Anja Berner

Succeed - Women in Leadership

“I am head of the RiskControlling department at D.A.S. Rechtsschutz AG in Austria. We are responsible for both quantitative and qualitative aspects of Solvency II risk management, and actuarial services as well.

In addition to my role as Chief Risk Officer, I have responsibility for various governance functions.”

Petra Schönbauer

Questions for Petra Schönbauer

What is your job at ERGO?

“I have been working at D.A.S. Rechtsschutz AG in Austria since October 2017 as head of the RiskControlling department. This department is responsible for both quantitative and qualitative aspects of Solvency II risk management, and actuarial services as well. In addition to my role as Chief Risk Officer, I have responsibility for various governance functions (risk management and actuarial functions).

How did you start your career?

“I completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in technical mathematics with a focus on “Financial and Actuarial Mathematics” at the Vienna University of Technology and with a period at the University of Siena. Between 2012 and 2017, I worked as an actuary for Group actuarial services and risk management at UNIQA Versicherung AG, which allowed me to gain international experience.

What is your motto?

“If plan A didn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters.

What is your normal day like?

“For me, the requirements to be successful in the job are motivation, curiosity, and the wish to develop myself further. You need to be flexible and have the courage to assume responsibility. In my unit, a good team spirit is particularly important. In light of the coronavirus and the virtual office culture, this has taken on even greater importance.

What does leadership need in times of a pandemic?

“To mention just some core topics, being able to establish clear objectives and communicate eloquently in an online conference is extremely important. It is essential to know the strengths and weaknesses of employees so that you can correctly assign tasks and responsibilities. But another important element in a successful leadership is the ability to trust and develop trusting relationships, and the capacity to exhibit empathy and attentiveness.

What do you particularly enjoy about management?

“There is a climate of trust and loyalty in my working environment. We try to maintain short communication paths and allow time for discussions – or even initiate them – and to promote the development of employees. As a female manager, I receive the same support with my day-to-day responsibilities as my male colleagues. I would like to act as a role model in this context and pass on this picture to my staff.

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