EmpowerHERFridays with Katrin Kipp

Dear Katrin Kipp ,

Welcome to #EmpowerHERFridays. I am so happy to have you here. Let's get started!

1. Can you tell us a bit about your career journey? What is your current area of responsibility??

I started my career in 2008 at SThree , a global recruitment consultancy specializing in STEM markets.?

Back then I started as a recruitment consultant specializing in software development. From there I progressed to Team Leader, then Business Manager and finally before my first parental leave I was promoted to Director of Permanent Recruitment in Stuttgart.?

During my 9 months of parental leave, I was offered the job of site manager for Stuttgart and gladlyI accepted this challenge.?

A year later, I went back on parental leave and then returned in March 2023. Six months after I returned, I was again offered a new job, this time as Regional Head.

My position includes the management and strategic orientation of our locations in Stuttgart and Munich and is therefore another great challenge where I can prove my skills.

2. You've managed to get promoted during both of your maternity leave periods. Can you share what factors you believe contributed to that?

I believe that in part it was because I had already demonstrated my ability to deliver results. The other reason could be, because I communicated very clearly when and how I will return from my parental leave and how it would look.

In addition, at SThree we work with different assignments which can be carried out both internally and externally. These ensure that the people who get a new role also have the necessary capacity.

3. Balancing a successful career with raising two young children requires an immense amount of energy. What is your superpower to stay organized and motivated?

I think that the superpower is discipline ;-).?

Not everyone can give 120% every day, but it's about not giving up even in phases where you might only be able to give 80%.?

Motivation is great for starting something. You need structure in order to handle everything, especially as in my case I do 100% of the care work during the week.?

However, long-term success is always the result of discipline.

What gives me a lot of strength is that I made a conscious decision to work only 70%. In other words, I have half a day and a whole day off during the week, so I can take care of sports and also look after myself.

4. What support both private and professionally has helped you along the way?

SThree invests a lot in the training and development of its employees. I've had the opportunity to go through various training and coaching sessions that couldn't be more different.?

That occasionally allows you to obtain fresh insights, adopt new viewpoints, or just learn new skills. You are always evolving and never stand still. For example, I'm currently enrolled in a Deloitte training programme.

In terms of personal assistance, I must admit that a lot would not be feasible without my parents' help because they take care of the kids while I'm away on business trips or sick.?

5. Looking back on your journey, what advice would you give to other women in similar situations who aspire to advance professionally?

I think it all starts with self-consciousness. Be aware of what your strengths are and how you can best use them. What exactly makes YOU unique.?

This leads to you gaining more self-confidence and making you more and more secure in your skills.?

Thank you for sharing this so openly!

Stay tuned for the next episode of #EmpowerHERFridays!