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WinConference : Marion Waltz
True Story
Marion Waltz
Aradhana: Welcome W.I.N. regular Marion Waltz as she shares her life story, experience at W.I.N and her shining bright future ahead.
Story so far:
Following my university degree in business administration I started working for a large Investment Bank in Zurich at their equity brokerage division first selling derivatives and structured products to Swiss institutional clients, then as a specialist for Swiss equities consulting for institutional UK accounts.
Seven years later I decided to leave as I realised that on one hand my learning curve had gone flat and on the other I had been developing personally in one direction, while the culture around me was unravelling itself in a completely different mode. It was fairly easy to conclude that there was a mismatch. A smooth transition into a new field was no more an option as over the years I had completely lost touch with myself and was clueless on what I really wanted in life. I clearly needed a break.
Mentors and friends:
A very central person in my life, who helped, supported and motivated me through my journey is a very inspiring woman – I would call her an “Authenticity coach” Meeting her has had a very strong, positive impact on my life. Apart from her a large number of wonderful friends did everything possible to give me courage and to support me through my transition.
Road blocks and road ahead:
If I say it has all been easy I would be lying. My life has definitely become quite volatile, phases of euphoria followed by doubts, concerns and very low moments. While it might sound entirely normal today I feel alive as I have force myself to stay on a path of extensive networking and curious discovery of everything new and stimulating.
Today as I start to revisit the job market, I am flooded with opportunities. Apart from an exciting opportunity to found a production company with two friends I have several fall-back options, both with and for people whose values I share and in an environment I like. After my past experiences I have made this my most important precondition.
The W.I.N.ning experience:
I have been to W.I.N. three times so far. It has convinced me every time that it is worth looking for a fulfilling occupation, that some of the most interesting career paths are the non-linear ones, that pretty much anything is possible, that I am far from alone, that focussed networking is crucial to success and that we ladies have a lot to offer. Every W.I.N. conference has been a boost shot and it has helped me to stay true to myself and my journey.
My learning’s :
At the end of the day trust and confidence in oneself carries you through. Change doesn’t happen overnight but if I know myself well and position myself clearly I can attract like minded people, make important new contacts and grow a “new subculture”. I learned about the responsibility that comes with being self-determined. Being fully responsible for yourself and your actions can be an issue especially if one is not used to it.
Similarly it has been a revelation to know how much one can get sucked into a company culture. I noted how strongly we define ourselves through our jobs and the associated status. I became aware of how many people of my age (early thirties) are fundamentally unhappy with what they are doing and disillusioned by who they are doing it for.
I found proof that networking is everything and that almost nothing is as irreplaceable as good, loyal friends.
Marion Waltz
W.I.N. Participant
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