Interview on International Women’s Day

With Julia Kollmorgen (J), Ina Dujakovic (I), Nilüfer Kurt (N), and Zsófia Kelemen (Z)

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What does International Women's Day mean to you personally, and why is it important?

I: International Women’s Day is a big day in my home country (Bosnia). We bring flowers and sweets to the elderly to show them our gratitude for raising and teaching us the norms and values of life.

J: I am from East Germany, where 8th of March had a completely different recognition. It was a wonderful day for all women, but especially for mothers. On this day, we always prepared something nice in kindergartens and schools, it was genuinely celebrated. In Hamburg, 8th of March does not feel the same. As it is not even a holiday here, it feels like a normal day almost.

Z: Honestly, I have mixed feelings about this day as I always feel a little awkward when being congratulated on International Women’s Day. Although it is a nice gesture, I think this day should rather be used to encourage people to take steps for resolving societal problems, instead of giving flowers.

Can you share a significant achievement or milestone in your career that you're particularly proud of?

J: I started working in shipping as a young woman, without really knowing what to expect. After a while, I managed to assert myself in the male domain and make my career path in shipping. My final position was a leading position in which I built up the Global Learning and Development Department. Afterwards, I left my comfort zone after 17 years with this one company and started again in new companies and fields of business.

Z: I had the pleasure to lead multiple countrywide roll-out projects at Telio. Guiding the whole journey of building up a fully operating system including complex infrastructure, software and processes from scratch is truly amazing. I am proud of each project, because it is so nice to see that they are now used by thousands of inmates and hundreds of prisons.

N: I think I am the person I would have wanted to become as a young girl.

Can you share a valuable lesson or piece of advice that has helped you succeed in your career?

J: I learned from one of my previous bosses that you can't always please everyone. You can only try, but you have to accept it if some people are too different from you. This insight helps me not to get too frustrated.

N: Be courageous and make room for your feelings at work. Insecurities are normal, you just must learn how to deal with them properly. In that way, you may learn how to make decisions more easily, both professionally and privately.

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How do you navigate challenges and barriers as a woman in your industry?

Z: With a lot of humor, kindness and confidence (at least on the outside).

N: Don’t be afraid, work with conviction and passion and believe in your strengths.

J: Remain persistent and express your point of view, but also respect your limits.

I: Educate yourself about the industry so you know what everyone is talking about. I always say, be yourself one of the guys that sets you in a good position.

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Who are the women that inspire you, and why?

N: My mother, who recognized early on that her unconditional support would pave the way for me and my two sisters.

J: I only have my mother in mind. She raised a large family and passed on various beliefs. It always helped me to fight further, no matter the circumstances.

I: My mom. Since I am a mom myself, I understand my mom so much better. All the things she did, she did for us. Can you imagine leaving your home country to an unknown place with your two kids and just one piece of luggage? Without even knowing where you will end up? She did that when she was the same age I am now. Looking at her now, I am so proud of where she is today.

Would you say you often have to deal with problems that your male coworkers do not have to deal with?

I: Our industry consists mostly of men. Therefore, as a woman, being in an Alpha community like that, your character and personality have to be strong to be able to keep up.

What changes or improvements would you like to see for women in your industry or society as a whole?

Z: I am very proud of my husband who also took some months of parental leave with our younger child. This is not very common in Central Europe and more men should use this opportunity. I think balance and equity can be achieved only when it happens both at home and at work. On the employer side, part time work, flexible work hours and home office are very helpful in enabling women to combine carrier with family. Apart from that, we should not forget about making efforts to close the gender pay gap.

J: It starts with each individual. Before you expect change from the outside, you should start with yourself. I think that you can move and change a lot on your own initiative.

N: Women are not “nice to have” but should be seen as normal in the working environment, and in society as a whole.

What message or words of encouragement would you like to share with other women aspiring to pursue their goals and dreams?

Z: Forget about your impostor syndrome! Female energy is very much needed in all male dominated industries. If you are interested about something, don’t stop learning and experimenting!

N: Let's celebrate our differences and strengthen each other!

J: Stay true to yourself, don't bend or adapt because society wants you to!

I: Never give up! Pursue your dreams and achieve them, without letting anyone tell you that you cannot do it!

Thank you for sharing your insights on International Women's Day with us. Your input brings a fresh and appreciated perspective.