Women of BNP Paribas Nordic Region

At BNP Paribas Nordics, we believe that a truly inclusive workplace not only reflects the societies in which we operate but also delivers stronger, more innovative solutions for our clients. From the bustling streets of Stockholm to the serene fjords of Norway, our teams in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland bring a wide range of perspectives, experiences and talents to the table. 

We met with three of our female colleagues from BNP Paribas Group in the Nordic region to hear more about their backgrounds and experiences.

Tell us a bit about your journey, what made you seek this career path?

My journey into banking started after some casual discussions with friends, when I realized that there are so many interesting fields, and so many new developments within banking I would want to explore. I was genuinely interested in many areas and different types of clients and markets. My career has since taken me through several roles, eventually leading me to a position in Coverage – previously at two Nordic banks, and now with BNP Paribas. I truly enjoy the client-facing role, being the bridge between the bank and the client, building trust and long-term relationships – connecting the dots internally and externally.

As a woman in banking, what would you like to tell other women that are in the process of pursuing a career in corporate banking?

Take a chance, take a leap – there is no right timing and you are not expected to be 100% ready for the role. Growth often happens once you take on new challenges. Remember to ask plenty of questions, to network and to build trust with your colleagues. Banking can be demanding at times, but collaboration makes the journey stronger and more sustainable. Strong professionals don’t know everything, asking help is strength – banking is a team effort.

To quote Tove Jansson (yes, writer of Moomin), “All things are so uncertain, and that’s exactly what makes me feel reassured”

Tell us, what is a typical day in the life of Maria Aaltonen?

Most days start with a big hug to my daughter, before leaving for a meeting or the office. Her confidence and curiosity give me an excellent kick-start to the day at work – especially since my workdays are rarely predictable, and that’s what I love about them! To quote Tove Jansson ( writer of Moomin), “All things are so uncertain, and that’s exactly what makes me feel reassured”. Uncertainty means possibility and room for change. Reassurance does not come from certainty about the day or the future, but from confidence in our capacity to handle whatever comes next. My ideal day is an unpredictable one, filled with plenty of discussions and chats, with colleagues and clients – exploring needs and opportunities, evaluating where change is needed.

Linnea, as a team manager, a marketing executive and a visionary for Arval in Sweden – how do you juggle all your responsibilities in your daily work?

I like to have a long-term plan with a clear structure to make sure we are on target and deliver committed objectives for the quarter and then to review this on a weekly basis together with the team.

I prioritize my daily tasks according to what is both urgent and important for the business.

It also helps me to have fast and clear communication with colleagues and stakeholders to set the right expectations and then always re-prioritize.

Arval Sweden has grown from 8,700 in 2022 to 14 000 cars during your time, what has been the top three reasons for your success in the region from a marketing and communication perspective? 

1. Marketing alliances between sales and operations.

Understand the organization and the department’s requisites and functions from an operational perspective. Understand client needs from sales side and acquisition process. Based on these two factors I could project lead the launches of the mobility product portfolio in Sweden. Which includes building solid product packages, market them with good branding and targeted communication and continuously to improve and adapt the client journey from a communicational perspective.

2. Actively work with the conversion funnel

Increase the market share by making Arval visible and reaching unaware prospects to make them aware and reach already existing clients by continuously upselling marketing and communication activities together with sales.

3. Take care of the clients with communication
   
   Make sure to deliver the right communication at the right time along the client and driver journey. It gives added value to the client experience from when you receive your car from Arval, gives right guidance and supports when it is needed along the road and results in trust and loyalty from clients. 

What would you tell your younger self if you got the chance?

It is better to get the work done than to aim for perfection sometimes. Your creative and unique viewpoint is important, trust it and dare to share your thoughts with others. Take inspiration from a mix of senior successful women who can advise you on different aspects in work and life. Try to have a vision for your career and balance your work life with interests besides work who gives you energy. Remember to celebrate successes and milestones.

You are an experienced professional with a long career in financial services, what led you to Cardif?

I initially started off my insurance career 23 years ago in BNP Paribas Cardif where I had the most exciting, developing and fun years. I very much enjoyed the dynamic environment, the ambition and drive within the company and the ability to improve both end-customers life and support and strengthen our partner’s offering and growth linked to their strategies. This experience is also the reason why I chose to re-join Cardif in 2021 after working 12 years outside the group.

Cardif Nordics is operating in all four Nordic countries, what would you say are the benefits and challenges of such a large scope?

The Nordic scope is key in order for Cardif to fully support our pan-Nordic partnerships. We strongly believe that the Nordic region combined represents a very important area of future growth and we are truly invested in the Nordic market as a whole. There are many differences between the Nordic countries in terms of market, consumer needs and behaviors, culture, legislation, taxation, languages etc which sometimes can be challenging providing streamlined solutions with local know-how. Market knowledge and customization between the local countries are needed to optimize the business.

If you were to ask your 10-year-old self, would Charlotte approve of your choice of profession?

Absolutely! Not sure if the 10-year-old me even knew what insurance meant at the time and I most likely would have been prouder if I had become a vet. But if I knew that I was going to work with meaningful solutions that help individuals with financial safety and spend my time on relations with partners understanding their needs to support them in the best way and drive sustainable growth, I would have given my thumbs up to my choice of profession!