„It is important to create perspectives.“

Ilinka Kajgana is the Chief Risk Officer of Erste Bank. In her previous role, she was the Chief Risk Officer at BCR, the Romanian subsidiary of Erste Group. Prior to that, she held various senior positions in Risk Management at Erste Bank and Erste Group. Sources of balance and energy for her are her diverse cultural interests and running, which she has grown fond of since last year – as well as quality time with her family.

What are your challenges as Chief Risk Officer?

As Chief Risk Officer, I deal with all risks that can arise for a bank. On the one hand, this concerns the economic environment: Is it now moving upward or continuing steadily? Is growth possible, or only with great effort? On the other hand, it concerns how the bank operates safely in its processes and the rules according to which it grants loans.

There are therefore diverse topics and challenges that are reflected in my daily work. How do you help the bank develop well and deal with risks? How will things continue in the world, how will the economy continue in Austria, and how can I support our customer business so that we grow healthily?

What does leadership mean to you, especially in uncertain times?

Right now, it is important to create perspectives. To inspire people to work on something that makes sense and requires their creativity.

Of course, you can view things critically, and problems must be identified. But in my view, complaining is not a solution. Leadership means directing energy into positive channels, showing perspectives, and working on solutions.

What role does conversation play in this?

A very large one. Leadership is not a one-way street. It is a shared way of thinking.

I am always open to conversations — even to those where you don’t yet know at the beginning where they will lead. Meetings need an agenda, but not always a clear solution. In the end, you move a bit further through exchange and jointly developing ideas.

Maybe not with a perfect answer, but with more clarity - a bit wiser, if you will.

I count on the support of my team, and I am also ready to contribute myself.

What helps you create stability?

In uncertain times, shaping things together and creating tangible improvements. And trusting that small constructive steps will once again allow orientation to grow.

When the environment seems chaotic, I try to find where we can create something positive. Whether it’s risk models, better processes, or team-building measures. Something concrete where you can feel: “This gives me energy!”

It’s a bit like in your private life: when you sit down with your family, talk things through, or do something together in the household or in the garden. You have the feeling that something has moved forward.

What strengthens you?

Positive encounters. I am fundamentally a positive person.

Interestingly, this often creates a snowball effect: when I motivate others and see how they start taking action, that inspires me again. This energy comes back.

Leadership is therefore both a challenge and a reward for me. It demands a lot, both emotionally and mentally. But when you see perspectives emerging, people growing, and taking action, then you know what you are doing it for.

Which advice helped you?

Searching for something special or a sense of lightness even in challenging moments is a sign of inner strength. I found this advice particularly inspiring and try to apply it in my everyday life.

And sometimes it can also be the little things. A colleague in Romania once gave me a small bottle of soap bubbles for my desk: a lovely gesture and a nice symbol of lightness.

Thank you very much for the interview, dear Ilinka!