Fatbardha Rino is a visionary banker with a clear mission spanning nearly 23 years that transcends her profession, aiming to impact society and especially the women’s community. She is also a board member of Women on Boards Albania. In our interview with Ms. Rino, she emphasizes that beyond her mission to strengthen the economy and innovation through support and leadership in the retail banking sector, “what I care most about is creating an inclusive, innovative, and inspiring environment where women excel and lead with courage.”
How did you start your career? What were the initial steps?
I started my career in the banking sector with great enthusiasm for finance and economics. During the time I was finishing my degree in Business Administration at the University of Tirana, I was fortunate to contact a prominent leader in the banking system of that time for my thesis topic, who worked in one of the most service-oriented banks of the era, around 23 years ago. This leader profoundly inspired me and helped me see the tremendous potential that the banking sector had at that time, as it was one of the fastest-growing sectors.
One of his most important pieces of advice was:
“In the world of banking, we don’t just work with numbers and money but with people’s dreams and goals. Every client is an opportunity to make a positive difference.”
These words have guided me throughout my career and helped me develop a client-focused approach and a deep sense of responsibility and empathy.
My initial steps in my career were as a customer relations specialist. This entry-level position provided me with valuable insights into banking operations and helped me build a strong professional foundation where the client was at the center of attention. This beginning gave me the confidence and skills necessary to take on larger challenges and advance in my career. Later, I had the opportunity to grow in a major international bank, where I saw my potential by being part of a major transformation of the bank. During this phase, I had the support of excellent mentors and had the chance to be trained, exposed to important projects, and be part of a very ambitious team, where I faced many situations that helped me grow.
Throughout my career, I have always kept in mind the goal of making a positive difference and helping others reach their potential. “Success is a journey, not a destination,” is another motto that has inspired me during this time. This journey has been full of challenges and opportunities, and every step has been a chance to learn and grow.
What challenges have you faced in the early stages of your career or during moments of growth?
In the early stages of my career, one of the biggest challenges was being very young and eager to change things. Being very young and energetic, I had an immense enthusiasm for bringing change and improving processes, but facing resistance to change was a significant challenge. It was necessary to build resilience to overcome these challenges and remain steadfast in my goals.
Another important challenge was managing large teams and building an effective and cohesive work culture. During the time I managed different departments, I faced the need to coordinate and motivate teams with different goals and functions. Creating an environment where everyone felt valued and included required strong leadership skills and a strategic approach, which was quite difficult when management experience was limited.
At moments of career growth, the challenges often included managing significant changes and transformations. When I was part of the leadership team for transformation, it was a complex process that required quick adaptation to changes and management of many operational and strategic challenges. Building a strong team and supporting them every step of the way was crucial for the success of the transformation.
Do you have a mentor or a role model that you follow and who inspires you?
Yes, I have been fortunate to have mentors and role models who have inspired and guided me throughout my career. One of my first mentors was the first leader in an international bank. He taught me the importance of being a responsible and empathetic leader and always encouraged me to have a positive approach to change and to bring innovation into my work.
I have always believed that a good leader is not the one who follows the path of others but the one who creates their own path and leads others to success with authenticity. This has helped me create a proactive approach and follow my passion for continuous improvement.
I have also had the opportunity to work with several distinguished leaders with different personalities, who have guided and supported me in my professional development but also taught me the importance of diversity. They have taught me the value of working in a diverse team, effective management, and creating a positive and encouraging work culture.
Another inspiring figure for me has been one of the successful leaders in the international banking sector, who has managed to break gender barriers and become a powerful example of what women can achieve in top leadership positions. She has inspired me to be courageous and determined in pursuing my goals and not to let any obstacle stop me.
My mentors and role models have played a significant role in shaping my career and helping me build a strong foundation of values and skills. They have taught me that success is not just about personal achievement but also about helping others reach their potential.
In conclusion, I am very grateful to all those who have guided and inspired me along my path. Mentors are the ones who open doors for us, but we are the ones who must walk through them.
Can you share a challenging or defining moment that has marked your career journey or made you reflect?
I can proudly say that the moments of challenge and achievement have been numerous. I say this with pride because, in the end, every challenge and accomplishment along this journey has made me stronger and more committed to building a different work environment where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. “Success is not the end, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts,” is an important motto throughout my career.
