I was given the space to reinvent myself

Getting a grip on growth

Natalia began her career at ABN AMRO in 2021, as an intern. “My manager really believed in me and asked me about my ambitions. I told him I wanted to work in innovation. He knew the bank well and helped me find the perfect role. This eventually led to a full-time position as a business developer,” she says. Natalia worked on Grip, an app that gave clients insight into their spending. “Unfortunately, that app was eventually discontinued. I thought to myself, ‘Okay, what now?’ But instead of being left to fend for myself, I was given the space and support to reinvent myself.”

Hidden talents

Natalia discovered her talent for internal communications and storytelling. “I started making videos and explainers about our bank: where do we invest our clients' money? How far have we come on sustainability? How do we compare to our competitors? I felt like a YouTuber!” In her new role as communications specialist, Natalia not only developed new skills but also got to know herself better. “Suddenly my face was on the intranet's front page – that was scary! But in the end, you can get used to anything. Now I don't even think twice about giving presentations to hundreds or even thousands of people at a time. Who would have thought?”

Space for a new direction

Natalia emphasises how ABN AMRO helped her find a healthy work-life balance. “Before joining the bank, I worked at startups for a while. There, it's all about performance – putting in the hours and hitting targets. At ABN AMRO, my first assignment was to go and just have coffee with my new colleagues. Unbelievable! I immediately felt that you're taken seriously as a person here, not just as an employee.” That feeling was confirmed when Natalia took a paid sabbatical – an option available to everyone at ABN AMRO. “I was given the space and time to reflect on what I really wanted to do. Namely contribute something to society. That's how I ended up on the Future Generations Board.”

Natalia has been part of this initiative since July. “We are a team of young ABN AMRO colleagues who represent the interests of the next generation,” she explains. The board's goal is to promote long-term thinking and embed it in the bank's culture. “In the transition towards sustainability, it's important that everyone looks and thinks far enough ahead. We try to convey that perspective to colleagues, so they integrate it into their work.” In her new role, Natalia's storytelling skills prove very valuable. “I give workshops, make videos and host conferences to change the culture and increase people’s understanding.”

Never stop learning

“I've followed quite an unusual path, from innovation and business development to communications and sustainability. In other words, there are many directions you can take at ABN AMRO. As long as you stay curious, take risks, and think carefully about what you want to achieve. This has helped me grow tremendously as a person and a professional. Now, I can do something good for both the bank and society.”

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