One Friday morning in Zurich, my phone rang: “… have you ever been to Luxembourg? We would like to discuss a vacancy with you.” The question came out of the blue. Blue as in the Pantone blue of the EU flag.
I had always pictured Luxembourg as the epitome of the European soul: seat of the European Parliament, the European Commission and one of the largest hubs for financial wealth and cross-border fund distribution. In short, quality of life, stable economy and an appealing financial sector.
And in my line of thinking, Léa Linster followed right after. Léa is a remarkable chef and the first woman to win the Bocuse d’Or. Her minimalist madeleines at the delicatessen shop in Luxembourg City are a taste of childhood and heaven. In one fell swoop, my relocation to Luxembourg was decided.
Having worked and lived in eight countries--from Mexico to Frankfurt, Chicago to Hong Kong, London to Zurich--moving under covid restrictions felt rather different. And, as a CEO, navigating two companies through a crisis, in a place you do not know, is quite a challenge.
Now it is time to demystify Luxembourg. Foreigners are no strangers--47% of the working population are international. Locals are language literate, they master multiple cultures. They deeply care about their country and serene lives. The only grand duchy on earth is blessed with a respected monarchy and Luxembourg politics will give you an authentic reflection of a representative democracy.
So, once you have arrived, make friends with prime minister Xavier Bettel on LinkedIn and follow the popular health minister, Paulette Lenert. And if you need any kind of help, try Facebook. If you want to sell your bike, post on Facebook. If you buy a home, check on Facebook. If you start a business, use Facebook.
When life treats you well (and you are not on Facebook), settle for a few hours in luscious green nature at Larochette or at the scenic castle of Schoenfels. Tranquillity is not your priority? Simply walk towards the city centre to watch bus drivers frantically cut the corners whilst the colourful tram peacefully floats by as if traffic does not exist--and yes, it does.
Luxembourg is a pearl in Europe with a unique soul that you either adore or love. You will have no other choice.
Mirjam Bamberger
The CEO of AXA Luxembourg and CEO of AXA Wealth Europe was, until 2020, a member of the board at AXA Switzerland, the largest insurer on the market. She has assumed different board functions from customer experience, strategy, marketing, innovation and business development to human resources. Prior to this, Mirjam was appointed to international leadership roles in the financial services, high-tech and capital equipment industries. Her career has taken her to the USA, the UK, Latin America, China, as well as Germany and Switzerland. She holds an executive MBA from IMD in Lausanne and a master’s from the University of Cologne.