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Leaving Nothing to Chance
For 17 years, Dutch-born Marlies Nipius has been part of the marketing and sales team for process analytics at Hamilton Bonaduz AG. In Graubünden, she not only found a fulfilling job but also met her life partner and discovered her passion for outdoor sports. Cross-country skiing, in particular, has captured her heart.
When Dutch native Marlies Nipius knocked on Hamilton’s door 17 years ago as a student looking for an international internship, she never imagined how life-changing that decision would be. “On my second day at work, I was introduced to Ivo Spadin. It was love at first sight.” Ivo still works at Hamilton today and is a textbook example of a true “Graubünden sports enthusiast”. He seems to know every trail in the canton – whether for hiking, biking, or cross-country skiing. “If you ski downhill, you have to try cross-country too,” he told her. And before she knew it, that same winter, she found herself at the starting line of the Engadin Ski Marathon,” Marlies recalls. Seventeen years later, Marlies is now a semi-professional cross-country skier. She competes in the Ski Classic series, which includes races across Europe ranging from 40 to 90 kilometers. Her professional life and training are perfectly synchronized – because when it comes to her passion, this energetic Dutchwoman leaves nothing to chance.
Organizational Talent in Every Aspect of Life
Marlies works 90% of a full-time position as a Project Leader for Marketing Communication in Process Analytics. This business unit develops and manufactures sensors and measuring devices used across various industries to monitor key parameters such as PH levels, oxygen content, and conductivity in liquids. Within the team, Marlies is primarily responsible for creating content for web and social media channels, as well as planning trade fairs and events. Each year, she organizes around 90 large and small events, handling everything from exhibition stands and staffing to brochures and the shipment of all necessary materials to event locations.
These events also include roadshows at customer sites, such as breweries or biopharmaceutical companies that use Hamilton’s sensors. Additionally, Marlies is in charge of the annual Sales Meeting, where employees from around the world gather for professional exchange. “Live events are always special – it’s great to finally see everyone you’ve been communicating with online all year. It really feels like one big family.”
A Strong Network of Support
It’s the same in sports. The cross-country skiing community feels like one big family. “We understand, appreciate, and help each other,” says Marlies. She values this sense of camaraderie both in her job and in her sport.
“Just as I know who to ask for waxing tips in skiing, I also know exactly who to turn to at work for advice and tricks.”
Sports makes Marlies happy – she’s an active person through and through. “It’s my balance to office life and gives me a lot of energy.” However, maintaining her level in cross-country skiing wouldn’t be possible without meticulous self-management and detailed planning. “I plan everything precisely. Every task, whether professional or personal, has a dedicated time slot that I strictly follow.” To keep everything on track, Marlies creates a detailed weekly Excel schedule, which she sticks to with discipline. This means knowing exactly when to work, when to train, when to wax her skis, when to take care of household chores, and how much time to allocate for travel to competitions.
Passionate Commitment
One of her sporting highlights was successfully qualifying for a professional long-distance race. Standing at the starting line alongside legends like Therese Johaug, Marit Bjørgen, and Martin Johnsrud Sundby – a trio that has collectively won an impressive 24 Olympic medals – was an unforgettable and inspiring experience. “Lining up with these cross-country skiing icons was truly one of a kind. Moments like these make all the effort and countless training kilometers worthwhile.”
And if you think Marlies takes it easy in the summer, you’d be mistaken. That’s when the Dutch athlete can be found in the gym, out on the trails in her running shoes, on roller skis, or cycling through the beautiful Grisons mountains.
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