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
A New Chapter: Reflecting on My Professional Journey
It's been just over a week since I began my garden leave after being laid off from my cherished, albeit demanding, role in marketing. This transition has offered me a unique opportunity to step back, reflect, and recharge after an incredibly busy few months that culminated in a yet another tradeshow on my last weekend. During this time, I've prioritized rest and rejuvenation. I’ve also started collaborating with an exceptional outplacement coach to refine my job search strate
Jul 11, 20242 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
