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Die Signifikanz von Cross-Mentoring: Einblicke in die Re-Zertifizierung durch die DGM & Vorstellung des Beirats

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Die Initiative Women into Leadership (IWiL) hat mit der Re-Zertifizierung durch die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mentoring (DGM) einen wichtigen Meilenstein erreicht. Diese Auszeichnung bestätigt das Engagement des Programms bei der Förderung der Führungsentwicklung von Frauen.

In dem Re-Zertifizierungsschreiben hob die DGM mehrere Schlüsselfaktoren hervor, die zur erfolgreichen Re-Zertifizierung von IWiL beigetragen haben. Einer der bemerkenswerten Aspekte, den die DGM hervorhob, war das Engagement des Programms für Cross-Mentoring.

Herausragende Re-Zertifizierung von IWiL

Die DGM lobte IWiL für die vorbildliche Einhaltung der Mentoring-Standards, die umfassende Bereitstellung von Informationen für Mentees, Mentoren und Mentees sowie das Engagement des Programms für die Aufrechterhaltung erfolgreicher Einzel-Mentoring-Beziehungen. Der Schwerpunkt liegt hier jedoch auf der Effektivität des Programms beim Cross-Mentoring, wie in den Empfehlungen der DGM hervorgehoben wird.

Cross-Mentoring: Ein Katalysator für den Erfolg

Cross-Mentoring ist ein wesentlicher Bestandteil von IWiL, und sein Einfluss auf den Gesamterfolg des Programms kann nicht hoch genug eingeschätzt werden. Dabei werden Personen mit unterschiedlichen Hintergründen, Erfahrungen und Perspektiven in Mentoring-Beziehungen zusammengebracht. Diese Beziehungen schaffen ein dynamisches Lernumfeld, von dem sowohl die Mentoren als auch die Mentees profitieren und das zum persönlichen und beruflichen Wachstum beiträgt.

Verbesserte Lernmöglichkeiten: Durch das Cross-Mentoring lernen die Teilnehmer ein breiteres Spektrum an Erfahrungen und Fachwissen kennen. Bei IWiL bedeutet dies, dass weibliche Führungskräfte Einblicke von Mentoren mit unterschiedlichem Hintergrund, einschließlich Männern und Personen aus verschiedenen Branchen, erhalten. Diese Vielfalt an Perspektiven bereichert die Lernerfahrungen der Mentees und stattet sie mit einem ganzheitlicheren Kompetenzpaket aus.

Abbau von Geschlechterstereotypen: Cross-Mentoring stellt traditionelle Geschlechterstereotypen in Frage, indem es aufzeigt, dass Führung nicht durch das Geschlecht, sondern durch Fähigkeiten, Kompetenzen und Qualitäten definiert wird. Das Mentoring von Männern durch Frauen und umgekehrt fördert die Gleichstellung der Geschlechter und ermutigt zu unterschiedlichen Führungsstilen und -ansätzen.

Gesteigertes Einfühlungsvermögen und Inklusion: Durch Cross-Mentoring gewinnen Mentoren und Mentees ein tieferes Verständnis für die Herausforderungen und Chancen, mit denen Menschen mit unterschiedlichem Hintergrund konfrontiert sind. Dieses gesteigerte Einfühlungsvermögen fördert ein integrativeres Arbeitsumfeld, in dem verschiedene Stimmen nicht nur gehört, sondern auch geschätzt werden.

Innovation und Problemlösungsfähigkeit: Die Vielfalt in Mentoring-Beziehungen fördert Kreativität und Innovation. Wenn Menschen mit unterschiedlichen Sichtweisen zusammenarbeiten, ist es wahrscheinlicher, dass sie innovative Lösungen für komplexe Probleme entwickeln, was die Gesamteffizienz von Organisationen erhöht.

Berufliches Weiterkommen: Die IWiL-Erfolgsquote von 50 % der Teilnehmer, die nach Abschluss des Programms befördert wurden, unterstreicht die positiven Auswirkungen des Cross-Mentoring auf den beruflichen Aufstieg. Cross-Mentoring-Beziehungen führen häufig zu einer größeren Sichtbarkeit, zu mehr Möglichkeiten und zu einem Karrierewachstum für die Teilnehmer.

Erweiterter Vorstand und Beirat:

Obwohl IWiL mit ihrem Cross-Mentoring-Ansatz bemerkenswerte Erfolge erzielt hat, ist es unerlässlich, das Programm weiterzuentwickeln und zu verbessern. Aus diesem Grund freuen wir uns sehr über die Gründung unseres neuen Beirats, der uns bei der Verfolgung des strategischen Wachstums und der Verbesserung der internationalen Reichweite unterstützen wird.

Der Beirat setzt sich aus sieben angesehenen Unternehmensvertretern von IWiL-Mitgliedsunternehmen zusammen. Diese angesehene Gruppe wird uns bei der Gewinnung zusätzlicher Firmenmitglieder und der strategischen Positionierung unserer internationalen Mitgliedschaft unterstützen.

