Meet Miriam Wohlfarth, founder of RatePAY, Power Woman and Working Mom

Key Facts

Name: Miriam Wohlfarth
Age: 48
What is your job title? Managing director/founder of RatePAY
Where do you live? Berlin
Family status: married, one child
How would you sum up your life-style? Easy and not complicated
Do you follow a philosophy in life? Just do it and be brave.

What is your professional background?

Unfinished studies, a lot of backpack travelling, an apprenticeship in tourism and afterwards five years of sales in the travel industry. Eventually, I changed working fields and switched to a start-up for online payment, where I worked for eight years. Subsequently, I founded a new start-up, RatePAY.

Almost nine years ago you founded ratePAY, a start-up for online e-payment systems, just in the middle of the financial crisis. What were your reasons for making this rather risky move?

I sensed the gap in the market. I had so much experience in online payment systems but there was no solution for invoice or instalment paying when buying online. These payment systems used to be only for the big order companies. I wanted to change that. Consequently, I founded RatePAY.

How would you sum up your most important take-aways as a woman in a leading position?

Myself, I don’t make a difference between man and woman. If somebody is capable and has the relevant skills, he should become a leading role.
I don’t care about sex, origin or language. I believe in diversity, because I am convinced that a mixed team can work more successful.

Do you think you had to struggle harder because you are a woman?

No, not harder than men. As I said, who is capable, should climb up the ladder. The one with passion for the project will be successful. It is important to follow your aims.

Consequently, did you decided to make a compromise?

Yes, effectively yes. I accepted for myself that not everything has to be perfect. However, I still always wanted to combine everything, which I managed in the end, see job and family.

Do you have any advice for women who decide on a career in a classical men’s field, like finances?

Again, I don’t make differences. Any advice I have to give are valid for men and women, also independent from the field they are working in. The important thing is, to know your aims, to get focused, to celebrate success and keep on going in case of a bad experience.

Styles4Work is an online shop focused on business fashion and business editorials. What is your estimation on specialized platforms and blogs for future trendsetting?

Especially niche businesses are up for a real success. If you know the niche and can handle it right, you will have a very good unique feature.

Do you use social media yourself?

Yes, I am on twitter and LinkedIn. And a little bit of looking around on Instagram.

Fashion is a emotional, very personal topic. Is there an outfit, that always work for you?

I simply wear outfits in which I feel comfortable. Normally, with a black jeans and a white t-shirt nothing can go wrong.

Do you have a favourite outfit?

See below. With it, I wear a perfectly fitted blazer, cool shoes and a beautiful handbag.

Are you including fashion trends in your outfit?

No, as I said, being at ease is the key. If I do so, I take accessoires.

Which colours do you wear in the office?

Mainly black and white.

Do you have any advice for women who are still looking for their own style?

Everybody should wear the outfit which makes them feel easy and comfortable.

Job and family, the ongoing subject: How do you manage to master both?

A working time management, support from various online tools and never loose focus for the really important things.

Do you have any advice for female founders?

Not give up in case of failure and disappointment. As well: Enthusiasm is the principle of any possibilities.

Who or what gives you inspiration?

People who try out new things and develop passion for what they are doing.

Which social topic is important to you?

The promotion of tech topics for children. RatePAY, e.g., will soon host the so called Hacker-School, a Hamburg based project which helps children to get an insight in coding and software programs.