a different approach, so my vision for the relaunch was to bring more structure and consistency to the magazine. I introduced recurring sections to build reader loyalty and create a more recognizable identity. Visually, I focused on using more images and less text, in tune with the current zeitgeist. It’s something I’m particularly proud of: pairing the right images with the text to evoke emotional responses. At the end of the day, anyone can tell a story, but the key is to touch people emotionally.

Which section is your favorite?
The travel section. Traveling broadens your horizons. It’s essential not to stay in a comfortable bubble but to embrace other cultures and ways of life. You can’t truly report on something unless you’ve experienced its full spectrum. That’s why I believe in exploring the world – not just revisiting the same destinations repeatedly. 

Gala is a stage for various people and topics. Who is your target audience, and what kind of people or topics would you like to feature?
Our target audience is broad. Some readers seek personal growth, while others admire the people and stories we feature. Ultimately, we aim to inspire our readers. Our focus includes actors, singers, entrepreneurs and individuals with a certain level of fame or influence. In a smaller country like Switzerland, we can also spotlight VIPs and entrepreneurs who make a significant impact in their respective fields.

How has the media landscape changed since you started?
The media landscape has changed dramatically. When I started, online publishing was still uncharted territory. Print media was profitable and respected and required good writing skills – often supported by formal education. Today, online media and influencers dominate and anyone can publish content, which in many ways has led to a lowering of standards. However, as with everything, the rule is quality will prevail in the long run and the media landscape has become more volatile.

What is your definition of success?
Success is subjective and hard to define in terms of material wealth or neoliberal values. For some, success is about accumulating possessions, while for others, it’s about gaining social recognition. Personally, I see success as sustainability. I don’t admire people who rise quickly only to fade just as fast. True success takes time to build and endure.

What mindset has been most helpful in advancing your career?
Focusing on my goals and not letting others’ opinions distract me. Role models can be inspiring, but trying to imitate someone else doesn’t work. Your background, upbringing, education and social circles all shape who you are. You have to discover your own path, guided by those unique influences.

Were there mentors or influential people who helped you along the way?
Yes, within my family and circle of friends. Professionally, there were two or three key figures who influenced me, though I also encountered many competitive situations. Through my different roles, I realized that there are two types of people in management: those who hire weaker individuals to secure their own positions and those who hire strong, capable personalities, recognizing the value of long-term growth.

How did you handle competition?
The most important thing in competitive situations is not to allow yourself to get lost and to pursue your individual goal. However, this does not mean ignoring developments – it means observing them, recognizing them and using them to achieve your goals.

What were some of the most important factors for your success?
Curiosity, creativity, flexibility and self-belief.

What advice would you give to young journalists?
No matter the profession, if you can put your heart into it 100% and it’s truly your passion, you will succeed. But if you’re only pursuing a career for the money or to support your family, it’s unlikely you’ll find real success. Passion is essential. 

You have done various things in your life. How did you manage it all?
You have to stay curious, travel often and keep your eyes open for inspiration. It’s a creative process that unfolds in your mind and you never know what the outcome will be. You need to be in tune with the zeitgeist and stay open to new ideas. It’s also about maintaining a strong network, exploring new places and keeping a global perspective.

How would you describe yourself in three words?
Energetic, optimistic and forward-thinking.

What is your favorite place in the world?
The Maldives – I love the underwater world. It’s magical to see a whale shark or a manta ray for the first time.

Who is your favorite writer?
Hannes-Josef Ortheil

What book can you recommend?
Hannes-Josef Ortheil’s Die Erfindung des Lebens (Eng. The Invention of Life) and Tilar J. Mazzeo’s Im Rausch der Zeit – Das temperamentvolle Leben der Witwe Clicquot (Eng. The Widow Clicquot – The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman who Ruled It)

What is something people would not know about you?
Everyone needs to keep some secrets.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Ernest Hemingway was a prominent writer of his time, awarded the Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize in Literature, well-traveled, art-savvy and undoubtedly an exciting conversationalist as a war correspondent, big-game hunter and deep-sea fisherman. I would love to meet this intellectual daredevil postmortem for a Bellini at Harry’s Bar in Venice.