Teil unseres Beirats sind die folgenden Personen:

Daniel Kapffer, CFO der DekaBank, zudem engagierter Mentor seit 2020. Matthias Schellenberg, Vorstandsvorsitzender der Deutschen Apotheker- und Ärztebank. Melanie Wiese, CFO der Deutschen Beteiligungs AG – eine langjährige Mentorin und Unterstützerin unserer Mission. Dr. Elke Frank, Mitglied des Aufsichtsrates der Scout24-Gruppe. Jacquiline Harvey, Regionaldirektorin China und Hongkong bei der Audi AG – als ehemalige IWiL-Mentee ist sie ein Beweis für den Erfolg des Programms. Dr. Christian Kohlpaintner, CEO der Brenntag SE, sowie Vito Volpe, CEO der Santander Consumer Bank AG.

Zu unserem erweiterten Vorstand gehören:

  • Sabine Hansen, Vorsitzende
  • Dr. Natalie Daghles, stellvertretende Vorsitzende
  • Nicole Riggers, Relationship Management
  • Dr. Werner Grünewald, Finanz- und Betriebsmanagement
  • Dr. Maike Albers-Malkus, Programm- und Kommunikationsmanagement.

Wir wollen unsere Kräfte bündeln, Wissen austauschen und den Weg dafür ebnen, dass mehr Frauen in Führungspositionen in allen Sektoren aufsteigen können. Mit diesem neuen Vorstand ist IWiL bereit, seine einflussreiche Präsenz sowohl in Europa als auch darüber hinaus auszubauen.

Die erneute Zertifizierung des IWiL durch die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mentoring ist ein Beleg für sein Engagement zur Förderung von Frauen in Führungspositionen. Im Rahmen dieses Programms spielt Cross-Mentoring eine zentrale Rolle bei der Überwindung geschlechtsspezifischer Barrieren, der Förderung von Innovationen und dem Karrierewachstum. Da Organisationen auf der ganzen Welt die Bedeutung vielfältiger Führungsqualitäten anerkennen, sind Initiativen wie IWiL weiterhin wegweisend, wenn es darum geht, die Bedeutung von Cross-Mentoring für die Gleichstellung der Geschlechter und für berufliche Spitzenleistungen zu demonstrieren.

The Significance of Cross-Mentoring: Insights from the Re-Certification by the DGM & Introduction of the Advisory Board

The Initiative Women into Leadership (IWiL) has achieved a significant milestone by securing its re-certification from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mentoring (DGM). This accolade reaffirms the program’s commitment to fostering leadership development among women.

In the re-certification letter, the DGM highlighted several key factors that contributed to IWiL’s successful re-certification. One of the noteworthy aspects emphasized by the DGM was the program’s dedication to cross-mentoring.

IWiL’s Outstanding Re-certification

The DGM commended IWiL for its exemplary adherence to mentoring standards, extensive provision of information for mentees, mentors, and mentees, and the program’s dedication to maintaining successful one-on-one mentoring relationships. However, the focus here lies in the program’s effectiveness in cross-mentoring, as highlighted by the DGM’s recommendations.

Cross-Mentoring: A Catalyst for Success

Cross-mentoring is a vital component of IWiL, and its impact on the program’s overall success cannot be overstated. It involves pairing individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives in mentoring relationships. These relationships create a dynamic learning environment that benefits both mentors and mentees, contributing to personal and professional growth.

Enhanced Learning Opportunities: Cross-mentoring exposes participants to a broader range of experiences and expertise. In IWiL, this translates to female leaders gaining insights from mentors with diverse backgrounds, including men and individuals from various industries. This diversity of perspectives enriches mentees’ learning experiences and equips them with a more holistic skill set.

Breaking Down Gender Stereotypes: Cross-mentoring challenges traditional gender stereotypes by demonstrating that leadership is not defined by gender but by skills, competencies, and qualities. Men mentoring women and vice versa promotes gender equality and encourages diverse leadership styles and approaches.

Increased Empathy and Inclusivity: By engaging in cross-mentoring, mentors and mentees gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals from different backgrounds. This heightened empathy fosters a more inclusive work environment, where diverse voices are not only heard but valued.

Innovation and Problem-Solving: Diversity in mentoring relationships sparks creativity and innovation. When individuals with varying perspectives collaborate, they are more likely to develop innovative solutions to complex problems, enhancing the overall effectiveness of organizations.

Career Advancement: The IWiL success rate of 50% of participants being promoted after completing the program underscores the positive impact of cross-mentoring on career advancement. Cross-mentoring relationships often lead to increased visibility, opportunities, and career growth for participants.

Extended Board and Advisory Board:

While the IWiL Initiative has achieved remarkable success in its cross-mentoring approach, it’s essential to continue evolving and enhancing the program. This is why we are more than excited about the incorporation of our new advisory board, which will help us in the pursuit of strategic growth and enhanced international outreach.

