Olivia S. Perner, MBA

I think a big part of my success comes from being curious and genuinely enjoying learning new things. I have always been willing to step into unfamiliar environments, ask questions, and start over if I felt there was something valuable to learn. My career has definitely not been a straight line. There were moments when I could have simply focused on getting the next promotion or the highest-paying job, but instead I chose opportunities that helped me grow. For example, after working as a Managing Director ad interim at a young age, I took on an unpaid traineeship because I wanted to gain experience in a completely different field because I believed the experience would broaden my perspective and open new doors in the long run.

I don't think success is always about moving upward as quickly as possible. Sometimes it's about moving sideways, exploring different sectors, building new skills, and knowing that those experiences will connect in meaningful ways later. Looking back, many of the decisions that seemed unusual at the time to others, in fact turned out to be the most valuable. If there is one thing I would encourage others to do, it is not to be afraid of taking a step back in the short term if it helps you grow in the long term.

One of the best pieces of career advice I ever came across was:

“When someone tells you that you can’t do something, they are often telling you their limits, not yours.”

That quote has stayed with me throughout my career. So many times, I have heard people say things like, “You can’t work full-time, study at the same time AND learn a language that quickly,” “You can’t move abroad so easily,” or “You’re too young for that role.” Sometimes those comments are well-intentioned, but often they reflect what others believe would be impossible for themselves, not what is impossible for you.

Of course, not everything is achievable overnight, and there are real limitations in life. But I have learned not to let other people’s assumptions define my own potential. That advice taught me to be ambitious, but also to trust my own judgment and be willing to take a chance on myself.

I think this advice applies to both women and men: stay curious, keep learning, and don't be afraid to take opportunities before you feel 100% ready. Growth often happens outside of your comfort zone.

For women specifically, I would say: be brave, be bold, and don't be afraid to claim your space. Build your skills, invest in your knowledge, work hard, and then trust that you belong in the room. Confidence doesn't always come first. Sometimes you have to take the opportunity, challenge, or role before you feel fully ready. Don't let self-doubt hold you back from experiences that could help you grow.

Most importantly, don't try to become someone else. Your unique background, perspective, and experiences are often your greatest strengths. Stay open to learning, support others along the way, and remember that you don't have to choose between being ambitious and being authentic.

The values that are most important to me in both my professional and personal life are curiosity, authenticity, continuous growth and meaningful impact.

I have always been driven by a desire to learn, explore new perspectives, and connect with people from different backgrounds. Whether through education, travel, professional experiences, or personal projects, I believe growth comes from remaining open-minded and willing to step outside of your comfort zone.

Making a meaningful impact is also very important to me. What motivates me most is not simply completing a project, but creating connections and impact that have lasting value. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work at the intersection of diplomacy, communications, business, and international cooperation. I find great fulfillment in bringing people, cultures, countries, businesses, researchers, or institutions together around shared interests and common goals.

Creativity is another value that shapes both my professional and personal life. I enjoy finding innovative ways to communicate ideas, tell stories, solve problems, and engage audiences. Painting and other creative pursuits provide an important outlet that helps me stay inspired and approach challenges from new perspectives.

At the same time, I strongly believe in balance and well-being. I maintain an active lifestyle through running, fitness, and dancing, which helps me stay energized and focused. I also value meaningful relationships, personal fulfillment, and taking time for the people and experiences that matter most. Recently, welcoming a dog into my life has added a new dimension of joy, reminding me daily of the importance of being present and appreciating life's simple moments.