Tamara Grünzweil reflects on her day-to-day experiences as an agency head, emphasizing her commitment to female empowerment, navigating work-life balance, and her professional growth as a female executive in the agency world.
I thrive on change rather than familiarity, which is why I don’t adhere to a standard daily routine. My focus has shifted numerous times over the past few years. Currently, I am deeply involved in corporate development, encompassing customer development strategies, creating our Strategy Lab, financial planning, and employee management. I also provide strategic consulting for our biggest clients. This diversity is what I love most; it keeps me constantly learning and evolving.
As my job and my company are my passion, there is hardly any difference between work and life for me. I’ve always been able to focus on the present moment, whether it’s in personal or professional situations. I genuinely enjoy learning new things, and my conversations with friends and colleagues often blur the lines between my private and work life. This approach suits me perfectly, as my professional success holds great significance for me. However, I understand that each person must find their own balance, and I don’t expect my employees to follow the same path. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference in how one balances work and personal life.
I don’t feel as though I lack a private life; everything flows together for me, and I genuinely appreciate it. The work environment and my social relationships at the agency hold the same significance for me as those in my personal life. I regularly talk with my colleagues about personal issues and like to catch up with them outside of work.
Loves exploring the world and constantly learning new things: Tamara Grünzweil, CEO of beyond globalI love exploring the world. But I’ll never visit the same place twice, as I feel there's so much I still want to experience in my lifetime. From New Zealand to Namibia and Albania, I've already seen a lot. Encountering a wealth of diverse cultures, landscapes, and travel challenges that continually inspire me.
Food and culinary experiences are also a significant part of my life. My boyfriend and I cherish our weekends spent grocery shopping and cooking together, dedicating a lot of time to it. Just like our travels, we love experimenting with new dishes and exploring various national cuisines. Dining out is equally important to us. When we're on the road, choosing the right restaurants is always a bit of a science – we want to ensure we don't miss any delicious experiences!
And then there's dancing. We’ve both developed a passion for Lindy Hop over the past few years. Although this dance style is not widely recognized, it is known as the original swing. When I dance, I enter an entirely different world. It’s a physically and mentally demanding experience that requires intense focus and constant improvement. We are ambitious dancers who always strive to learn new techniques and master them.
For me, there was never a real choice between pursuing a career and having children. Since I was 20, I’ve known that I don’t want to have kids, but that decision isn’t related to my career – I had no idea where my career would lead at that point. The reasons are much simpler: I’ve never had the desire to be a parent, and I truly value my flexibility and freedom. I don’t want to be tied down to someone who permanently needs me constantly for years. I also believe it’s essential for a child to be genuinely wanted, rather than being born out of societal pressure on women.
I believe that a career and having children can certainly be compatible. However, significant changes need to occur in society for women. On one hand, traditional role models must be dismantled, and on the other, we need new frameworks that allow both parents to take time off work.
When I was 14, I thought I wanted to pursue a career in catering, a detour I could have avoided. However, my two apprenticeships – as a photographer and then as a media designer – turned out to be a great combination for me. As a photographer, it was just my boss and me, which forced me to become independent quickly. By the time I was 15, I was often running the photography business on my own and assisting walk-in customers. I learned a lot during that time.
Doing another apprenticeship afterward isn't the typical route, but I realized I enjoyed design and needed formal training in that area. This led me to the agency where Norbert Schrangl, one of the founders of SPS MARKETING, took me under his wing and taught me a great deal. My continuous desire for further education eventually led me to the Vienna University of Economics and Business, where I completed the Marketing and Sales program. I wanted to build a solid theoretical foundation in marketing to complement my years of hands-on experience. I later obtained my license as an apprentice examiner and regularly test the next generation of apprentices. All of these steps have contributed to my current position, and I've gained valuable insights at every stage.
I primarily draw inspiration from conversations with inspiring people around the globe. Building a network and getting to know various cultures is essential to me. This network encompasses customers, employees, friends, and business partners. I engage in meaningful dialogues with many individuals that both encourage and challenge me.
I advocate for female empowerment, progress, modernity, and movement. Everything is in a state of flux and constantly evolving. I strive for growth and continuous development because nothing is more constant than change. At the same time, I believe in having fun at work and making a positive impact alongside my employees and customers. I definitely do not support calmness, restraint, or stagnation.
Find the right sparring partners to empower you and help you move forward! Stand up for your rights. Don't shit yourself and don't let the patriarchy get you down!