The Advisory Board is composed of seven illustrious corporate representatives from IWiL member companies. This distinguished group will guide us in attracting additional corporate members and strategically positioning our international membership.

Part of our Advisory Board are the following:

Daniel Kapffer, CFO at DekaBank – Notably, our dedicated mentor since 2020. Matthias Schellenberg, CEO at Deutsche Apotheker- und Ärztebank. Melanie Wiese, CFO at Deutsche Beteiligungs AG  – A long-time mentor and supporter of our mission. Dr. Elke Frank, Supervisory Board Member at Scout24 Group. Jacquiline Harvey, Regional Director, China and Hongkong at Audi AG  – A former IWiL mentee, she’s a testament to the program’s success. Dr. Christian Kohlpaintner, CEO at Brenntag SE; as well as Vito Volpe, CEO at Santander Consumer Bank AG.

Part of our extended board are:

  • Sabine Hansen, Chairwoman
  • Dr. Natalie Daghles, Vice Chairwoman
  • Nicole Riggers, Relationship Management
  • Dr. Werner Grünewald, Financial & Operation Management
  • Dr. Maike Albers-Malkus, Program & Communication Management.

We’re eager to combine forces, share knowledge, and pave the way for more women to ascend to leadership roles across sectors. With this new board, IWiL is poised to expand its influential footprint, both within Europe and beyond.

The re-certification of IWiL by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mentoring serves as a testament to its dedication to promoting women in leadership roles. Within this program, cross-mentoring plays a pivotal role in breaking gender barriers, fostering innovation, and driving career growth. As organizations worldwide recognize the importance of diverse leadership, initiatives like IWiL continue to lead the way in demonstrating the significance of cross-mentoring in achieving gender equality and professional excellence.

Wild Card 2024 – Female Sustainability Leadership – Seizing the Opportunity: Unleash Your Leadership Potential with IWiL and become Part of the Mentee Class 2024

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In today’s world, the importance of sustainability can not be emphasized enough. As we face pressing global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality, it is crucial to have strong leaders who prioritize sustainability and drive positive change. The cross-mentoring program at the Initiative Women into Leadership presents a remarkable opportunity for aspiring female leaders to showcase their dedication to sustainable leadership and secure a Wild Card Place in the mentee class of 2024. We will delve into the significance of sustainable leadership, explore the role of women in the sector, and uncover the motivation that drives our pursuit of sustainable change.

Striving for Sustainable Leadership:

Leadership is not merely about guiding teams and achieving business goals; it encompasses the responsibility to make decisions that consider long-term consequences and create a positive impact on people, planet, and profit. Sustainable leadership focuses on integrating economic, environmental, and social considerations into decision-making processes. By adopting sustainable practices, leaders can ensure the well-being of future generations, protect the environment, and foster social equity. Striving for sustainable leadership is an essential characteristic that sets apart exceptional leaders who shape a more sustainable future.

Working in the Sector of Sustainability:

For those already working in the sector of sustainability, the Wild Card represents an opportunity to amplify their impact and expand their leadership potential. Whether you are involved in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, or any other field dedicated to addressing environmental and social challenges, the cross-mentoring program provides a platform to refine your leadership skills, learn from experienced mentors, and make a lasting difference. By securing the Wild Card, you can leverage this unique opportunity to strengthen your network and contribute to the advancement of sustainability in your sector.

Advocating for Sustainable Leadership:

Not all participants in the cross-mentoring program may currently work in the sustainability sector. However, if you are an advocate for sustainable leadership, your commitment to driving change is equally important. Advocates for sustainable leadership understand that sustainability is not a stand alone concept but an integral part of effective leadership. They recognize the interconnectedness between environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and business success. By securing the Wild Card, you can bring your passion and expertise to the forefront, championing the integration of sustainable practices across industries and inspiring others to follow suit.

Motivation that Drives Us:

When it comes to sustainable leadership, the motivation that drives us is multifaceted. Many individuals are deeply concerned about the current state of the planet and the inequalities present in our societies. They are motivated by the desire to create a more equitable, just, and sustainable world. The urge to leave a positive legacy for future generations serves as a powerful driving force. Moreover, sustainable leaders recognize the inherent business value of sustainability, as it fosters innovation, enhances reputation, and secures long-term profitability. By participating in the cross-mentoring program and aiming for the Wild Card, you can contribute to the creation of a network of sustainable leaders, united in their shared motivation to drive positive change.

By securing the Wild Card Place, you join a community of like-minded individuals striving to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future. Embrace the chance to make your mark, inspire others, and empower female sustainability leadership.

For more information you can download the WIld Card 2024 Info Broschure here.

We look forward to receiving your applications and are excited to see the top female candidates who will make it to the top of our Mentee Class of 2024

Wild Card 2024 – Family Business – Seizing the Opportunity: Unleash Your Leadership Potential with IWiL and become Part of the Mentee Class 2024

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In today’s fast-paced and competitive business world, women are increasingly taking on leadership roles and making their mark across various industries. However, the journey to leadership can sometimes be challenging, especially for those in family businesses. Fortunately, the Initiative Women into Leadership offers a unique cross-mentoring program that opens doors to personal growth and development. Each year we offer Wild Card spaces for our Mentee Classes.

