For entrepreneur and author, Esther Law, returning to Zurich is more than just another visit – it is a journey of faith, friendship, and quiet moments that reshape her path, reminding her of the profound power of connection and purpose.
Finding faith and fellowship in Zurich
ESTHER Law’s earlier journey in Lucerne, enriched by a simple gesture and message, had filled her soul with warmth and gratitude.
With that, Lucerne became a cherished chapter in the book of her life – a reminder to embrace the world around her and find inspiration in its quiet beauty.
It was a city she had visited before, but this time felt different – as though something meaningful was waiting to unfold. And so, with an open heart, she stepped into Zurich once again, unaware of just how deeply it would move her.
Fellowship in a global city
Law’s arrival in Zurich on November 17, 2023, marked her fourth visit to the Swiss city – following earlier trips in 2011, 2013 and 2014.
But this time, the occasion was unlike any before. She had been invited by her dear friend, co-author and business partner, Argenis Angulo, who was then serving as the Immediate World President of Junior Chamber International (JCI).
The JCI World Congress, held annually, gathers young leaders and changemakers from around the world to connect, collaborate, and empower one another in the pursuit of positive change.
Zurich, with its blend of old-world charm and modern innovation, made for a fitting venue. Its cobblestone streets and sparkling skyline served as a symbolic bridge – between tradition and progress, individuality and community, and spirituality and entrepreneurship.
As Law immersed herself in the sessions, workshops, and networking events of the convention, she quickly realised this was not just a professional milestone – it was a spiritual and emotional awakening.
The energy within JCI was electric. Conversations buzzed with purpose, strangers became collaborators, and ideas were shared with open hearts.
“I was deeply moved by the authenticity of the people I met – young professionals from all over the world, united by a passion to make a meaningful impact in their communities,” said Law.
To her, entrepreneurship has always been about more than business – it’s a calling to uplift others, to serve, and to spark positive transformation.
At JCI, that belief was reinforced tenfold. It was not just about pitching ideas or comparing ventures; it was about storytelling, shared struggles, and sincere encouragement. It was about honouring each other’s journeys.
One particular moment stayed with her: the exchange of wisdom between participants from vastly different cultures and walks of life.
They spoke not only of goals but of values – of resilience, faith, and community. In that spirit of mutual support, Law found a deeper appreciation for her own entrepreneurial mission and the responsibility that came with it.
As she reflected on the power of fellowship, a verse from Proverbs surfaced in her mind: “Iron sharpens iron; so, one person sharpens another.”
It was not just an expression – it was a lived experience at JCI. Each conversation, each smile, each spontaneous connection added a new edge to her vision, sharpening her understanding of how entrepreneurship can be a shared journey rather than a solitary pursuit.
The emotional resonance of the convention carried her through the rest of her stay.
As the Congress ended and the pace of her days slowed, Law found herself tuning in to the subtler rhythms of the city – the quiet grace in its details and the deeper reflections it inspired.
A city that whispers
Zurich’s beauty does not shout – it whispers. It reveals itself in layers: in the way the trams hum gently through tidy streets, in the quiet pride of its shopkeepers, and in the warmth of its people.
Law was particularly struck by the Swiss culture of mindfulness – an attention to detail and care for one another that is reflected in everything from their festivals to their public services.
She recalled the ‘Züri Fäscht’, a city-wide celebration that honours Zurich’s history with music, lights, and communal spirit.
Although she wasn’t there during the festival, she sensed its essence throughout the city. As Mayor Corine Mauch once said, “Zurich’s strength lies in its diversity and the engagement of its people.”
That spirit of inclusion, Law observed, is what gives the city its unique soul.
Art, too, spoke to her. A visit to the renowned Kunsthaus Zürich left her deeply inspired. The galleries echoed with the voices of centuries – of Swiss painters, European masters, and contemporary visionaries.
Street art, meanwhile, transformed everyday corners into canvases of social commentary and personal expression. In Zurich, creativity is not confined to galleries – it spills into alleyways, cafés, and even transit stations.
Infrastructure – usually a mundane detail on most trips – became a quiet marvel. Law admired the seamlessness of Zurich’s public transport system. It allowed her to move effortlessly between moments of exploration and stillness.
“The train ride to Uetliberg was unforgettable – watching Zurich fade into breathtaking views of the lake reminded me to slow down and let beauty interrupt the rush.
“But more than the scenery, it was a moment of spiritual serendipity that truly moved me,” she said.
Amid all the gentle beauty, something deeper stirred – a quiet yearning not just to see, but to pause, reflect, and be present. That longing would soon lead her to an unexpected moment of grace.
A sacred pause
Though she had not planned for it, Law found herself attending Mass at the historic St Peter and Paul Church. It fit neatly into her schedule, as if placed there for a reason.
She later discovered it was no ordinary day – it was November 18, the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilicas of the Apostles Peter and Paul.
Inside the church, she was struck by its quiet grace and spiritual weight. The sanctuary felt like a hidden oasis – a place where time stood still and the sacred could be felt in every stone.
There, amid the liturgy and the warmth of shared worship, Law felt something shift, “I felt a profound sense of connection to my faith and a realisation of the significant journey I was in.”
Though her itinerary had little space for traditional sightseeing, that brief encounter with the divine anchored her entire experience.
Zurich became more than a city – it became a sanctuary of sorts, where her spiritual, entrepreneurial, and personal identities converged.
When she looks back on the trip, it is not the events or even the city’s postcard-perfect beauty that lingers in her memory – it is the people, the prayers, the conversations, and the quiet affirmations of faith.
“Zurich, with its timeless charm, is more than just a destination. It is a reminder of the beauty of connection – both with others and with God,” she said.
As she stepped onto her return flight, Law carried with her more than just souvenirs or photos. She carried a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper appreciation for friendship, and a quiet joy that came from being in exactly the right place at exactly the right time.
In a world often driven by speed and outcomes, her journey to Zurich was a call to remain grounded – to stay soft, connected, and grateful.
And as she tells her story now, her hope is simple: that others, too, may find in their own travels not just adventure but inspiration – and perhaps even a divine whisper reminding them that they are on the right path.
