If you had to explain your job to a child, how would you describe what you do?
Astrid Kaltenegger: I would begin by explaining what an insurer or an asset manager actually does. This is also what we do with our partners in our not-for-profit foundation 'My Finance Coach', because schools rarely focus on financial literacy.
I would then say that I help to ensure that Allianz makes as much money as possible, that it invests securely for its customers so that when there's a damage or when people retire, money is still available and can be paid out.
What do you like most about your job?
I really enjoy working in a company with a wide variety of employees who come from different countries, have a variety of educational backgrounds and who range greatly in age. I also enjoy working on a lot of different topics which are constantly changing and which continue to challenge me in different ways.
And I like my work as a manager. I enjoy working with people, supporting them, challenging them, encouraging them and developing them within the company.
What is the one thing you would advise women to do if they aspire to be top managers?
The most important thing of all is to do the job that you're doing very well, to put everything you have into it and be passionate, and ensure what you are doing is visible.
I also believe that it's important for you to be clear with yourself about what you're aiming for, what your strengths and weaknesses are and where you really want to go.
The third thing that I believe is important is to find a mentor or coach who can help you on the road to achieving the position that you're aiming for, who supports and advises you, and helps you make contacts.
