What I especially enjoy about my work are the opportunities it provides for developing the company, employees and myself, for continuous learning and growth, and for bringing people together and delivering success.
What never ceases to fascinate me is the power of teamwork in diverse teams and the creativity, the versatility, and the results that can be achieved by these teams.
My career to date:I joined the then itelligence AG in 2006 as a member of the discrete manufacturing sector team as the only female employee. I worked as a consultant for several years parallel to my presale’s role as a solution architect for logistics modules and developed into a project- and team leader. After a short time, I also took on the program responsibility for various strategic initiatives and concepts, which contribute to the medium and long-term success of our company. Since 2013, I have been in the role of the SAP Partner Business Manager and since 2020, I have also been a member of the Executive Board, responsible for the results of the Innovation & Portfolio Management strategic unit.
In my current role as a manager, what do I pass on to other women and what motivates me? Your individual management style is crucial for your success as a leader, and you would have to find it yourself and continuously develop it. Women lead differently than men, and that’s a good thing for diverse leadership in the management of the company. Do not allow yourself to be bent but remain open for great changes. Stay true to yourself and your personality, with all its strengths and weaknesses – after all, others have them too. What is important, however, is to know your strengths and weaknesses. Stay authentic and don’t disguise yourself. Fortunately, the days when female executives could only appear in dark pantsuits and had to appear as masculine as possible in order to be perceived as competent, are fortunately long gone.
The most formative experience of my career: My new professional goal was already set when I went on parental leave: “One day I would like to be responsible for developing the portfolio of the German Business Unit.” Almost five years later the opportunity arose to apply internally for the Innovation & Portfolio Management position, I was faced with a particularly challenging situation in my private life. I decided to act in a self-determined manner, adjusted the framework for my personal, professional goal and applied. I was open for contributing my many years of expertise and experience, showed the courage and will to continuously grow with the new challenges. Moreover, I differentiated myself with a creative and innovative application. In the interview, I won the trust of the management and was able to successfully assert myself against the other applicants.
My advice for young women: Define your goals clearly, check in between to see if they need an adjustment. The Professional life is more like a marathon than a sprint. Professional life is more like a marathon than a sprint. It is important to build networks and to always maintain and use them. Visibility of your person is crucial in this. The exchange with other female colleagues and female executives as well as coaching and mentoring can support you immensely to build up and expand your individual path and your own profile. Create and use your own network. Also have the courage to express your own opinion, even if this sometimes deviates from the majority.
A strong woman who inspires me: For me, there is not just one power woman who inspires me. But many women who have not had it easy, are successful, and are passionate about being role models for other women’s success: Sheryl Sandberg, Michelle Obama, Frida Kahlo, Tijen Onaran, Beyoncé Knowles.
