Dear Janina
You have a workload of 70%, are a mother of two small children and a passionate runner, and you love to travel. You started at Adnovum in 2016 as a project manager. In 2021, you became Head of Delivery Banking, and since June 1, 2024, you have been dividing your energy between two roles: Head of Project Management of the newly created Market Unit Financial Services (MUFS) and member of its Unit Board.
How do you feel about your new professional challenge?
With Luciano, our market unit has a new boss. It is good that we have strong leadership again with a new perspective on things. There are 18 project managers in my team. They are the linchpin for me, because their role is becoming more and more important in our project business. My vision is that they are not just «staffers» for personnel but are closely involved in a project right from the start so that they understand our clients’ requirements from the ground up.
At a second glance, is it a 100% job with a 70% workload?
The role is new and therefore offers some room for shaping things. Above all, working with my team, especially the two leads, is particularly important to me. They in turn lead their own teams of eight project managers, which takes some pressure off me and provides a certain degree of flexibility to manage my workload. This also gives me enough time to support the project managers as a sparring partner in difficult situations.
How easy or difficult is it to reconcile work and family life?
I have one and a half days off and my husband has one day off every week to look after the children. The other days they are at day care. That works perfectly. We only have to improvise if one of us gets ill. But we both have very flexible working conditions, so this generally works quite well. If things get tight, we put our schedules side by side to check who has an easier time staying home.
What does your normal workday look like?
As an early riser, I don't mind starting the day between 5 and 6 am. First, I get an overview of the day ahead and the projects. Then I get the children ready for day care and drive to work.
You have achieved a lot in your professional career. What has been your biggest challenge, and what has been your greatest success?
In both cases the project for a private bank. It was very demanding, so I often asked my unit board head for advice, which helped me enormously. Nevertheless, I was on the verge of giving up the project several times. Looking back, the perseverance paid off. Because the project was also one of my greatest successes. I also came to an important realization: asking for support or seeking another opinion early on is always worth it. Being there for each other is important, and I try to pass that on to my team.
How does Adnovum support you?
Adnovum supports me every day with total flexibility and trust. There are meetings I have to attend. But on the whole, I can set my own schedule and work wherever I want. Adnovum has placed this trust in me from day one. I really appreciate that.
Why did you choose Adnovum as your employer?
Because Adnovum offers a variety that not many employers can: different client sectors, projects, and development paths, as well as numerous opportunities to get involved.
Could you have imagined back then that you would reach the position you hold now?
No, not really. Nor that I'd stay at the same company for eight years (laughs).
What convinced you to stick with Adnovum for so long?
I really appreciate the informal atmosphere and the open-door policy. It’s great that Adnovum has maintained these values despite the many changes in recent years.
How has the workplace changed in terms of equality?
I think that it has become more acceptable for men to work part-time to devote more time to their families. But things are still moving slowly.
Where do you see Adnovum in five years regarding this topic?
It is always good for a company to be diverse. Specifically, it would be good for Adnovum if women were represented more in management positions, in the Leadership Team, and also on the Board of Directors.
What can a woman do better than a man, or vice versa?
Women can be more empathetic, address things more directly, and read between the lines. Basically, I am convinced that a mixed team has many advantages, as everyone perceives different things and thus strengthens the team.
What motivated you to apply for the new position as Head of Project Management?
I want to help the staff and the company get ahead. As Line Manager, I can really foster the personal development of my team and at the same time help shape how project management at Adnovum will look like in the future.
And it is my goal that project managers get an even better understanding of client needs to further increase their benefit to our clients.
Thank you for your time and for giving us a glimpse into your world, Janina.