Germany
A friendship that crosses continents
Marion and Bhavna both work at BASF – now in Ludwigshafen, in different fields, but with a shared history. Marion works in the Nutrition & Health department. Bhavna works in Corporate Communication. But they did not meet in Ludwigshafen, but in Kuala Lumpur, where both were working for BASF. What began back then as a professional acquaintance quickly became a friendship that continues to this day – across continents.
From Kuala Lumpur to Ludwigshafen
“That was the first day that we deliberately made plans together,” recalls Marion.
Right from that first meeting, it was clear:
The two women got along very well. A hike together, a spontaneous dinner plan, plenty to talk about – and immediately the feeling of being on the same wavelength. “We laughed a lot, conversation flowed easily, and we immediately felt at home with one another,” says Bhavna.
“We laughed a lot, conversation flowed easily, and we immediately felt at home with one another.”
The same wavelength – in life and at work
What connects Marion and Bhavna is more than just shared experiences:
Both are devoted to leadership, personal development and the question of how to help themselves and others grow. At BASF, Marion leads a team for the digitalization of business processes, while Bhavna is responsible for the Corporate Brand team. They support one another as sparring partners, sources of inspiration, and friends.
“Bhavna shows me time and again what is possible at BASF when you stay open and think outside the box,” says Marion.
“Food was our common language from the very beginning.”
More than just the same employer
For Marion, Bhavna is also a connection to her second home, Malaysia, where she lived for some time. Today, their friendship extends across two countries and different continents – shaped by closeness, trust and shared values.
They both agree:
Friendships are formed when people share similar values and shape their lives in similar ways.
BASF connects – and brings people together
BASF brings together people from different countries, cultures and lifestyles. For Bhavna and Marion, their story shows that BASF can give rise to more than just work. Alongside the many other friendships both of them have built within the company, their connection is an example of how work can bring people together in a deeply personal way.
In the full interview, Bhavna and Marion talk about how their friendship began and how it has shaped their professional development.
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