For Gentiana, the answer is everything. A trader by day and a climber by passion, Gentiana’s journey from Kosovo to the Swiss Alps - and onward to the Himalayas - is a story of resilience, strategy, and bold ambition.

From then ‘til now

Named after the alpine flower, she found her freedom in the mountains after fleeing war and resettling in Switzerland as a child. Today, she navigates volatile markets at UBS with the same precision and courage she applies to scaling peaks. In the UBS IB Execution Hub, Gentiana’s role blends sharp execution with direct client relationships. She works with bank-for-bank clients and Global Wealth Management, executing trades across fixed income products with precision and speed. It’s a world where clarity, control, and confidence matter - just like on the mountain.

The real goal isn’t reaching the highest summit - it’s having the courage to start. That’s where progress begins.

Risk management at 6,814 meters

Gentiana’s expedition to Nepal was more than a physical challenge – it was a masterclass in risk management. The ascent was technically demanding: exposed ridges, thin air, and unpredictable weather required constant focus. Every decision mattered. Like any seasoned investor, Gentiana knew when to push forward and when to reassess. On November 10, 2022, she stood on the summit of Ama Dablam – after a climb that demanded not just strength, but strategy, precision, and resilience.

A summit mindset: Preparation, presence, and purpose

“I never imagined that one day I would be giving a talk at UBS, sharing stories from high-altitude climbs with colleagues across the firm,” Gentiana shared.

“Growing up in Kosovo, the journey to where I stand today has taught me one thing: progress often starts with saying yes. Whether it’s an alpine summit or a challenge at work.”

In her talk, she reflected on expeditions to Ama Dablam in Nepal and Alpamayo in Peru, and how climbing has shaped her approach to work. “For me, it’s not about contrast - it’s a cycle. The same mindset that helps me navigate a summit ridge - preparation, presence, and purpose - also helps me stay grounded in fast-moving markets.”

Climbing has taught me to trust process over pace, to stay clear under pressure, and to keep showing up with intention. This is my craft.

Performance with perspective

What made the experience even more meaningful was the feedback Gentiana received. “Colleagues across teams shared that they felt inspired and encouraged, which really means a lot. I’m grateful UBS gives space for stories like this and for a culture where performance is seen not just as output, but as something human, evolving, and grounded in perspective.” 

A new summit: Khan Tengri 7,010 meter expedition, Kyrgyzstan 

Gentiana recently returned from a three-week expedition on a self-supported climb with an all-women team on the remote border where Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and China meet. 

She tells us, “It was a place so untouched that even reaching base camp required a military helicopter. We faced heavy storms, crevasses, long steep approaches, and nights spent at high camp in strong winds (75 km/h) and snowfall. Every aspect of the journey was raw and wild, the weather utterly unpredictable. In terms of risk management, after two nights in Camp 3, the final camp before the summit, we made the difficult decision to turn back due to extreme weather conditions. Choosing safety over ambition was not easy, but I am proud of our achievement and, most of all, of returning safely together.” 

Alpine roses bloom best at high altitudes. And so do bold women.

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