Is that you Spring? As things start to warm up here at My Swiss Story, I am thrilled to return with our most cherished series on the platform—a place where we highlight the stories and achievements of women entrepreneurs, creators, and leaders. These stories have consistently touched our hearts and inspired many to take that bold leap of faith.
Meet Maike, an engineer, entrepreneur, and financial coach on a mission to help women take control of their financial future. By day, she leads a team of engineers in the construction industry. By night (and weekends!), she runs Independista, a financial coaching platform designed to empower women with the knowledge and confidence to invest, grow their wealth, and achieve true independence.
In this interview, Maike shares her story, her biggest lessons as an entrepreneur, and practical advice for women looking to build wealth and confidence in their financial decisions. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by money matters or unsure where to start, this conversation will give you the motivation—to take action.
Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself
My name is Maike, and I am the founder of Independista, a department head in the construction industry, and a certified financial advisor (IAF). My greatest passion? Helping women achieve financial independence.
My path has never been a straight line. In my twenties, I studied mechanical engineering, worked as a diving instructor, and traveled the world. It was an incredibly free time—I lived in some of the most beautiful places on Earth and shaped my days as I pleased. But that freedom came at a cost: financially, there was hardly anything left, and I quickly realized that this kind of independence wasn’t sustainable.
Back in the corporate world, I suddenly had financial stability but felt trapped in the classic 9-to-5 job. I wanted both: real freedom and financial security.
For me, financial independence means having full control over my life—being able to make choices without worrying about money, whether that means living in a beach hut in Asia or raising a family in Switzerland.
In 2019, I moved to Switzerland—a turning point that led me to dive deep into financial education. I didn’t just want to live for the moment; I wanted to build a solid financial foundation. Today, I combine my expertise as a financial specialist with my personal experience to guide women on their own path to financial freedom.
Tell us about your current business. What exactly do you do?
With Independista, I help women take control of their finances and make confident, strategic financial decisions. My journey began with workshops designed for expats in Switzerland who needed guidance navigating the country’s complex financial system. However, I quickly realized that many Swiss women also shared the same challenges—especially when it came to optimizing their investments and building long-term wealth.
The desire for financial independence is strong, yet many women struggle to take action. Money remains a taboo topic, the sheer volume of financial information can feel overwhelming, and the fear of making mistakes often leads to inaction.
This is where Independista makes a difference. I have developed a structured, step-by-step workshop program that takes women from financial basics to sustainable investing. My approach is practical and hands-on because knowledge alone isn’t enough—taking action is key.
My workshops are designed to be clear, accessible, and inspiring. I want every woman to walk away thinking, “I can do this too—it’s not as complicated as I thought!” Rather than just teaching theory, I equip participants with concrete tools to confidently manage their finances without confusion or uncertainty. More importantly, I empower them to take charge of their financial future—without relying on external circumstances or third parties. Because at its core, financial independence means freedom, and that’s exactly what I want to help women achieve.
Starting in April 2025, my workshops will also be available in English, making them accessible to an even broader audience. Anyone interested in the Independista journey can begin with a free introductory call—taking the first step toward financial empowerment.
How did you come up with this idea?
When I moved to Switzerland in 2019, I was suddenly navigating an unfamiliar financial system—with little guidance available. I quickly realized that many expats, and even Swiss women, faced the same challenge. Finance felt complicated, overwhelming, and often tailored to men’s experiences.
Women are great savers but tend to invest less, often out of fear of risk. Men, on the other hand, invest more confidently—even without deep knowledge. The result? A financial gap that leaves many women vulnerable, especially later in life. The gender pay gap, career breaks, and part-time work make financial independence even more critical for women. Yet, many hesitate to take action, believing finance is “too complex” or “not for them.”
I knew from my own journey that this wasn’t true. Financial knowledge isn’t complicated—it’s just presented in a way that makes it seem that way. I spent years researching, making mistakes, and learning everything I could. My sister Lisa was my sounding board, and having that support made all the difference. I wanted to create the same for other women—a space where they could learn, connect, and take control of their finances with confidence.
When I started hosting financial workshops within my company’s women’s network, the response was overwhelming. That’s when I knew: This is my calling. To ensure I could offer expert guidance, I earned my financial advisor certification (IAF) and founded Independista.
The road wasn’t always easy—self-doubt, perfectionism, and the challenges of starting a business in Switzerland tested me. But every step reinforced my belief: Financial freedom is self-determination, and every woman deserves the tools to achieve it.
What does a typical day in your life look like?
My daily routine is intense, but I thrive on the balance between my corporate career, financial coaching, sports, and social life.
I lead a team of ten engineers in the male-dominated construction industry—a demanding but rewarding role that keeps me on my toes. To start my day with a clear mind, I cycle 40 minutes to work, using the time to reset and focus.
Evenings are for my passion: Independista. Twice a week, I host workshops or 1:1 coaching sessions, helping women take charge of their finances—seeing their excitement is incredibly fulfilling. I also make time for networking, connecting with inspiring entrepreneurs and finance professionals who bring fresh ideas and collaborations.
Weekends often revolve around workshops, but I prioritize balance. Whether it’s yoga, hiking, or a swim in the Rhine, being active and outdoors keeps me energized. And, of course, quality time with friends is essential—it keeps me grounded.
Right now, life is full-on, but I love every part of it. And soon, I’ll be unwinding on my next world trip—plenty of diving included!
Would you like to give any specific advice to fellow entrepreneurs?
🔹 Start before you’re “perfect.” Perfectionism can hold you back, but the best way to learn is by doing. Don’t wait until everything is just right—take action and refine along the way. I struggled with this too, but progress beats perfection every time.
🔹 Seek support. Coaching is invaluable. Each year, I set a clear learning goal and invest in targeted training to grow. I also have long-term business coaching for regular feedback and strategy sessions—something that keeps me focused and on track.
🔹 Build a strong network. Connections open doors. Whether through personal meetings, events, or LinkedIn, surrounding yourself with like-minded people is key. I’m still navigating LinkedIn, aiming to share valuable insights rather than just polished success stories. Authenticity matters.
🔹 Be patient and stay consistent. Building a business is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about steady progress, clear priorities, and small steps that lead to big wins over time.
As a woman and an expat, the challenges—from networking in a new country to overcoming financial barriers—are real. But that’s why supporting each other is so important. I love exchanging ideas with fellow female entrepreneurs and always look forward to fresh perspectives!
Did Maike’s story resonate with you? Would you like to take control of their finances and make confident, strategic financial decisions? She has a generous offer for our readers, a free 30 minute discover call – book here.
You can also listen to this podcast (in German) where Maike talks about money, careers, detours and how to create a life that is truly fulfilling.
Connect with her on LinkedIn or browse her Website.
Are you a Woman Entrepreneur/ Leader/ Content creator? Get featured on My Swiss Story!
We are constantly looking for women with fascinating stories and experiences; those who are passionate enough to make a difference, those who have built successful businesses, those who have paved the path for others, and those who have taken actions to overcome adversities.