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Women in Leadership Profiles

Michaela Ludbrook – Deutsche Bank: Creating an Open Culture for Everyone

Michaela-LudbrookIt’s not always essential to have a degree in finance to have a successful career in banking. Just ask Michaela Ludbrook, Global Head of GTO CB&S Debt and Emerging Market Operations at Deutsche Bank.

“I have a degree in French, actually. I never expected to spend my career working in finance, but it turned out to be a perfect fit for me,” Michaela said. “Having a variety of people from different backgrounds makes coming to work more enjoyable. Imagine how boring it would be if everyone in banking was the same.”

Michaela first came to the US from the UK in 1998 on a six-month assignment with another bank. In 2013, she made a career move to Deutsche Bank.

“I felt compelled to join Deutsche Bank for two reasons,” Michaela explained. “First, the people. And second, the opportunity to make a difference. Even at the beginning, everyone I met at Deutsche Bank was approachable and smart. They all had an interest and passion for moving forward and improving what we do. It was energizing – and I really connected to it.” Michaela said. “I felt I had found a place with a lot of room – and openness – to transform and make change.

“My colleagues challenge and inspire me,” she continued, “and there’s no shortage of opportunity to explore new areas of the Bank, experience new locations and continuously learn. I’m encouraged to go out of my comfort zone, in fact it is expected – and I thrive on that.”

Throughout her career, Michaela has held a number of roles within operations, experiencing both the banking and client side. In her current role, she supports Debt and Emerging Markets, supervising all operational functions globally. But she certainly doesn’t do it alone.

“I always say, I’m nothing without the people on my team,” Michaela explained. “They’re a part of who I am and make me to want to come into the office every day.”

Michaela is dedicated to the growth and development of her team, ensuring they have the tools and support they need to succeed. Ultimately, her goal is to leave the Bank better than when she found it.

“I want to create a place where everyone can bring their passion to work,” she said. “We’re all human and we all want to work in a place where we feel comfortable bouncing ideas around. When someone on my team comes to me with an exciting idea or a new approach to doing things, that’s when I feel the most proud of what I do.”

And for Michaela, supporting other people goes beyond those in operations. She’s also a member of the North American Diversity Inclusion Council, a cross-functional group that focuses on fostering diversity at the Bank.

“It feels good to be a part of something that focuses on developing talent,” Michaela continued. “We want to ensure that Deutsche Bank is able to create a diverse workforce, because that’s what makes us most powerful – and what leads to success.”

At Deutsche Bank, we believe that diverse teams are smarter teams. We also believe that success comes from many perspectives – and that an inclusive work environment goes hand in hand with delivering market-leading solutions for our clients. As a leading global bank with roots in Germany, we’re driving change and innovation in our industry. And we’ll give you everything you need to succeed in an international environment. If you’re full of ideas, love solving problems and are keen to grow a long-term career, a fulfilling, fast-paced future could be yours at Deutsche Bank.

Discover careers with a difference at db.com/careers

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