A Leading or Part of a Family Business:

If you find yourself leading or being a part of a family business, you understand the distinctive dynamics that come with it. Family businesses present a unique set of opportunities and challenges, combining personal relationships with professional responsibilities. As a leader in this context, you have a chance to shape the direction and future of the business, making your impact even more significant. The Initiative Women into Leadership program recognizes the specific needs and aspirations of women in family businesses, providing tailored support to navigate these complexities successfully.

Strong and Resilient Women:

To describe yourself as a strong and resilient woman is a testament to your inner strength and determination. It means embracing challenges, overcoming adversity, and persistently pushing boundaries. However, even the strongest individuals can benefit from continuous growth and self-improvement. IWiL recognizes your potential and aims to amplify your existing strengths while helping you acquire new skills, perspectives, and strategies to excel as a leader.

Improving and Developing Leadership Skills:

Leadership is a lifelong journey of growth and development. Whether you are an experienced leader or just starting out, the program provides a platform to enhance your leadership capabilities. Through cross-mentoring, you will have the opportunity to be paired with an accomplished mentor who can offer guidance, share experiences, and provide valuable insights. By learning from his or her expertise, you can gain a fresh perspective on leadership and apply it directly to your role in the family business.

What Drives You:

Every successful leader has a driving force that motivates them to strive for excellence. It could be a desire to leave a lasting legacy, a commitment to fostering positive change, or a passion for innovation. Whatever your driving force may be, we recognize and celebrate your aspirations. By being a part of this program, you will be surrounded by a community of like-minded individuals who understand your vision and are ready to support you in achieving your goals.

The Wild Card:

The Wild Card is a golden opportunity for aspiring leaders to participate in the mentee class of 2024 in the Initiative Women into Leadership program. It offers a chance to join a prestigious cohort of women and immerse yourself in a transformative learning experience. By securing this coveted place, you gain access to a wealth of resources, networking opportunities, and personalized guidance from experienced mentors. It can be the catalyst that propels you to new heights of leadership excellence.

Embrace the possibility of becoming the Wild Card for the mentee class of 2024, and embark on a transformative journey toward becoming the leader you aspire to be.

For more information you can download the WIld Card 2024 Info Broschure here.

We look forward to receiving your applications and are excited to see the top female candidates who will make it to the top of our Mentee Class of 2024

Securing a Wild Card Female Sustainability Leadership & Family Business: Igniting Change in the Mentee Class of 2024

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In the world of business and leadership, women have been breaking barriers and driving change in various fields. Recognizing the immense potential of female leaders, the Initiative Women into Leadership has launched a cross-mentoring program to empower and develop the next generation of women in leadership positions. As the application process for the mentee class of 2024 commences, we want to share an amazing possibility for women striving to win one of the two Wild Card Places in the domains of Female Sustainability Leadership and Female Business.

Motivational Drivers

What drives your motivation to become a mentee in the cross-mentoring program? Is it the desire to make a meaningful impact on your organization, your community, or the world? Perhaps you have witnessed the positive outcomes of sustainable leadership firsthand and want to replicate those successes. Whatever your motivation may be, this program provides a platform for you to enhance your leadership skills, gain insights from seasoned mentors, and foster a strong support network that empowers you to achieve your goals.

Striving for Sustainable Leadership

Sustainable leadership is more than just a buzzword; it’s a mindset, a commitment to creating positive and lasting change while considering the social, environmental, and economic impact of our actions. If you are passionate about sustainable practices and aspire to shape your leadership journey accordingly, this is an excellent opportunity for you. The Initiative Women into Leadership recognizes the significance of sustainable leadership and seeks mentees who share this vision.

Working in the Sector of Sustainability

If you already work in the sector of sustainability, you possess valuable knowledge and experience that can contribute to the advancement of the mentee class. Whether you’re involved in environmental conservation, renewable energy, corporate social responsibility, or any other sustainability-related field, your expertise can inspire and influence fellow mentees. By participating in the cross-mentoring program, you can gain exposure to different industries and expand your network, strengthening your impact on the sustainable business landscape.

Advocating for Sustainable Leadership

As an advocate for sustainable leadership, you understand the importance of integrating sustainable practices into all aspects of business. You believe that long-term success requires a balance between profitability and responsibility towards the planet and its inhabitants. By becoming a mentee in the Initiative Women into Leadership, you can amplify your advocacy efforts and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share your passion. Together, you can drive change and create a brighter future for both businesses and the environment.

Leading or Part of a Family Business

Are you a leading or part of a family business? If so, you understand the unique dynamics, challenges, and opportunities that come with such a role. The cross-mentoring program recognizes the importance of female leadership within family businesses and encourages aspiring leaders in this context to apply. By participating, you can gain valuable guidance on succession planning, intergenerational communication, and leveraging your strengths to drive growth and sustainability. Your perspective as a strong and resilient woman in a family business setting is invaluable.

