Have you always wanted to work with numbers? If not, how did you end up in this field?
I’ve always been interested in facts and figures, and I’ve always enjoyed analyzing things, which is why I decided to study industrial biochemistry after high school. I scrapped my original plan to pursue an MBA afterward when I couldn’t resist the opportunity to participate in a graduate training program in international banking in New York City. Wall Street was an incredible experience, and that’s where I first encountered corporate finance—which, of course, is all about numbers, facts, and analysis. When I returned to Germany, it was clear that I wanted to continue my career in finance.
You’ve worked for several other European energy companies. What do you like most about working in the energy sector?
The energy market interests me because it’s based on science, which I find very exciting. I also like that the industry is constantly in the public eye and almost everyone has an opinion about it. But what I like most about the energy sector is that it’s currently undergoing a massive transformation, and we’re in the process of laying the groundwork for a sustainable future—both environmentally and economically. That gives me a very concrete and strong sense of purpose.
Why did you choose Mabanaft? Had you heard of Mabanaft before?
To be honest, I’d never heard of Mabanaft before, and when I was approached about the position, I had to do some research first. I wanted to find out whether Mabanaft is a pioneer in the energy market or just a “bandwagon rider”—since the latter wouldn’t have interested me. To find out where the company stands on the energy transition—since I’m a strong advocate but also a pragmatist, and it had to be a good fit in that regard as well. To learn about Mabanaft’s vision and mission, because I need to be able to identify with them. Last but not least, I also chose Mabanaft because I felt that, while making a real contribution, I would also enjoy the work and enjoy collaborating with people!
What are the biggest insights from your time at the companies where you previously worked that you can bring to Mabanaft?
In our day-to-day work, we’re all shaped by our own culture, the company culture, and the culture of the people around us. These influences determine our behavior, our performance, and ultimately the company’s success—which is why these topics require a lot of attention. This becomes especially important when change is on the horizon, because each of us deals with change differently. In today’s world—full of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity—constant change is essential: reactive change is crucial for survival, but proactive change is the key to success. Another important aspect closely linked to culture and change is communication. Today, communication no longer functions according to the classic command-and-control principle, where people simply wait and then carry out instructions. Rather, communication today is like a multi-lane highway where we are constantly sending and receiving—and in more ways than ever before. My most important insight is that the key to successfully navigating culture, change, and communication is, above all, mutual proactivity—and that we should not be afraid to ask when we don’t understand something, to clarify when something is unclear, and to search when we can’t find something.
