Willkommen bei der BAWAG Group #femily 

Starkes Leadership ist ein wesentlicher Erfolgsfaktor für die BAWAG Group und für die konsequente Umsetzung unserer Strategie. Anlässlich des Internationalen Frauentags freuen wir uns, weibliche Führungskräfte aus unserem Unternehmen vorzustellen, die bedeutende Verantwortung übernehmen und als Vorbilder andere inspirieren.

Unsere Kultur bei BAWAG ist geprägt von Meritokratie und Verantwortung – verbunden durch ein gemeinsames Ziel: BAWAG Jahr für Jahr noch besser zu machen. Das ist es, was uns als Team vereint – willkommen in der BAWAG #femily.

Erfahre im März 2026 mehr über unsere weiblichen Führungskräfte!

An advice I would give to other women pursuing leadership careers 

Don’t underestimate yourself, and take rising opportunities even if you’re not 100% ready. Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Say yes to opportunities that excite you and trust that you’ll learn what you need along the way. Also, surround yourself with people who support you — both in your personal life and at work — and who challenge you in a positive way.

What inspires me outside of work 

I draw most of my inspiration from my children. My family life motivates and grounds me, giving me balance and joy. Spending quality time together — whether at home or outdoors — gives me the most energy.

I also love traveling and discovering new places, food, and traditions. And whenever I can, I enjoy swimming and riding my bike.

An advice I would give to other women pursuing leadership careers 

There is a lot of discussion — at least in the U.S. — about work–life balance and the challenge of building a successful career while staying present for your family. The truth is, it’s hard, and there are real sacrifices along the way. I have been fortunate to have a spouse who encouraged me to take opportunities and who was willing to take on additional responsibilities at home, especially when our children were younger. My advice is to give yourself grace as you navigate the responsibilities of both your career and your family — there is no perfect balance, only seasons.

What inspires me outside of work 

Spending time with my family is what inspires me most outside of work. I recently became a grandma, which has been an absolute joy and a wonderful reminder of what truly matters. I also love to travel — especially trips that include sunshine, beaches, and the ocean. Reading and spending time outdoors in beautiful Idaho help me recharge and stay grounded, and I try to make space for both whenever I can.

An advice I would give to other women pursuing leadership careers 

Women tend to underestimate their own readiness for the next big step.

When the opportunity came, I didn't think I was ready for my first leadership role either. It was my boss at the time — who is still my mentor today — who had to nudge (and frankly, push and threaten) me to take the leap.

Today, I’ve made it my mission to pay that forward. When I see high‑potential women on my team hesitating, I don't wait for them to “feel ready.” I challenge them, I back them up, and I push them into leadership because I know that the “impostor” feeling is usually just growth in disguise — and it tends to disappear with the first wins.

My advice? Stop waiting for 100% certainty. If the opportunity scares you, it's probably exactly what you need to do next.

What inspires me outside of work 

Outside of my private life (which is pretty much cooking, gardening, cats, chickens, and bees), my biggest source of inspiration is the Female Finance Circle.

We founded it in 2024 because we noticed a glaring gap: while there are many general leadership networks, there wasn’t a dedicated, high-level space for women in senior finance roles to truly talk shop, share debt‑structuring insights, or discuss equity rounds.

What started as a small idea among peers quickly turned into a powerhouse of female CFOs and finance leaders. Seeing these women support each other — not just with soft skills, but with hard financial expertise — is incredibly rewarding. It reminds me that leadership isn’t just about your own career; it’s about building the infrastructure for those who come after you.

By the way, we also have an Austrian chapter — reach out if you’re interested!

An advice I would give to other women pursuing leadership careers 

Trust the skills you already have and take opportunities as they come — even the unexpected ones. Seek out mentors and people who genuinely support your growth. The right guidance and confidence in yourself can make all the difference.

What inspires me outside of work 

Before becoming a mom, I found my inspiration in traveling and spending time in the mountains — new places, fresh air, and the feeling of freedom always energized me. Today, that inspiration looks a bit different. It comes from the curiosity, joy, and incredibly fast learning of my son, as well as my nieces and nephews. Watching how openly they explore the world and how naturally they adapt reminds me how important it is to stay open, brave, and curious myself.

An advice I would give to other women pursuing leadership careers 

Be clear about what you want to achieve and then be the captain of your own ship. Find someone who is truly invested in helping you grow — someone who spends time thinking about opportunities for you, helps you build on your strengths, gives honest feedback, and supports you in developing your areas for improvement.

It is disappointing how often women question themselves and their capabilities. Find someone who helps you build confidence — confidence to speak up, to reach out and grow your network, to jump into cold water when needed, and to be authentic and even laugh openly, even when you are surrounded by the most senior people in your organization.

What inspires me outside of work 

Outside of work, my focus is on my two small children — my 3.5‑year‑old daughter and my 13‑month‑old son. I am trying to raise my daughter the way I was raised: never be afraid and always believe in herself. And I want to raise my son to never see differences in what he can achieve compared to what his sister can achieve.

Everything is put into perspective by my partner, who is a medical doctor working in a hospital — and compared to the challenges he faces every day, most of my work problems start to feel much easier.

An advice I would give to other women pursuing leadership careers 

Let the company know you are ambitious and you want to progress your career. Not so much in titles or rank, but in the areas you would like to develop yourself in. Always choose an area of growth of the company so you can grow along with it. Learn your own values, it will guide you into your future.

What inspires me outside of work 

Connecting with friends and family from all sorts of generations.

An advice I would give to other women pursuing leadership careers 

It may sound cliché, but feedback truly is a gift — even when it feels like receiving a pair of used socks for your birthday. Most people avoid giving candid feedback because it takes time, energy, and courage. So when someone offers it, pause and reflect. Say thank you. Even when it is imperfectly delivered or influenced by bias, there is still insight to be found. 

I think women sometimes receive less direct and less frequent feedback because some people have a perception that it will be taken personally or feel they don’t know them well enough to give honest input. That means we must actively seek it out and create an environment where honesty feels safe for others. 

At the same time, invest deeply in your craft. I went from being a girl who loved STEM to a woman navigating male‑dominated technical fields like data science, machine learning/AI, and digital experiences, including digital banking. I learned that credibility and respect must be earned — and they come through demonstrated competence. Technical fluency, rigorous preparation, staying on the cutting edge, and clear reasoning build respect, and respect builds influence. 

For women in technical leadership paths: you don’t need to be the loudest voice, the smoothest communicator, or someone who “fits in with the guys.” Leadership and influence grow from self‑reflection, technical mastery, and adaptability.  

What inspires me outside of work 

My kids are my everyday motivation, but my large-scale inspiration comes from science fiction, especially Star Trek. While I enjoy the science and technology, what resonates most is its optimism and focus on human connection. It reflects a belief that complex problems can be solved through intelligence, cooperation, and hope. 

Science fiction is, in many ways, a governance laboratory — a sandbox for exploring ethical dilemmas, technological disruption, and societal change. It reminds me that progress is rarely accidental; it requires intention, hard work, and teamwork.