Driving Personal Growth and Leadership Development

If you describe yourself as a strong and resilient woman who seeks continuous improvement and growth in your leadership skills, the cross-mentoring program is tailor-made for you. This opportunity allows you to engage with accomplished mentors who can provide guidance, support, and insights derived from their own experiences. Through mentorship, workshops, and networking events, you can sharpen your leadership acumen, enhance your decision-making abilities, and develop the necessary skills to overcome challenges with confidence.

The Wild Card:

The Wild Card is a golden opportunity for aspiring leaders to participate in the mentee class of 2024 in the Initiative Women into Leadership program. It offers a chance to join a prestigious cohort of women and immerse yourself in a transformative learning experience. By securing this coveted place, you gain access to a wealth of resources, networking opportunities, and personalized guidance from experienced mentors. It can be the catalyst that propels you to new heights of leadership excellence.

Embrace the possibility of becoming the Wild Card for the mentee class of 2024, and embark on a transformative journey toward becoming the leader you aspire to be.

For more information you can download the WIld Card 2024 Info Broschure here.

We look forward to receiving your applications and are excited to see the top female candidates who will make it to the top of our Mentee Class of 2024.

IWiL x FidAR – Paneltalk “Board Readiness in Challenging Times” – August 4, 2023

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Am 4. August 2023 habt Ihr die tolle Gelegenheit, die neue Kooperation zwischen der Initiative Women into Leadership e.V. & FidAR – Frauen in die Aufsichtsräte e.V. live in Düsseldorf zu feiern.

Von 17:30 bis 19:30 Uhr habt Ihr die Möglichkeit, gemeinsam mit der FidAR & IWiL-Community an einem spannenden Podiumsgespräch mit Andrea Teutenberg (FidAR), Simone Siebeke (Spencer Stuart) und Martina Rudy (FidAR) teilzunehmen, moderiert von Sabine Hansen (IWiL).

“Board Readiness in Challenging Times”

Was sind die Wege zum ersten Mandat, was sind die “Do’s” und “Dont’s”, die hier zu beachten sind, wie kann ich prüfen, ob ich den richtigen Berater (m/w/d) an meiner Seite habe und welchen Einfluss kann ich im Board haben…. 

Seid dabei, wenn Andrea Teutenberg, ehemaliger CFO von Bombardier Transportation, Mitglied des Aufsichtsrats und langjähriges FidAR-Mitglied, zusammen mit Simone Siebeke, ehemaliger Vice President HR bei Henkel und langjähriger Partnerin bei Spencer Stuart, und Martina Rudy, Unternehmensberaterin im Bereich Strategieentwicklung, über ihre persönlichen Erfahrungen und Herausforderungen auf ihrem Weg berichten und wertvolle Tipps mit Ihnen teilen. 

Freut Euch auf einen spannenden Vortrag mit anschließender Fragerunde. 

Bitte beachtet, dass der Panel Talk in englischer Sprache gehalten wird!

Für weitere Information schreibt gerne eine Mail an Jasmin Biesenroth unter communications@iwil.eu.

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On August 4, 2023 you will have the great opportunity to celebrate the new cooperation between the initiative Women into Leadership e.V. & FidAR – Frauen in die Aufsichtsräte e.V. live in Düsseldorf.

From 17:30 to 19:30 you will have the opportunity to join the FidAR & IWiL community in an exciting panel discussion with Andrea Teutenberg (FidAR), Simone Siebeke (Spencer Stuart) and Martina Rudy (FidAR), moderated by Sabine Hansen (IWiL).

“Board Readiness in Challenging Times” – What are the paths to the first mandate, what are the “do’s” and “don’ts” to consider here, how can I check if I have the right consultant (m/f/d) on my side and what influence can I have on the board…. – Join us as Andrea Teutenberg, former CFO of Bombardier Transportation, member of the Supervisory Board and long-time FidAR member, together with Simone Siebeke, former Vice President HR at Henkel and long-time partner at Spencer Stuart, and Martina Rudy, management consultant in the field of strategy development, talk about their personal experiences and challenges on their way and share valuable tips with you. Look forward to an exciting talk followed by a Q&A session.

Please note that the Panel Talk will be held in English!

For more information, feel free to email Jasmin Biesenroth at communications@iwil.eu.

 

IWiL Graduation Ceremony at Brenntag in Essen

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Es ist wieder soweit – ein Jahr unseres Mentoring-Programms ist vorbei und am 30. März 2022 feiern wir den offiziellen Abschluss der IWiL Mentee Klasse 2022 bei Brenntag in Essen.

Wir freuen uns mit unseren Mentees und Mentoren dieses besondere Ereignis zu feiern und feierlich das fünfte Mentoring-Jahr abzuschließen.

