You are a mother of two children with an employment level of 80%. This year, you took on the challenging role of Key Account Manager for a client in the social insurance industry. We look forward to gaining insights into your varied everyday life.
Looking back, what would you say is your greatest success at Adnovum?
My greatest success is the teamwork and cooperation with the client. I enjoy developing solutions together with our specialists. As a link between Adnovum and the client, I rely on close cooperation, trust, and mutual support – both in the project team and in the exchange with the client. For me, these are the keys to success.
You are a mom of two with an employment level of 80% and spend a lot of time at the client’s site. What does a normal working day look like for you?
Not «normal» (laughs)! I like the variety and when a day is lively. I start early to organize the daily routine of my two daughters. Afterwards, I enjoy a moment to myself over my morning coffee before my working day begins, depending on projects and client appointments. Evenings are family time: whether it's eating together, on the football pitch with my older daughter or painting with the younger one. As in my professional life, togetherness is also important to me in my private life.
Were there any situations that were particularly challenging for you?
There are always challenges in projects. One situation that particularly challenged me was a comment that part-time working women with children could not successfully master certain positions. That motivated me to prove the opposite!
What would you say a woman can do better in a leadership role than a man?
A woman often contributes particular strengths through her emotional intelligence, such as empathy, the ability to listen and a keen sense of team dynamics. These skills enable her to master complex situations with sensitivity and to create an atmosphere of trust and cooperation. Women should realize that they don't have to conform to male stereotypes to be successful. It is more about developing their own strengths and leadership qualities and remaining authentic.
Have you ever had the feeling that people have put obstacles in your way because you are a woman?
Not really, fortunately. I have always made sure to work in environments where my strengths are valued and there is a supportive culture. I found exactly this openness and appreciation at Adnovum.
How easy is it for you to combine work and private life?
The balance between work and family is essential to staying happy and healthy in the long term. Taking little breaks just for myself helps me recharge my batteries. These moments of calm not only strengthen my personal resilience, but also my relationships with others, as I am more balanced and present. As a mother of two daughters, it is particularly important to me to be a good role model – to show how important it is to find your own balance both professionally and privately and to take care of yourself.
How would you say equality has developed in recent years?
There has been certain progress, but many structures are still rigid. However, things are changing at Adnovum: more and more men are working part-time to have more time for their families, and the proportion of women in management roles is increasing. The «Women@Adnovum» program also promotes the professional development of women.
What projects or measures would you suggest to further promote Women@Adnovum?
Adnovum already offers good support such as the mentoring program and initiatives. However, these are still underutilized. I think we women should regularly take time to reflect: Where do I stand and what are my goals? It is important to be aware of what really fulfills you and what you want to achieve. This helps you to see your path more clearly and set priorities. Adnovum could accompany women more closely on this path.
Where else could Adnovum improve?
I believe in mixed management teams that unite different perspectives. For example, I would like to see more women in management, as they often have a finer eye for interpersonal aspects. This promotes trust and strengthens cooperation.
Why did you choose Adnovum?
I was immediately impressed by Adnovum's corporate culture with its focus on cooperation and individuality. I missed these values in my previous company, an international corporation. Here, on the other hand, I instantly felt that the culture suited me.
What makes you feel part of Adnovum?
The freedom to be myself and to be able to contribute my ideas. That's one of the reasons why I like working at Adnovum.
What is the next exciting project you are working on – professionally or privately?
If I ever say goodbye to the digital world, I dream of opening a café: the «Café du Soleil». A place for creative encounters where people can come together. I've thought about the concept down to the last detail and even have the pictures in my head that will go on the walls. I won't give any more away yet.
What role models inspire you?
Bruce Lee influenced me with his philosophy of life. His quote «Using no way as a way, having no limitation as limitation» means to me that boundaries only exist in our heads. I learned early on to be strong without denying my feminine values. This is often a challenge, especially in male-dominated cultures.
Thank you, Özlem, for the inspiring interview.