Making a difference: Empowering youth through handball

“Balance is key. Whether it's balancing on the court during a match or balancing life's demands off the court, finding equilibrium is essential." ?This sentiment, shared by Stine Bredal Oftedal, a celebrated Norwegian and three-time World Champion professional handball player, resonates with our very own handball enthusiast and esteemed member, Katharina Wichmann, Director of Business Consulting, at Ernst and Young Group Limited, based in Auckland, New Zealand.

When I reflect on my journey, I can't help but acknowledge the profound impact that handball had on my life. It shaped me into the person I am today, and I recognize the privilege of the support and opportunities I received. That's why when the local handball club discussed offering youth handball sessions in Auckland, I eagerly stepped forward to get involved. It was an opportunity to pass on the incredible experiences I had and give back to the community. What excited me most was that these sessions brought together young players from diverse backgrounds across Auckland, where on the field, it didn't matter where they came from. It was about playing, learning, developing and having fun together, as well as experiencing the camaraderie of winning and losing as a team.

The power of encouragement

One coaching experience that was deeply touching occurred during a Girls Try Sports Day in South Auckland. We were asked to work with young girls who weren't particularly sporty. Spending just 30 minutes with each group, we showed them a few basics and encouraged them to give it a try. To my surprise, some of the girls came up and hugged me and my fellow coach before moving on to the next station, thanking us. Witnessing the excitement and trust they developed in such a short period because we spent time with and believed in and encouraged them, was one of the most rewarding coaching experiences I have had.

Leadership strategies for wellbeing

As a leader, promoting a healthy work-life balance within my team is a priority. I understand that maintaining such balance can be challenging, so I make a point of sharing my own journey with the team. We have implemented a practice on our projects where each team member sets individual wellbeing goals each week, recognizing that one size does not fit all. Sharing these goals with the team allows us to support each other and check back at the end of the week to celebrate achievements or understand what obstacles may have arisen. It has become an integral part of our team's conversations, fostering a culture where wellbeing is valued and prioritized.

Navigating personal and professional demands

Finding a healthy work-life balance while fulfilling demanding professional responsibilities requires intentional strategies. I prioritize my own wellbeing by recognizing the importance of sport in my life and planning my work and personal commitments accordingly. On days when I have coaching sessions in the late afternoon, I organize my schedule and meetings around them, openly communicating my availability. Additionally, the wellbeing goal-setting process within our team has been invaluable. I am fortunate to work with a supportive team that challenges me to stay on track with my goals, ensuring I maintain a healthy work-life balance that aligns with my needs.

Advice: Managing volunteering and work commitments

If you're seeking to engage in community outreach while balancing your professional commitments, start by reflecting on your passions and desired ways to contribute. Assess your availability and realistic commitments. Once you find the right opportunity, contact organizations aligned with your values and discuss potential involvement, being transparent about your availability and commitments. It's important to communicate your aspirations with your manager, exploring ways to integrate these activities alongside your professional responsibilities.

Deep dive: Unveiling Katharina Wichmann

Katharina has a deep appreciation for Italian cuisine, particularly pasta, which never fails to satisfy her taste buds. Recently, she revisited the old movie “Moneyball” and found a profound resonance with its depiction of high-performing teams and challenging the status quo, aligning perfectly with her own leadership philosophy. When it comes to music, she turns to rock to invigorate her during runs or when tackling demanding tasks, but she also finds solace in the German hip-hop group, the Fantastischen Vier, and occasionally indulges in an 80s music mix. The color yellow holds a special significance for her, symbolizing the warmth and radiance of the sun. Among her cherished collection of books, one that holds a special place in her life is “The Alchemist”, a recent favorite that has left a lasting impression.

At the EY organization, we believe in celebrating the unique stories, strength and spirit of our colleagues. With "Humans of FSO," we aim to share these remarkable narratives from across Asia-Pacific Financial Services.

Are you considering EY?Asia-Pacific Financial Services for your next career move? Please get in touch with [email protected] or visit https://www.ey.com/en_gl/careers/financial-services to learn how you can build a career with EY Financial Services with purpose that’s unique to you.

The views reflected in this article are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the global EY organization or its member firms.