One of the most challenging and at the same time most rewarding moments in my career has been transitioning to an international environment and the concentration required while managing teams in different countries, while living in a foreign city like Vienna. This change required a quick adaptation to different cultures and work practices, as well as the ability to manage team diversity and build a work environment where everyone felt included and motivated, while personally I faced the challenge of integrating into a new city and country.
When I decided to move abroad to pursue a new professional opportunity, this posed a major challenge. I had to learn to adapt to a new culture, build new relationships, and create an innovative and productive atmosphere in an unfamiliar environment. Through this experience, I understood the importance of being flexible and open to change, and how innovation and creativity can bring significant improvements in team and organizational performance.
Also, one of the greatest challenges was changing the organizational culture. I was part of an environment where innovation and changes were welcomed and encouraged. This required a great commitment and a clear strategic approach to build a culture that supported continuous development and improvement.
Another challenging period in my career was when I slowed down my work pace due to motherhood. Being a dedicated mother, I needed to find a balance that allowed me to be successful in both roles, while my work included a lot of travel. This process taught me the importance of time management and prioritization, as well as the value of support from family. From this experience, I learned that, although my career may have slowed down due to motherhood, it did not prevent me from achieving my long-term goals. On the contrary, it made me reflect and understand how important it is to be patient and resilient in pursuing my goals.
Along the way, I have learned that challenges are an inevitable part of any growth and development.
If you could go back in your career, what would you do differently?
If I could go back in my career, I would do a few things differently, learning from the experiences and challenges I have faced.
I would have liked to dedicate more time and effort to building and strengthening professional and personal relationships with many people I had the opportunity and opportunity to meet during my experience.
Every reflection on these moments has helped me become stronger and more determined to achieve my goals. The only way to do great work is to love what you do.
Have you felt the pressure of being a woman in the workplace?
Yes, I have felt the pressure of being a woman in the workplace at certain moments in my career. Especially when, after a period in operational management, I decided to move to retail sales management, a sector often dominated by men from a business perspective. It is a challenge to prove your value and capabilities. This pressure comes in many forms, whether through high expectations or the challenges of finding a balance between professional and personal life.
One of the most challenging moments was when I was young in my career and had to face prejudices. It was difficult to prove that I deserved my place and that I could bring great value to the organization. However, dedication, professionalism, and the results I achieved helped me overcome these challenges and gain the respect of colleagues and leaders.
Also, being a mother of two children at the peak of my international career, I felt the pressure of finding a healthy balance between family responsibilities and career. There have been moments when I had to make personal sacrifices to fulfill professional commitments, and vice versa. This taught me the importance of time management and prioritization, as well as seeking and accepting support when needed.
On the other hand, the pressure I felt has served as an additional motivation to achieve success and serve as an example for other women in any industry.
What are your plans for the future and what do they involve?
My future plans are focused on several key areas that I believe will have a significant positive impact, both for me personally and for the organizations and communities with which I work.
Firstly, I wish to continue contributing to the development and growth of women in leadership positions through my work with Women On Boards Albania. My goal is to create more opportunities and support for women who aim to reach leadership roles in organizations. I believe that by empowering women and providing them with the tools and resources they need, we can build a more inclusive and balanced business environment.
Additionally, I am passionate about continuing to innovate and digitalize the banking sector. This involves embracing new technologies and exploring how they can improve services, efficiency, and customer experiences. I want to be at the forefront of these changes and contribute to shaping the future of banking.
Lastly, I am committed to investing in my personal and professional development, as well as that of my team. This means focusing on continuous learning, leadership development, and creating a positive and supportive work environment. Balancing professional and personal life remains a priority, and I am determined to continue pursuing this balance in a way that allows me to thrive in both areas.
Do you have any advice for women and young girls who are in the early stages of their careers?
Believe in yourself and your abilities, seek and accept challenges, and do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Every opportunity to learn and develop new skills is a crucial step in your career. Embrace every experience as a chance to grow and be resilient in the face of obstacles.
Additionally, build strong professional relationships and seek mentors who can guide and support you. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and who will help you navigate your career path. Remember that success is a journey, and the courage to continue pursuing your goals, despite the challenges, is what truly counts.
Finally, stay true to your values and passion. Pursue what you love and let your enthusiasm and dedication drive you towards achieving your goals. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a step towards success.
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