Did you always want to work with numbers? If not, how did you end up in this field?

I always enjoyed facts and figures and analysing things, so after school I decided to study Industrial Biochemistry. My original plan was to follow that on with an MBA, but I was unable to resist an opportunity to go to New York City on a graduate training program in international banking. Wall Street was an incredible experience and is where I got my first taste of Corporate Finance - which is also all about facts, figures and analysis. So, on returning to Germany, Finance was the career I chose to continue in.

You worked for several European energy companies before joining Mabanaft. What do you like most about working in the energy industry?

The energy market interests me because of its foundation in science, which I enjoy. I also like the fact that the industry is in the public eye, with pretty much everyone having a personal opinion on it. But what I like most about working in the energy industry is the change it is going through, the way we are setting the scene for our environmental and economic future. That gives me a very real and strong sense of purpose.

Why did you decide to join Mabanaft? Had you come across Mabanaft/did you know about Mabanaft before?

To be totally honest, I had never heard of Mabanaft before. When I was contacted about the role, I had to do a bit of research. To see whether Mabanaft is a driver in the energy market or just a "Trittbrettfahrer" (a copycat) as they say in German - as the latter would not have been for me. To understand the company's view on the energy transition - as I am a strong believer but also a pragmatist and that needed to match. To understand Mabanaft’s purpose, vision and mission – as I need to be able to identify with them. Last, but not least, my decision to join Mabanaft was also based on my feeling that I would be able to make a difference whilst enjoying the job and the people I would be working with!

What are your biggest learnings from the companies you worked for previously, that you can apply here at Mabanaft?

At work, each of us is affected by our own culture, our company's culture and the culture of the people around us. It has an influence on our behaviour, our performance and indeed on the success of the company – which it why it requires a lot of attention. This is especially the case when change is involved, with each of us having a different way of handling it. Change is of the essence in today's volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world, with reactive change being key to survival, but proactive change being key to success. Tying into culture and change is communication, which is the third C that requires constant attention. Today is no longer best served with old school style "command and control", with people waiting for and then putting into action the orders from above. Today's communication is like a multi-way-street, with each of us continuously sending and receiving, and doing so in more ways than ever before. My biggest learning is that key to handling the 3 big Cs (Culture, Change and Communication) is proactivity from all sides and not being fearful of asking when we do not understand, clarifying when we are unclear and seeking when we do not find.