I spent fourteen years in banking — trade finance, mining & metals project finance, shipping finance and then sustainable finance. I worked in three different European investment banks in Paris, Munich and London. I started as an intern and from there I went through all the ranks. By the end, I set up and ran my own team.

For many years, I felt fulfilled. The thrill of closing multi-million deals. Pitching to win a mandate. I loved the team work, the efforts to obtain credit approvals, the negotiation of legal documents. I even didn’t mind the late nights and ordering takeaway at my desk.

When I was tasked with leading the creation of a new team dedicated to sustainable finance, I welcomed the opportunity with open heart. The role increased my competences, taught me about leadership and management and strategy.

But that’s also when I started to realise that something was off … on paper, it all looked good and I was on track for being made MD. I delivered on all my objectives and had several wins, but they felt hollow.

The realisation that what I used to want was no longer what I wanted was difficult and painful. There was a sense of grief and at the same time, liberation.

I left banking in 2024 because I had achieved every I wanted in that chapter of my career. My definition of success had changed. It took me some time to admit it, but once I did, I knew I had to pivot my career towards something that carried more meaning for me: impact, learning and growth, human connections.