Fairygodboss of the Week: Kathrin Schwan
"Build and nurture your network," Kathrin Schwan advises other women who aspire to have successful careers. The analytics business management director at Boston Consulting says she owes her success to a combination of smart up- and cross-skilling and building and using her network—as well as a dash of good luck.
Kathrin Schwan, Fairygodboss of the Week
Analytics Business Management Director—GAMMA, Boston Consulting Group
Tell us a little about your career. How did you get to where you are now?
It was a combination of smart up- and cross-skilling, building and using my network, and, frankly, just being lucky to be in the right spot at the right time to take advantage of career opportunities.
What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?
Creating and implementing a dynamic app for sales teams that increased revenues by 15% across the entire client base. I am particularly proud of this accomplishment because, apart from advanced analytics modeling, it included cross-functional collaboration as well as complex technical implementation.
What do you do when you're not working?
Skiing, reading, and playing soccer with my two boys.
Lightning Round
What book would you bring with you on a desert island?
What I Loved by Siri Hustvedt
What is your shopping vice? What would you buy if you won the lottery?
Shoes and shoes and shoes!
What is the #1 career tip you'd like to share with other women who want to have successful careers like you?
Build and nurture your network. Think portfolio in terms of gender, age, industry, skill set, and background.
Why do you love where you work?
I love it because of the positive and resilient company culture that embraces change and difference and learns from mistakes.
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