Souâd Benkredda on challenges as opportunities

Courage to develop further and stepping out of one's comfort zone - these two principles shaped Souâd Benkredda's career path. In a very personal talk, the DZ BANK AG Management Board member provided fascinating insights into her professional career and the decisions that have influenced it. Angelika Werner, Vice President Strategic Relations at Frankfurt School and initiator of the FS Women's Society, opened the evening and thanked Souâd Benkredda, who was speaking for the second time in this event format for female students and graduates.

Souâd Benkredda described her career, starting with her decision to study economics, her internship at Société Générale and her first job at Deutsche Bank, where she worked for almost 16 years before moving to Standard Chartered. Her international career took her to London and Dubai before she returned to DZ BANK in her home town Frankfurt. Repeatedly faced with ground-breaking decisions, she was very reflective in leaving the familiar behind in order to seize new opportunities and grow personally. She emphasised that a lot has changed in her almost 25 years in the financial sector. Digitalisation is playing an increasingly important role, particularly in mass business, while consulting and M&A continue to rely on personal interaction. It is precisely this combination of innovation and personal contact as well as the dynamic nature of the industry that fascinates her to this day.

Souâd Benkredda gave personal insights into her life. She shared how her parents and siblings had always encouraged her to stick with herself and courageously follow her own path. In a lively Q&A session, the guests shared their own experiences and asked Souâd Benkredda for advice. Her answer: stay true to yourself despite resistance, continuously develop your own skills and always do what you love.

One special highlight: one of the FS graduates present had already attended Souâd Benkredda's talk at Frankfurt School 13 years ago. When asked about the importance of networks and visibility, she emphasised that both are essential - but must always be driven by content. Further discussions centred on the importance of role models and the influence of mentoring. Souâd Benkredda recommended specifically seeking out mentors, regardless of gender, and not underestimating the valuable support of one's private environment. Ultimately, it is crucial to have confidence in yourself when making big decisions.

Finally, she referred to DZ BANK's trainee programme in the Capital Markets division, which offers young talents a wide range of development opportunities. The participants were able to discuss this and other open questions with Souâd Benkredda at the subsequent get-together.