Page 5 - Maerki Baumann & Co. AG | Journal 2-2022

“If you want, you can learn anything.”
Eugen Hasler talks about his switch from Swiss wrestling to the world of private banking, his sense of ambition and listening to his body.
Mr Hasler, how did you come to work at the private bank Maerki Baumann?
The job came about through
a personal contact more than 20 years ago. They were look- ing for somebody to work 50 percent on the Cash Desk and 50 percent in the Technical Service. I was open to a new challenge, as my employer at that time had gone bankrupt.
Swiss wrestling and the banking sector are two completely different worlds. How did you experience
this change? It goes without saying that they are different worlds, but I have always believed that if you want, you can learn anything. I had already completed business school as well as financial courses and had a great inter- est in the industry.
What memories do you have of your early days in the banking industry? I’ll never forget how it began: Due to the absences of my col- leagues, I had to work alone at our private bank’s Cash Desk for three weeks right after I joined. While I was thrown in at the deep end, it also gave me the chance to learn a lot quickly.
As a Swiss wrestler, you were already known for your strong sense of ambition.
It is important to me to do my work as well and as quickly
as possible. The position provided me with career opportunities that I wanted to take advantage of. I gradually took on more responsibility and temporarily headed both the Cash Desk and Services departments.
What skills from the world of Swiss wrestling have
you been able to draw on
for your work at the bank?
I am determined, adopt a forward-looking approach and work in a precise manner. I am also ready and willing to embrace change. From my Swiss wrestling days, how- ever, I am also aware that you should listen to what your body is saying to you.
What do you mean? As an active athlete, I would build up a great deal of muscle during the winter with strength train- ing. When the spring arrived, however, I would find that this had been at the expense of
my mobility. I analysed the situation I was faced with and drew the right conclusions: With a few kilos of muscle less, I was livelier in my movements and enjoyed more success.
What does this mean in terms of your work at the bank? A few years ago, I reached a point where I real- ised that assuming respon- sibility for two departments was too much for me. I have experienced blows of fate both within my family and among friends, and for more than two decades I have at times also had to live with problems associated with a chronic illness. At some stage, I lost the ability to turn off.
How did you resolve the situation? I really enjoy my work, but it cannot be at the expense of my health. When the strain became too great, I sought a discussion with my line managers and handed over responsibility for the Cash Desk. I am now fully focussed on the Services department and have slightly less responsibility. Whether at work or as a sportsman – it
is important to manage your energy and not to overexert yourself however motivated you are.
Eugen Hasler
Head of Services at Maerki Baumann
& Co. AG
Interview
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