Careers in Banking: Why authenticity matters

How did you get into banking – and how did you end up at ING?

Honestly, it was quite a coincidence. I was studying economics and finance and came to Germany for my master’s degree. Like many people around me, I saw others doing internships in banking and thought: I should at least give it a try. At that time, my German wasn’t good enough, and everything felt overwhelming – a new country, new people, no family or friends around me. It was the first time I was really on my own, and I didn’t trust myself enough to apply to a German bank. I assumed I would be rejected anyway.

So instead, I applied for an internship at a Spanish bank – and got in. There, I built a close connection with a colleague who told me about ING’s growth plans in Germany. She encouraged me to apply and connected me with someone at the bank.

That was almost 12 years ago. Back then, Wholesale Banking in Germany was still very small. Looking back, I’m amazed by how much has grown since then – and I’m proud to have been part of that journey. It was my first real job, and I’m still here today – which probably says a lot.

Have you ever felt that you were perceived differently as a woman in your career?

Yes, definitely. The biggest challenge for me was becoming a mother – twice – and returning from maternity leave. Each time, I came back to a workplace that had changed: new people, new processes, and in one case even a fully virtual environment due to COVID. At the same time, there are still stereotypes. People may assume that if you work part-time or have children, you are less committed or less ambitious.

What I noticed is that I started doubting myself. And I once read a sentence that really stayed with me: “For women, self-doubt often becomes a form of self-defense.”

Instead of challenging those assumptions, we sometimes question ourselves first. We downplay our strengths before others even do. Over time, I realized how important self-awareness is. I had to remind myself what I am capable of – and also show it to others. Being a mother or working part-time does not make you less motivated or less capable.

Today, I also believe it’s important to speak up, to share your perspective, and to create space for others to do the same. That not only helped me – it also encouraged others around me.

Are there any stereotypes or clichés you would like to challenge?

Yes, there are two that I hear quite often. The first one is: “She only got the role because she is a woman.” This is something that comes up in the context of diversity targets or quotas – and I find it very frustrating. It assumes that competence is secondary, which is simply not true.

The second cliché is more personal: “You are too emotional.” – often linked to my Southern European background. But I’ve learned to see this differently. Being emotional does not have to be negative. It can mean being empathetic, understanding people better, and looking beyond just the facts. It helps you ask better questions and develop more thoughtful solutions. For me, emotional intelligence is a strength – especially in leadership. You don’t have to change who you are to succeed. Authenticity and leadership are not mutually exclusive – in fact, they strengthen each other.

Do you feel supported by the culture at ING?

Yes – overall, I do. Otherwise, I probably wouldn’t have stayed for over a decade.

ING has supported me in many ways: as an international employee, as someone who initially didn’t speak German, and as a working mother. Especially over time, I’ve gained trust and respect, even while working part-time. There are also many diversity and inclusion initiatives, and I do believe ING is ahead of many others in this area.

At the same time, I think there is still room for improvement. One thing I notice is that we don’t yet have enough visible role models for people with different backgrounds. Representation matters – people need someone they can relate to. We talk about diversity a lot, and we are moving in the right direction. But there is still a gap between what we say and what we fully live in everyday reality. That’s not unique to ING – it’s something I see across the industry.

Looking back, is there anything you would do differently?

I wouldn’t change my overall career path – I’m very happy with where I am today. But in challenging moments, I sometimes wish I had trusted myself more and moved through those phases faster. I tend to overthink, and that can slow you down. Still, those experiences are part of who I am today.

What advice would you give your younger self – or young professionals starting their careers?

One of the most important things I’ve learned is this: Authenticity and success are not opposites – they can go hand in hand. Be yourself, but also stay open to others who are different from you. Different perspectives make us stronger as a team. Don’t be afraid to speak up – even if it feels uncomfortable. Honest feedback, even when it’s difficult, is what helps us grow.

And finally: Be aware of both your strengths and your weaknesses. Trust and respect are built over time – but self-awareness is the foundation.