It's been a while since my last newsletter. I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting news with you.
But first, let’s take a step back. As you may remember, I stopped writing In The Money as I was about to start working in Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs in London. I knew going into it that the job required long hours and sacrificing time with friends and family. However, I never imagined how much it would take a toll on me, both physically and mentally.
Staying true to yourself
More importantly, I found that the work I was doing didn't align with my personal values and interests. I felt like I was just going through the motions, churning out reports and presentations without any real passion or purpose. I was just a small cog in a big machine. And as time went on, I couldn't ignore the nagging feeling that I was on the wrong path. Eventually, late last year, I made the difficult decision to leave my job in investment banking and pursue something that aligned better with my values and interests.
However, life had other plans for me, and I went through some unexpected challenges, including the loss of a family member and a small surgery. Despite the difficult times, I found solace in the support of my loved ones and fulfilled a lifelong dream of traveling across the world, spending three weeks in beautiful Australia.
Leaving GS was a difficult decision, but I knew that my next step had to be something that truly mattered to me. Recent events have only solidified that belief. That's when I was fortunate enough to connect with Tom through Twitter. Tom is a serial entrepreneur who has built several successful companies, and we hit it off immediately because of our shared passion for strategy and entrepreneurship.
My passion has always been entrepreneurs and their businesses. From supporting early-stage startups as a venture capitalist to helping large businesses with taking the next step in their journey as an investment banker, whether it be an IPO or an acquisition, the people and their ideas have always been my driving force.
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it.”
- Steve Jobs
The next chapter
Together, Tom and I created SAGA - a platform dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes achieve their goals and reach their full potential. If you'd like to learn more about us, please check out our website at sagaconsultinggroup.com. And if you're interested in connecting with us, we'd be thrilled to speak with you.
While our headquarters are in Stockholm, we're proud to offer our services to clients across the globe from the outset. With a wealth of international experience, we are excited to connect with you no matter where you're based. We are only a video call or a flight away.
We believe that the best way to achieve success is through collaboration and partnership; that’s why we work closely with our clients and their teams. We understand that business is not just about the numbers – it’s also about the emotional impact of decisions and actions. We recognize the importance of empathy, communication, and emotional intelligence in building strong, lasting relationships with our clients, and we strive to create an environment where these skills are valued and prioritized.
Looking back, I realize that my time in investment banking wasn't a waste. I learned valuable skills and gained experience that I can apply to any career path. But more importantly, I learned the importance of following your passions and doing work that aligns with your values. Life is too short to spend it doing something that doesn't fulfill you. Now, as a co-founder of SAGA, I am excited to be doing work that truly matters to me. I’m passionate about helping businesses of all sizes achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
Writing a new story
And regarding, In The Money. I’m beyond thrilled to take up writing again, this time with a refreshed look and new name, Spotlight. While In The Money delivered the latest news in finance and business in a fun and accessible format, Spotlight goes deeper, offering actionable insights and perspectives on business, strategy, and entrepreneurship.
I’m excited to embark on this new chapter, and I hope that you'll continue to follow along with us as we share our insights and perspectives. The newsletter's concept and frequency are subject to ongoing development and refinement.
If you have any feedback or suggestions for the new newsletter, please don't hesitate to reach out on Twitter, LinkedIn, email, or your preferred method of communication. We value your thoughts and ideas and would love to catch up with you over a call or coffee. See you soon!
Best regards,
Marianne