Auch die Mentee Klasse 2022 erlebte viele digitale und Live-Veranstaltungen, die das Netzwerk und das Mentoring gestärkt und unterstützt haben. Die Gäste der Abschlussfeier erwartet ein entspannter Abend. Wir freuen uns sehr auf die Reden von Dr. Christian Kohlpaintner (CEO and Chairman of the Management Board, Brenntag) und Marion Mestrom (Chief Human Resources Officer, Brenntag Group).

Wir freuen uns auf das gemeinsame Dinner, den Austausch und einen schönen Abend mit unseren Gästen.

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Englisch

It’s that time again – one year of our mentoring program is over and on March 30th, 2022 we will celebrate the official closing of the IWiL Mentee Class 2022 at Brenntag in Essen.

We are looking forward to celebrating this special event with our mentees and mentors and festively closing the fifth mentoring year.

The Mentee Class 2022 also experienced many digital and live events that strengthened and supported the network and mentoring. Guests at the graduation ceremony can expect a relaxed evening. We are very much looking forward to the speeches by Dr. Christian Kohlpaintner (CEO and Chairman of the Management Board, Brenntag) and Marion Mestrom (Chief Human Resources Officer, Brenntag Group).

We are looking forward to the dinner, the exchange and a nice evening with our guests.

 

Kick Off Mentee Class 2023

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Kommende Woche Freitag ist es wieder einmal so weit – wir gehen in die nächste Runde und starten die sechste Mentee Klasse im Rahmen des Cross-Mentoring Programms der Initiative Women into Leadership e.V. (IWiL).

Am 17. März 2023 eröffnen wir mit der Kick Off unser 6. Mentoring-Jahr und begrüßen 35 hochkarätige weibliche Führungskräfte an der WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management in Düsseldorf.

Wir möchten uns an dieser Stelle sehr herzlich bei der WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management Düsseldorf bedanken, dass wir den für IWiL wichtigsten Tag in den Räumlichkeiten der WHU ausrichten dürfen und tatkräftig von den Mitarbeitern unterstützt werden.

Special Networking Event am Vorabend der Kick Off

Der Fokus der Initiative liegt auf einem exklusiven und nachhaltigen Netzwerk für Frauen auf Top-Ebene sowie einem Erfahrungsaustausch der über die Unternehmensgrenzen hinaus geht. So findet bereits am Vorabend zur Kick Off exklusive für unsere neue Mentee-Klasse ein “Special Networking Event” in Düsseldorf statt bei denen sich die Mentees kennenlernen und austauschen können. Wir freuen uns an dieser sehr, dass unser langjähriges IWiL-Mitglied, Dr. Markus Klimmer Einblicke zum Thema Political Stakeholder Management mit unseren Mentees teilt.

Spannende Vorträge und Tandem Matching bei der Kick Off am 17. März 2023

Am Freitag, den 17. März 2023 haben unsere 35 hochkarätigen Mentees dann die Chance sich in einem 60-sekündigen Elevator Pitch der Community vorzustellen und in zwei Meet-Ups mit potenziellen Mentoren ihren perfekten Tandempartner für das kommende Mentoring-Jahr zu finden.

Gegen 8:30 Uhr werden unsere Vorständin Sabine Hansen und stellv. Vorständin Dr. Natalie Daghles die Gäste begrüßen und die Kick Off offiziell starten. Weiter geht es mit einer Begrüßung durch unseren Gastgeber der WHU – Otto Beisheim School for Management und Klaudia Wilde (Director Development & Relationship Management).

Einen spannenden Einblick wie das Mentoring-Jahr sich gestalten kann, erhalten die Mentees 2023 von unser Mentorin Frauke Heistermann (Multi-Aufsichtsrätin, Unternehmerin, Investorin) und unserer Mentee 2022 Sarah Blazek (Equity Partner bei Noerr), die aus erster Hand zu ihrem Tandem berichten werden.

Ebenso dürfen sich die Mentees auf interessante Impulstalks vom Experten Hamidreza Hosseini (Gründer und Geschäftsführer von ECODYNAMICS GmbH) und Prof. Dr. Christoph Hienerth (Chair of Entrepreneurship and Creativity, WHU) freuen.

Wir freuen uns auf den gemeinsamen Tag mit unseren Mentees und Mentoren und weiteren geladenen Gästen!

English

Next week Friday it’s that time again – we are going into the next round and launching the sixth mentee class within the cross-mentoring program of the Initiative Women into Leadership e.V. (IWiL).

On March 17th, 2023, we will kick off our 6th mentoring year and welcome 35 high-caliber female leaders at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management in Düsseldorf.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management Düsseldorf for allowing us to host the most important day for IWiL on the premises of WHU and for the active support of the staff.

Special Networking Event on the eve of the Kick Off

The focus of the Initiative is on an exclusive and sustainable network for women at the top level, as well as an exchange of experiences that goes beyond the boundaries of the company. On the eve of the Kick Off, a special networking event will be held exclusively for our new mentee class in Düsseldorf, where the mentees can get to know each other and exchange ideas. We are very pleased that our long-time IWiL member, Dr. Markus Klimmer will share insights on Political Stakeholder Management with our mentees.

