Crazy Woman
A Parking Garage Encounter and a Reflection on Everyday Sexism Today, I was called a "verrücktes Weibsbild." For those not fluent in the poetic insults of the German language, it translates roughly to "crazy woman," though with a delightful old-school connotation that makes it sound even worse. What led to this particular honor? A parking space. Yes, a simple, rectangular, public parking space. I was about to finish parking my car in a busy garage when a man—about 60, with th
Feb 21, 20253 min read
Redefining Leadership Equality
The Heidi/Howard experiment reveals persistent gender bias: same skills, different names—yet "Howard" is likable, while "Heidi" is seen as a
Nov 14, 20244 min read
Breaking the mold
Why "we've always done it this way" kills progress In the business world, there’s a phrase that manages to frustrate me more than just about anything: “We’ve always done it this way.” For those of us striving to create efficiencies and drive excellence, this simple sentence is a stone wall that stands between where we are and where we could be. The worst part? It’s a phrase uttered far too often. We’ve all heard it before, likely in meetings where change feels like pulling te
Sep 6, 20244 min read
The Flexible Work Model: Balancing Professional and Personal Life
As a mother of schoolchildren living in a small German town near Frankfurt, my daily life is a blend of professional responsibilities and personal commitments. Currently still holding a leading position in an international marketing team, predominantly working remotely, I have honed the technology skills and set up the equipment necessary to manage this effectively. I have been blessed with the comfort of a flexible work model for the past five years, and I would certainly mi
May 30, 20244 min read
The Unseen Struggles of Working Mothers: A Personal Journey
Reading recent articles by Corinne Hirsch and Welcome to the Jungle, I found myself resonating deeply with the shared experiences of many women who struggle to balance their careers with motherhood. As a French woman living in Germany, I have navigated similar challenges, and these stories compelled me to reflect on my own journey, marked by the roles of primary breadwinner and dedicated caretaker, and the toll motherhood penalty has taken on my career. The Balancing Act: C
May 25, 20244 min read
Embracing My Identity as a World Citizen
Growing up as the daughter of a diplomat, I had an unconventional childhood, moving frequently and living in various countries. This unique upbringing has shaped my identity profoundly, making me feel more like a world citizen than solely a French national. My experiences across different cultures have enriched my life, blending diverse influences into a unique mosaic. From a young age, I was immersed in different cultures while retaining a strong connection to my French root
May 24, 20243 min read
Embracing Challenges: A Subtle Journey Towards Workplace Harmony
In the intricate tapestry of professional life, we often encounter diverse challenges that test our resilience and adaptability. Many of us
Feb 9, 20242 min read
