From Olympic Mogul Skier to Markets at NAB

Meet Madii, a former Olympic mogul skier who has swapped the slopes for a new challenge in banking and finance. In this piece, she opens up about her transition from elite sport to NAB Markets, the lessons she’s learned along the way and how WiBF has supported her journey.

New Beginnings
“A few years ago, I first connected with WiBF as a speaker, sharing insights on The Performance Mindset Masterclass. At the time, I was still immersed in sport. Today, I stand on the other side, no longer a guest looking in, but part of the community myself,” Madii shared.
When Madii retired from mogul skiing in 2022, she imagined the transition into “life after sport” would be simple: find a new passion, chase it with the same drive and everything would click into place. Instead, she spent three years exploring roles across sport and mental health, waiting for something to feel right. Nothing did. That was her first big lesson, no job would ever replicate the love she had for mogul skiing and she had to reset her expectations.

Finding a New Purpose
People often say, “Do what you love.” But Madii came to realise it’s not just about the “what”, it’s about the environment. “For me, I needed to be surrounded by challenge, purpose, and high-performing people. That’s when I met Krista Baetens. She saw my resilience and determination and despite my lack of experience, opened the door for me to step into NAB Markets,” she said.

The Journey Ahead
Starting a career in finance has been equal parts exhilarating and daunting. “At times, I’ve felt frustrated or out of my depth. But by staying curious, putting myself forward for projects, and leaning into opportunities to connect, like the recent WiBF Women in Markets: Leading through Change event, I’ve started to carve out my path,” Madii said.

While Madii’s journey in finance is only just beginning, what excites her is the limitless opportunity ahead. “I’m part of a team that’s goal-driven, intelligent, and inspiring. And just like sport, I know the path to success won’t be linear, but it will be worth it,” she said.

If this story resonates with you, explore more inspiring journeys and exclusive opportunities through WiBF!