Exciting presentations and tandem matching at the Kick Off on March 17th, 2023.

On Friday, March 17th, 2023, our 35 high-caliber mentees will then have the chance to introduce themselves to the community in a 60-second elevator pitch and find their perfect tandem partner for the upcoming mentoring year in two meet-ups with potential mentors.

Around 8:30 a.m., our Chairwoman Sabine Hansen and Vice Chairwoman Dr. Natalie Daghles will welcome the guests and officially start the Kick Off. The event will continue with a welcome by our host WHU – Otto Beisheim School for Management and Klaudia Wilde (Director Development & Relationship Management).

The mentees 2023 will get an exciting insight into what the mentoring year can be like from our mentor Frauke Heistermann (Independent Director at Befesa) and our mentee 2022 Sarah Blazek (Equity Partner at Noerr), who will report first-hand on their tandem.

The mentees can also look forward to interesting impulse talks from the expert Hamidreza Hosseini (Founder and Managing Director of ECODYNAMICS GmbH) and Prof. Dr. Christoph Hienerth (Chair of Entrepreneurship and Creativity, WHU).

We are looking forward to the day together with our mentees and mentors and other invited guests!

Year in Review 2022 – 10 Tips for every aspiring female executive

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What a year! 2022 will not only be remembered as the 3rd #pandemic year in a row, but also as the year of global #polycrises, ongoing supply chain disruptions, #energy alternatives and #inflation. For the most part, companies are responding by replacing their management personnel. At the management level, we have more new board appointments – including diversity – than ever before. This also seems to be having a lasting effect on the general holding period of existing management board contracts.

In addition, new owners and investors in particular are turning the board agendas inside out. After years of growth, they are now focusing primarily on the profitability of their holdings and are hastily canceling IPOs planned with elaborate marketing campaigns in view of a poor stock market climate worldwide.

Thus the personnel merry-go-round in the executive floors turns ever faster and straight and because of the pressure of asset managers such as Blackrock, Vanguard, State Street and CO., which invest only in enterprises with a clear ESG strategy, also increasingly female high-level personnel for the executive committee are gladly sent into the turbulent waters.

So what should top female executives pay particular attention to before rashly signing a board contract?

My top 10 tips for safe onboarding and offboarding that every aspiring female executive should take to heart:

  1. How much real power does the boardroom have? Are there budget and headcounts that the board has autonomy over?
  2. What is regulated in the business distribution plan? What #competencies do the individual board members have? – Or what is always decided by the board as a whole?
  3. Have I met the other board members in the selection process, do I know their motives and strategic agendas, and can I win them over as my supporters?
  4. How united is the supervisory board in overall corporate decisions and how much trust does the board enjoy? Especially former owner-managed companies in the S-DAX often have a hard time with the board function and still treat them like executives with the result that real #action competence is only granted to a limited extent.
  5. Diversity is often pushed in front of us like a monstrance. The very desire for a woman on the board should make one pay attention. What is the strategic context of the appointment, what does the internal talent pipeline of female candidates look like, and are there other weighty reasons for the appointment besides the diversity issue?
  6. #StrongWoman – #StrongTeam. Unlike many male board colleagues, female board members in particular often do without a strong house power for their 1st board mandate. They are reluctant to follow a trusted leadership team. That this can have negative consequences is obvious. They simply lack the in-house network that makes them strong. The people who know and trust you are missing. Especially newcomers to the boardroom have to prove from day 1. They have to show that they are not only worth their compensation, but also convince the capital market and the internal teams of the success of their tasks. As a “lone wolf,” this will rarely succeed and does not show particularly great power-political instinct.
  7. Negative aspects of an appointment are usually unconsciously ignored. Nevertheless, it is also important to proactively address liability issues. In the run-up to an appointment, people like to refer to a D&O insurance in case of damage. However, the contents of this insurance are not readily disclosed. Many people are not aware of the fact that these are usually group policies and that the damage sum must cover the liability cases of the entire management board.
  8. Labor lawyers are often consulted only in the event of a separation and often only when the separation is already imminent. This is a cardinal mistake for aspiring board members. Especially when it comes to appointments to the board of directors, lawyers specializing in corporate law should be involved in advance. They can see the pitfalls of articles of association, business allocation plans and management board contracts at first glance and can provide important tips for the company’s own negotiations with the supervisory board and for possible later separation scenarios.
  9. Dealing with and on the board is not something you can do right away. First-time appointees often have to familiarize themselves with the routines and power relations of the board. This is a particular test of endurance, especially at the beginning. It is easier for board members who already have relevant board experience. Ideally, they have already served as managing director of a limited liability company and/or have gained initial experience as an advisory board member in a family-run company or as a supervisory board member of a listed company. Even if this board experience is not available, it helps immensely if relevant experience has already been gained in voluntary activities.
  10. Successful #networking is an art and belongs to the top class of successful managers. Every manager should have a resilient and trustworthy network of relationships with multipliers and supporters in the market. Journalists, strategy and personnel consultants, lawyers, auditors and other top managers can be extremely helpful as discreet advisors.

