Our series continues, always in the pursuit of the true nature of wealth – and our next guest is certainly at the pulse of this conversation.
Managing Director of Alpian, Marion Fogli started her career in 2004 as a marketing project manager for the Swiss Medical Network.
She is a BSc in Business Management graduate from the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), holds an Executive MBA from IMD, and has worked, amongst other roles, as Finance Director of a private equity fund and as the digital transformation lead in a wealth management company.
She joined Alpian in 2019 and is passionate about the power of technology to provide business value for customers and employees and minimize risks associated with digital transformation.
Thank you so much for taking the time! We are excited about your perspective.
When we hear “wealth”, most people’s minds immediately go to finances. From your perspective, how important are your finances when it comes to your wealth?
The answer may surprise you: the importance is immense. We can live with little, but building a solid financial foundation allows us to do many things, such as fulfill dreams.
You have to know how to manage your finances to achieve all this.
What is your own personal definition of true wealth?
Freedom, having the time to do what you love.
It allows:
- Spending simple moments with your kids and partner, family, friends.
- Taking care of your health.
- Doing things that make you enjoy life.
- Investing in yourself with your job or with learning about subjects that speak to you.
- Living in good conditions.
- Also, Giving: offering moments to your loved ones that are out of the ordinary.
What is the best thing you ever bought?
Probably skis – but the best things I ever paid for were my studies. Not only did I grow like crazy when it comes to business, but I made incredible friendships at the same time that will last. They push you to get to know who you really are.
If someone handed you 50 CHF right now, for no reason at all – what would you do?
Enjoy a moment with whoever is around me, with a good glass of wine, and get to know the person.
If you lost all your money tomorrow, what would you do?
I would try to understand why such a misfortune could happen to me.
I am rich in my mind through my children and my family. I would persevere and do it again.
Your human capital is certainly the most valuable resource you have.
In your opinion, is there something like a Swiss understanding of wealth? If so, do you believe it is a good one or one that needs to be redefined?
Switzerland had the highest wealth per adult in the world in 2020 (Crédit Suisse 2020 report) and is in the top ten of the happiest countries worldwide (Conde Nast). Wealth is part of our DNA, but it is a matter of balance, as always.
We, Swiss citizens, feel an unparalleled sense of participation in our country’s evolution, we dearly love the beauty of the landscape and the sports we can do there, this general security and benevolence for our kids, our savings and investment choices to only name few of what is part of our wealth.
What is something that irritates you about the conversation around wealth?
It does not really irritate me – but there it is: Talking money just for money. What is behind somebody’s drive to perform? What is the true aim?
What do you wish you knew about money and wealth 10 years ago?
I would even say 20 years ago when I was 20 years old: How to manage money in the first 10 years of my adult life.
What do you wish every child learned in school about wealth?
Financial literacy is paramount and more important than ever. Children need to be taught about money in school to prepare them for challenges and opportunities. Children need to learn what they can control (spending, work choices, who they choose as friends, and so on) and what they can’t (economy inflation, stock market, actions of other people).
The best investment you can ever make is in yourself. Invest time and money in yourself and improve your knowledge and your skills. This will also bring contacts and friendships. Your human capital is certainly the most valuable resource you have.
Thank you very much!
