Breaking Stereotypes: Marina Petković on Finance, Beauty, and Reinventing Success

Marina Petković is one of us—and yet distinctly singular and authentic. A woman determined to shatter stereotypes: she first conquered the world of finance, and then, in her forties, claimed the title Mrs Universe UAE 2025.

Just days ago, the Bulgarian edition of Glamour named her Woman of the Year in Finance for 2025. A cursory glance at her biography makes it immediately clear why. Marina Petković chose a career in finance and built it at the very heart of global banking power—Switzerland. She then made a bold pivot, relocating to the warmer, freer Dubai to establish herself as a wealth advisor, a profession still largely unfamiliar in the Serbia where she grew up. After proving what she could do in a so-called male-dominated world, she changed fronts entirely and stepped into a new arena—competing alongside women. In her forties, she entered a beauty pageant in the United Arab Emirates, won, and went on to face the jury of Mrs Universe. Still, we choose to give her special recognition for another, perhaps her greatest achievement: breaking taboos about women.

F: How do you react when you hear stereotypes about beauty queens or about women and money? What’s the most absurd thing people have said to you on the subject?

MP: I smile—but I also take the time to explain seriously that those stereotypes are completely unfounded. People often have preconceived notions about women—about beauty queens being superficial, or about women in finance “letting emotions drive their decisions.” The most absurd thing I’ve heard is that women can’t be good with money because they “can’t balance numbers and emotions.” In reality, that balance is precisely our greatest strength. Through my own experience, I’ve seen that women naturally combine rational thinking with emotional intelligence: we plan, save, and make wise decisions. When I hear comments like these, I turn them into an opportunity to show—by example—that competence, knowledge, and success have no gender.

F: Where do you find the time, drive, and energy to combine two seemingly opposite passions—finance and beauty pageants?

MP: I find time and energy in the things that truly inspire me and connect me both to myself and to others. As a little girl, I watched my grandmother manage all household finances with complete confidence—from everyday expenses to long-term decisions. When we moved to Switzerland, my father trusted my mother entirely to handle the family’s finances, which further showed me how capable and strong women can be in this field. At the same time, beauty and fashion have always been a way for me to express myself, my moods, and my inner strength. The combination of finance and aesthetics may seem unusual, but to me it feels completely natural. I’ve always believed we can be rational and creative at once, disciplined and passionate. That blend gives me energy and motivation—and a desire to show other women that passion and discipline can go hand in hand.

F: Why finance?

MP: For me, finance is about much more than money. It’s a way to understand people—their values and life stories. I’ve always been fascinated by how different individuals build wealth, make decisions, and communicate in the financial world. Every client is a story in itself, shaped by unique personalities, cultures, and experiences. As I mentioned, I grew up watching my grandmother manage household finances, and later in Switzerland I saw my mother take full control of the family budget. That taught me that women often have a natural ability to balance rational and emotional thinking, to plan and save, while also building relationships and understanding people—skills that are essential in finance. Working in finance, for me, is a blend of analysis, strategy, and empathy. Soft skills are just as important as numbers: the ability to communicate, listen, and adapt to different people is key to success. Through my work, I want to show that money can be both a tool and a means to inspire and empower others.

F: The stereotype that women can’t handle money—except when spending it—runs from Instagram memes to Hollywood. What shaped this narrative, why is it wrong, and how can it be challenged?

MP: The stereotype emerged from a mix of cultural patterns, historical roles, and media portrayals. For a long time, women were denied access to formal education and property ownership, and society and the media framed finance as a male domain. Instagram memes, films, and TV series often reinforce this prejudice through humor or exaggeration, but reality is very different. The truth is that women naturally combine analytical thinking with attention to detail, planning, and patience—qualities that are crucial for financial success. Women tend to be more cautious and disciplined with money, while men are often more inclined to take risks. In my work with clients, I’ve been struck by the diversity of approaches women bring to finance and by how effectively they balance risk and security. This stereotype is wrong because it ignores women’s real capabilities—but it can be dismantled through education, real-life examples, and the courage to show that financial wisdom and success are gender-neutral.

F: Wealth advisor is not a common profession in Serbia. What does the role actually involve, and how did you choose this path?

MP: A wealth advisor helps people plan their financial future, protect capital, and make informed, thoughtful decisions. But the job isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people, their stories, and their values. Understanding different personalities and cultures is essential for advice to be truly meaningful. I chose this profession because I love guiding people through the complex world of finance and helping them achieve their goals without stress. Through my work, I want to show women that financial wisdom is not a male privilege—and that every one of us can make smart decisions and empower both ourselves and others.

F: Why a beauty pageant—and why in your forties? How did you feel during the competition and at the announcement? How did people around you react?

MP: I decided to enter the pageant because I wanted to show that age is not a limitation and that dreams can be realized at any stage of life. Competing in my forties symbolized personal strength for me and proved that it’s never too late for new challenges. During the competition, I felt a mix of excitement, adrenaline, and confidence. There were moments of self-doubt, but each step strengthened my belief in my own abilities. The announcement was deeply emotional and inspiring—feeling that everything I had been through, every challenge and lesson, culminated in that success was indescribable. The reaction from others was a mix of surprise and support. Many women reached out to say my story inspired and motivated them to follow their own dreams, regardless of age or obstacles. I want to show that courage, authenticity, and self-belief always bring rewards—and that it’s never too late for a challenge that inspires us.

F: How does one stay authentic? What is the biggest obstacle on that path, and how can it be overcome?

MP: Authenticity means staying true to yourself, your values, and your feelings—even when the world suggests otherwise. The biggest obstacle is fear of others’ opinions: the fear of rejection or criticism. Through my own experience, I’ve learned that believing in yourself and your journey is essential. When we remain consistent with who we are, we discover a strength we may not have known we possessed. My advice to women is to listen to their hearts, avoid comparing their journey to others’, and embrace both their weaknesses and strengths as part of authenticity. Only when we fully accept ourselves can we inspire others and truly live up to our potential.

F: A message for Fempiria readers facing challenges or stereotyping

MP: What shaped me most were the obstacles I faced in my youth and at pivotal moments in life, when I took responsibility for my family and learned to rely on myself. I encountered discrimination, prejudice, and injustice—as well as personal betrayal, which was especially painful. Through these challenges, I learned resilience, perseverance, and the ability to rise regardless of circumstances. My message to women currently facing difficulties is this: no obstacle is the end of the road. Hardships are an opportunity to uncover inner strength, to grow, and to become an inspiration to ourselves and others. When we believe in ourselves and our abilities, every injustice or betrayal can become a lesson—and a springboard to new successes.

Photo: private archive