Therefore, it is important to build resilient networks at an early stage and not only to maintain them when needed. Top manager networks include : Initiative Women into Leadership – IWiL (www.iwil.eu), LeadershipNext Academy GmbH www.leadershipnext.de, FidAR Frauen in die Aufsichtsräte e.V. (www.fidar.de), Generation CEO e.V. (www.generation-ceo.com), Baden-Baden Unternehmergespräche www.bbug.de

5-Year Anniversary Event – Female Empowerment through the Power of Cross-Mentoring

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Die Initiative Women into Leadership e.V. (IWiL) hat 5-jähriges Jubiläum – gemeinsam mit unseren Mentoren, Mentees, persönlichen
Mitgliedern und Unterstützern möchte wir dieses Highlight feiern.

In Zusammenarbeit mit She4Her Leadership Consulting und unserem Mitgliedsunternehmen Santander möchten wir unser Jubiläum bei einem zweitägigen Event ausgiebig zelebrieren.

Am Donnerstag, den 24. November und Freitag, den 25. November 2022 werden wir alle TeilnehmerInnen mit Inhalten rund um Leadership, Mentoring und Female Empowerment entertainen. Wir beginnen unsere Feierlichkeiten mit einem Online-Event am 24. November und treffen uns dann am 25. November live bei unserem Gastgeber Santander in Mönchengladbach.

An dieser Stelle möchten wir uns bei Isabel Tufet, ehemalige Mentee von IWiL, CEO von Santander Consumer Operation Services GmbH und Mitglieder des Executive Committee der Santander, bedanken, dass wir unser
Event in den Räumlichkeiten der Santander in Mönchengladbach ausrichten dürfen.

Wir freuen uns auf die aktive Teilnahme und Engagement unserer Speaker und PanelteilnehmerInnen.

Sie haben die Möglichkeiten sich bis Freitag, 18.11.2022 unter communications@iwil.eu für
das Event zu registrieren.

Die Einladung können Sie hier einsehen: Invitation November 5-Year Anniversary Event

Sie können sich die Event Broschüre hier herunterladen:

IWiL – 5-Year Event Brochure – 24-25 November

English

The Initiative Women into Leadership e.V. (IWiL) has its 5th anniversary – together with our mentors, mentees, personal members and supporters we would like to celebrate this highlight.

In cooperation with She4Her Leadership Consulting and our member company Santander, we would like to celebrate our anniversary extensively at a two-day event.

On Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25, 2022 we will entertain all participants with content around Leadership, Mentoring and Female Empowerment. We will start our festivities with an online event on November 24 and then meet live at our host Santander in Mönchengladbach on November 25.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Isabel Tufet, former IWiL mentee, CEO of Santander Consumer Operation Services GmbH and member of Santander’s Executive Committee, for allowing us to host our event at Santander’s premises in Mönchengladbach.

We look forward to the active participation and engagement of our speakers and panelists.

You have the opportunity to register for the event until Friday, 18.11.2022 at communications@iwil.eu.

IWiL Summit “Over the Top of MainHatten” at DekaBank in Frankfurt on October 31, 2022

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Gemeinsam mit Mentees, Mentoren und weiteren Gästen möchten wir am 31. Oktober 2022 gemeinsam unser IWiL Summit feiern. Wir freuen uns sehr, dass dieses Jahr unser Unternehmensmitglied Deka Bank Deutsche Girozentrale uns bei sich in Frankfurt am Main empfängt. Vielen lieben Dank an dieser Stelle.

Unsere Gäste erwartet ein tolles Programm an dem diesjährigen IWiL Summit. Hierbei werden alle TeilnehmerInnen einen vertieften Einblick in die Thematik des Female Finance erhalten.

Agenda

15:00 Uhr

Arrival & Check-In

15:30 Uhr

Welcome Speech

Sabine Hansen, Vorstandsvorsitzende IWiL

15:40 Uhr

Welcome Speech

Daniel Kapffer, IWiL Mentor und Vorstandsmitglied von Deka

16:00 Uhr

Weltwirtschaft im Umbruch – Konjunktur- Kapitalmarktausblick

Dr. Gabriele Widmann, Deka Volkswirtin, Co-Host Money on Her Mind Podcast

16:30 Uhr

Female Finance Study Deka: Female Finance – More than a trend!

Nina Stapf, Leiterin Fondsmanagement Deka-Immobilien Europa

17:00 Uhr

Kaffee Pause

17:30 Uhr

Skyscraper Safari – A View over Frankfurt!

Deka-Immobilien

17:45 Uhr

Female Finance – Panel Discussion

Moderation: Sabine Hansen

19:00 Uhr

Networking Dinner

Wir freuen uns auf den gemeinsamen Austausch. Es besteht noch eine Möglichkeit der Teilnahme, melden Sie sich bei initiative@iwil.eu bis zum 17. Oktober 2022 an.

You can download an English Version of the invitation here.