For me it was always very clear that I would for sure do something completely different from my parents – and not to work in academia. I did not want to follow a well paved way. And from very early on I always wanted to lead a team and run a business. This was always in my mind although I did not yet have a clear idea of the business area I wanted to work in one day. From early childhood I liked to try out things, take on responsibilities in groups ( eg sports, girl scouts) and drive activities.

I started my professional career after medical school as a resident. The hospital environment was still very hierarchical at that time and very few women were in higher ranked positions. Therefore, not many female role models existed. With a toddler the very long working hours and night shifts were quite a challenge, especially when both parents worked full time as physicians. However, it was very clear that my goal to specialize in pharmaceutical medicine was not possible in another setting than working full time. It was a very male-dominated work environment career thinking with no room for innovative and new working models. Thanks to the support of my family and childcare, I found a way to pursue my career path.

Have a vision for your life. Career is one part of it. However, the blend of all the different facets of this life vision are the spices for an interesting, fulfilling and fun life.