I’ve been fortunate to work across different countries and institutions throughout my career. I started working in 2007 with EY, where I built a strong technical foundation and gained valuable experience. Seeking a more international and purpose-driven role, I moved into internal audit at the African Development Bank, working across projects in many African countries. I then completed two master’s degrees in France, before joining the German Federal Ministry of Finance in 2021 as a senior policy adviser.
What attracts me to finance is the combination of analytical thinking and problem-solving while having a role that has a broad economic and societal impact. Currently, I serve on the EIB’s Board of Directors, a multilateral development bank, with the 27 EU member states as its shareholders. Remaining a civil servant at the Ministry of Finance, I represent Germany’s interests on the EIB Board of Directors.
I stepped out of my comfort zone when I moved to Africa, as I was drawn to the continent’s energy and potential. I also wanted to work in a region that will play an increasingly important role in the global economy. This move demanded real adaptability, but the experience was one of the most enriching chapters of my life and I am very grateful for everything I learned from it.
The most rewarding paths are rarely the most conventional and often start with taking a risk
My mantra is this: ‘Taking a detour, or a risk, is often where the real learning happens.’
Careers don’t have to be linear to be meaningful. The most rewarding paths are rarely the most conventional and often start with taking a risk, but the most interesting people I’ve met professionally have rarely taken a straight path.
If I had law-making powers, I would make financial education a mandatory part of school curricula. Financial literacy is essential, yet many young people – and even adults – cannot manage their finances properly or make informed investment decisions. This often leads to poor planning and missed opportunities. Giving people financial knowledge would empower them to make better choices, which, if done early, would be transformative.
Supporting broad economic and societal goals gives me a strong sense of purpose
What I enjoy about my role at the Ministry of Finance is the vantage point it gives me and the breadth of perspective it offers. It allows me to contribute and see how decisions come together at a strategic level. As a board member of the EIB, I also value working in a multinational environment, with diverse perspectives. The role requires a broader, more political, lens – not just technical aspects but the wider implications of decisions. I find it especially rewarding to contribute to something meaningful, as supporting broad economic and societal goals gives me a strong sense of purpose – always a key motivation for me.
One of my biggest achievements was my ACCA qualification, which provided a strong career foundation and opened international opportunities for me. I see my academic journey as a key milestone, too, as I built technical expertise and learned how to make decisions and tackle complex challenges, and it continues to guide me today.
If I hadn’t pursued a career in finance, I would likely have been an entrepreneur. I have always enjoyed developing ideas and turning them into something tangible. Real estate also fascinates me, as it combines strategic thinking and long-term value creation. Building something from the ground up and seeing it evolve over time is something I find compelling.
Outside of work, I enjoy maintaining an active and balanced lifestyle. I like being outdoors and staying fit through sports such as skiing and hiking. These activities help me to recharge and are an important source of energy, focus and perspective.
