What was your most important #believeinyourself moment since becoming a mother?

After returning from maternity leave with my second child, I realized that I was ready for a new professional challenge within Erste Group. I came across an exciting role at EBOe – but it was a full‑time position in a completely new field. From a methodological perspective, I knew I could contribute a lot as a mathematician. Professionally, however, I would need to learn quite a bit from scratch.

That’s when doubts crept in: Would my new manager accept someone working 25 hours a week? Could I manage this new role with two very young children at home? At the time, my parents didn’t live in Vienna. What would I do if one of the children fell seriously ill overnight? And how would my new colleagues react if I came from a totally different background?

What did you do?

With a lot of #believeinyourself I reached out to the manager of my dream job and explained my situation openly. She immediately agreed to offer me the position on a 25‑hour basis. She had children herself and had once been in a similar situation.

That moment gave me confidence far beyond the professional level. I realized: “It’s okay to truly believe in yourself – because even people who barely know you yet already do.” For that, I will always be deeply grateful to her.

How did you feel in your new role?

I felt very comfortable right from the start. My colleagues took the time to introduce me to the new subject area and showed great understanding for my personal situation. Of course, it was challenging in the beginning to dive into a new field while having young children at home. But I was so curious and genuinely happy with this new task that I embraced the challenge – and in the end, I succeeded.

You later took on further challenges in your career. Where do you find your strength?

Often, it’s the small things that give me strength: a hug, a coffee when I’m tired, a motivational card before an important meeting, or a heart sticker on my laptop.

What’s especially beautiful is how much my children appreciate my work. When my son asks, “What cool thing did you do at work today?” it sparks conversations that remind me how refreshing a child’s perspective on the world can be.

Traveling together and staying active are also important to me as a balance. Rowing is my great passion – and I’ve even managed to inspire my children to try it. By now, they’re confidently rowing on their own, and I’m incredibly proud of them. I also find strength in swimming, meditation, or simply switching off and giving myself a break.

What about your financial life? Are topics like investing and financial planning important to you?

Yes – they always have been. Before I had children, I had the full range of products offered by Erste Bank: from savings accounts and building savings contracts to stocks, bonds, and ETFs.

After having children, though, time became scarce, and I found it harder to keep a close eye on my investments. My need for security increased, so I shifted my focus more toward savings plans and lower‑risk investments.

I think it’s very important for women to engage with financial topics and aim to remain as financially independent as possible. You never know how personal – and therefore financial – circumstances might change. I genuinely enjoy these topics; I just wish I had more time for them.

How do you teach your children to handle money responsibly?

My older son got his first bank account and access to George when he was ten – and he was very proud of it. In general, my children are free to decide how they spend their pocket money, with a few clear exceptions: nothing illegal, nothing living, and no weapons.

Money gifts from grandparents go into a separate account. At first, it was difficult for me to let them make their own mistakes, but over time that has worked out very well.

I believe it’s important for children to develop an interest in money early on and to gain their own experiences. Financial literacy can never start too early – and it’s great to see that schools are beginning to address it more as well.

How do you deal with conflicts as a family?

We regularly hold what we call a family “complaint meeting”. We sit down calmly together, and everyone is allowed to talk about anything – from minor issues to more emotional topics like screen time, pocket money, or bedtime rules.

This open exchange allows us to clear the air, understand each other better, and truly listen. I learn a lot about what’s going on in my children’s minds – and I’m often amazed by how wise their thoughts are. I genuinely learn from them.

What would you like to pass on to other mothers?

Enjoy your time with your children, enjoy your work, and take good care of yourself. If you want to change something, don’t let norms or fears hold you back. Stay open, keep learning, believe in yourself, and embrace new challenges.

And one more thing: speaking openly about my family at work – and about my work at home – makes life so much easier. Both are part of my life. My colleagues and my children understand that I’m a mother and a working professional. They inspire and motivate me to believe in myself and aim higher.

And when you close your laptop at the end of the day, let your children take your mind to another place. Let them enchant you and fill you with wonder. They’re the ones who make the second Sunday in May such a special day!

Happy Mother’s Day!