January 24th, 2025
Transforming your career: how mobility can create opportunities
Nadine Accaoui, CEO of Allianz Trade Portugal, knows firsthand how career mobility can drive both professional and personal growth. In this interview, she reflects on how embracing new roles in different countries has shaped her career. From overcoming challenges to seizing new opportunities, Nadine’s story highlights the opportunities mobility creates and the lessons learned along the way.
What inspired you to explore a new role in a different country?
I’ve always had a sense of what my next step might be, even if I didn’t always know the exact details - whether it was the role or the country. I communicated my aspirations openly and remained receptive to opportunities. I never forced doors that were closed; instead, I embraced the ones that opened naturally. The rest unfolded from there.
In what ways did mobility impact your professional growth and personal development?
Mobility has been the greatest catalyst for both my professional and personal growth. Each move - changing roles, companies (in my case, Allianz entities), colleagues, countries, and even social circles - has pushed me out of my comfort zone. While this can bring moments of self-doubt, it also leads to profound self-awareness. That’s when true transformation happens.
What advice would you give to others considering mobility?
Be clear about what you want and communicate it. When faced with decisions, trust your instincts - not just your heart or your logic. Take the leap, adapt quickly, and don’t hold onto old habits. Be open to new experiences, new people, and a new way of life. The beauty lies in the exploration, and the growth happens in the challenge.
What are the key accomplishments that you’ve have achieved thanks to your various mobility experiences?
I believe in focusing on learnings rather than accomplishments. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve gained is the importance of self-awareness, which comes from consistently pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. My various relocations and career transitions have also taught me that starting a new role is a unique opportunity to learn from your team. Humility is key - asking questions, listening, and seeking their insights not only deepens your understanding but also makes your team feel valued and appreciated.
Another critical realization is that success in a role isn’t just about doing the job well - it’s about taking initiative and transforming it. This requires a balance between discipline and freedom: discipline to fully understand the role and its demands, and freedom to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
These are just a few of the many lessons I’ve gathered along the way. I could share more, but I’ll leave it here for now.
