First-Hand Leadership – A glimpse into the world of Anja Graf, Founder and CEO Visionapartments
A personal recap by Blazy Flash
As the host of 𝑭𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒉⚡️𝑻𝒂𝒍𝒌, I have the privilege of welcoming exceptional personalities to the stage. Some encounters leave a lasting impression – like my conversation with Anja Graf, the founder, CEO, and chairwoman of Visionapartments.
Anja is a woman whose entrepreneurial achievements are impressive, but even more remarkable is the path she took: marked by persistence, courage, and authenticity. She founded her company at just 21 years old – at a time when “female leadership” was barely even a concept. Today, she runs an international real estate company focused on serviced apartments. Why women like Anja Graf consider the term “female leadership” as non-word is something you’ll discover in our Flash⚡️Talk.
A Conversation Full of Clarity and Depth
This wasn’t a polished PR interview – it was a raw and real look into the mindset of a seasoned entrepreneur. Anja spoke candidly about setbacks, such as the emotional low after being turned down by nine banks – and the one life-changing call from Credit Suisse that turned everything around. These kinds of stories show what leadership really means beyond titles and buzzwords: grit, conviction, and resilience.
What moved me most was Anja’s honesty about mental strain. Her reflection on what it feels like to be stuck in the entrepreneurial “hamster wheel” was both vulnerable and empowering. She shared moments of doubt, the desire to let go – and the crucial role of a supportive environment and personal anchors in maintaining balance.
Leadership Insights – Your Impactful Take Aways
Our conversation with Anja Graf highlighted several leadership lessons that go far beyond the real estate business:
1. Resilience is key
Anja demonstrated this already in the early stages of her venture as she approached ten banks before one believed in her. Setbacks are part of the entrepreneurial journey – what matters is how you deal with them.
2. Leadership is gender-neutral
Anja consciously distances herself from exaggerated gender labels and instead calls for true equality – not special treatment, but equal opportunities.
3. Financial literacy and bold investments are essential
Especially in capital-intensive industries.
4. Balance is not a luxury
Long-term success requires emotional stability and strong personal connections. Leadership starts within.
5. Authenticity matters
No buzzwords, no gloss – just real experiences that resonate. That’s the power of true role models.
Many also know Anja Graf as an investor on the Swiss edition of the TV show Die Höhle der Löwen. Despite her presence on screen, I didn’t experience her as a loud show persona – but rather as a calm, focused woman with a strong and distinct voice in the world of entrepreneurship. She brings leadership to the big stage – quite literally.
Thank you, Anja, for your openness, your depth, and your courage to call things by their name. It was a true pleasure.
– Blazy Flash
Moderator, Business Development Expert, Ambassador of Transformational Leadership
If you found this interview fascinating, you will certainly be interested in watching the full Flash⚡️Talk presented by smzh:
About smzh:
smzh is your partner for individual, comprehensive solutions in the areas of finance and investments, pensions and insurance, property and mortgages as well as legal and tax matters. smzh attaches great importance to personalised advice in order to find the optimum solution for each client. As an independent financial services provider, smzh helps you to set the right course for a carefree future, always focussing on the needs, wishes and goals of each client.
About this Episode:
This Episode was filmed at the Forbes Women's Summit at the Park Hyatt in Zurich, on October 3, 2024.
Produced and edited by SE Media.
SEmedia is a film production company specialised in high-quality film productions with state-of-the-art camera technology from Sony and RED. Present your company authentically and professionally with customised image films and create lasting impressions.
Find out more: www.semedia.ch
