Being part of the C-suite brings its fair share of stress, long hours, and relentless oversight. But what’s it like for top executives when they clock out?
The series, The Good Life, reveals how ambitious leaders allocate their time and resources outside their professional obligations.
Today, we feature Bianca Zwart, the 33-year-old Chief Strategy Officer at BUNQ, which is rapidly emerging as one of Europe’s leading digital banks.
Zwart’s journey began with an unconventional choice—she decided to study Spanish at university. “It wasn’t about landing a specific job or enhancing my resume, maybe just a bit of luck,” she explains. “I wanted to focus on what I truly enjoyed; it felt liberating in a world that stresses clear career paths.”
Interestingly, this decision led her to a banking position soon after graduation, as they were in need of multilingual employees. However, her summer stint in 2015 opened her eyes to the industry’s realities. “You realize you’re making money from others, where clients without significant accounts are sidelined compared to those with wealth,” she reflects.
After a chance encounter with BUNQ, a customer-centric digital bank, Zwart soon sought a position and received offers just weeks later. Making that leap in 2016 transitioned her from a support role at various startups to becoming the youngest Chief Strategy Officer in European banking history.
Her ascent was rapid and nontraditional. She advanced from Team Lead to PR Head and launched two ventures before landing at BUNQ in 2022 following a “successful” exit.
In collaboration with founder Ali Niknam, Zwart is helping to transform BUNQ from an Amsterdam startup into Europe’s second-largest neobank, boasting over 700 employees and 17 million users. Every month, more than 20,000 people are on board. Her position places her right at the center of this expansion, with plans for U.S. growth on her agenda.
“We’re aiming to expand swiftly and create the first truly global neobank for individuals living and working across borders,” says Zwart, who herself exemplifies this notion by splitting her time between Rome and Amsterdam.
No matter where she is, her daily routine remains steady. She wakes up “way too early,” eschews wearing a watch (“I don’t need a tiny symbol of urgency on my wrist”), and unwinds by learning new languages—she already speaks five.
Zwart attempts to carve out sufficient time from everything, but admits she often responds to emails “from pretty locations.” Yet, she views this as part and parcel of her high-flying career.
“Honestly, I enjoy this,” she adds. “It’s less about switching off and more about changing perspectives.”
Finance
What is the best investment you’ve ever made?
The wellness rings I bought on a whim in New York last year. I’m pretty disciplined and into sports—always on the go. I can be too stubborn sometimes to listen to others, but I’m working on it.
And the worst?
AB wheels from my home gym. I used it once and ended up flat on my face. It feels like a prank. Those tiny wheels offer no support; they just put pressure on your back, not your abs. Whoever designed it clearly didn’t care for empathy.
How about your living situation? Are you in a trendy apartment or the sprawling suburbs?
I divide my time between Amsterdam and Rome (or any city that requires my presence). I wanted a bit more space and moved a touch further from the center, though I’m still just a 20-minute bike ride from the office. I miss the hustle and bustle, so I’m considering moving back closer to the city.
How do you commute?
Like a true Dutch person, I’m attached to my bike. Rain or shine, we stick together.
Do you carry a wallet?
I mainly use my phone for payments. If I need a card, it’s my bunq metal card. The perk? For every 100 euros spent, trees get planted!
Are you investing in stocks?
Yes, I have investments across various platforms, including Bunq stocks!
What financial advice would you offer your 20-year-old self?
Embrace compound interest early. Don’t delay that business venture!
What subscriptions are indispensable for you?
Todoist. My days are packed, and it helps me organize my thoughts. It serves as my second brain and is absolutely worth the money.
Do you wear a watch?
No, I don’t wear one. Even without notifications, a watch adds to the noise. It’s a constant reminder of how late you are and the ticking clock of the day. My mind is already racing with deadlines; I don’t need a physical reminder.
Essentials
How do you get your daily coffee?
I enjoy making Italian mocha at home. It’s calming and sets a nice tone for the day, especially when everything gets hectic. I love the Italian style: a quick standing espresso at the bar for a euro, and I’m out. In Rome, I blend right in, but when I’m in Amsterdam, I lean towards the “northern European” style with longer, milkier coffees.
What’s your approach to eating on the go?
I tend to eat while working. I’m pretty efficient, so I often grab something quick at the station in Amsterdam. But in Rome, I take a breather, sit down, and actually enjoy my meal.
In Rome, there’s a lovely family-run spot called Sano, Piùo Meno, known for fresh sandwiches, salads, and warm meals daily. It’s the right blend of casual comfort and decent food. In Amsterdam, I favor zoldering for a proper sit-down meal.
Where do you buy your groceries?
Albert Heijn is my go-to, or I order from Crisp, especially between trips. Lately, it’s usually a meal at home followed by a quick return to the airport.
However, my absolute favorite shopping experience is in New York when I’m there for Bunq. Brooklyn markets are amazing—800 types of snacks I’ve never encountered, color-coded shelves, and everything perfectly organized.
How often do you eat out compared to cooking at home?
I eat out fairly frequently—at least twice a week—but I strive to keep it healthy. In Rome, dining out during the week is commonplace for catching up with family and friends, which I’ve happily adopted. It’s really about enjoying the moment.
What’s your usual work attire?
When I’m not on stage, I keep it casual—jeans, loafers, and an oversized shirt. We’re a tech-focused company, so attire is all about comfort.
Treat Yourself
How do you unwind from a demanding job?
Staying active keeps me sane. I’ve practiced synchronized swimming and kickboxing, and now I’m into marathon running. I usually work out in the mornings, then hang with friends and enjoy downtime with pets. I recently rediscovered my love for Pilates, like many others out there.
I also enjoy learning languages (five at this point), although they start to blend together. Right now, I’m reading Willaghihara’s “A Little Life”—it’s a light yet beautiful read… or maybe I’m joking about the light part.
How do you celebrate a promotion?
Typically, I tackle a new challenge. That’s my way of rewarding myself—taking on something new to learn or build. It keeps things interesting and propels me forward.
What’s next on your travel agenda?
I’m planning a vacation in the Italian Dolomites for hiking and spa relaxation. It’s my first time, and I can’t wait! After that, I’ll be off to Curacao for a friend’s wedding—a nice perk of having international friends is turning weddings into mini-adventures.
I love exploring new places. I haven’t booked any holiday homes yet; I prefer to stay spontaneous. With so much travel for work, I often invite friends along for a little exploration after hours—work by day and discovering the city by night makes for a great balance.
How many vacation days do you take each year?
I try to carve out adequate time, but it often ends up with me replying to emails from lovely locations. That’s part of the job, and honestly, I enjoy it. I find fresh surroundings spark new ideas and help my focus. I’m not one for sitting still; it’s less about switching off for me, and more about changing the way I see things.
