Women@Work

Since January 2019, the?Women@Work?network at?Allianz?Technology and Allianz Services has given?women employees?the chance to network with other?women across the?organization.??

In the last?Women@Work?session,?Lara Diener,?Head?of?Business Applications Office, shared her?experience?as?Allianz Technology's youngest executive.?

Lara, why?did you decide to join this network and?mentor?other colleagues???

"I sometimes witness women play down or almost?apologize?for their knowledge, skills, and abilities. I?want to encourage?women to not underestimate their?capabilities and accept?the fact that women are just as?competent as their male?counterparts.?

I am?proud to be?the youngest Executive of Allianz?technology, but it?makes me even more proud that I never in?my career at?Allianz had the feeling that I achieved?something?because or despite?I am?a women. I owe a great?deal to?the people who have believed in me and?mentored,?coached, and guided me along the road. Thank?you?Jordi?Balcells, Arne Benzin and Andrea Pettinelli. That?is?why?I have?made it my goal to assist other female?(and male)?colleagues and the next generation of?exceptional leaders.?

I am?glad to be part of the?Women@Work network, which provides?a supportive environment and allowed me to give back?to the community?by sharing my story and encouraging?other women to?achieve theirs."

You have?been many years with Allianz Technology. Which?are the achievements?you are?most proud of?

"This journey to where?I am?today?has not?been a straight?line. It has its twists and turns. I learned early on in life that?the world?doesn't?owe you anything. But the diversity of?experiences?I've?gained by taking roles that are different?from one another has allowed me to become a more well-rounded individual who is prepared for whatever might be?around the corner.?

One fact that?I am?very proud of is to look at the network?and support system?I have?grown over my years at Allianz. I?know I can always rely on my colleagues, get honest?feedback and constantly challenge each other to reach?beyond what is considered possible."

What would you suggest to other young professionals?

"First, establish your credibility early on in your career. We all?were hired to perform a job, so go out and perform the job?and deliver your results. Take ownership and dare to lead.?Leadership?is not?defined by your title or your level in the?hierarchy.?

Second is to invest the time to build a strong network around?you. Allianz is a truly global company with a very diverse?workforce. Make use of this unique opportunity to constantly?get new ideas and perspectives which will help you grow.?

And third, keep learning and constantly invest in your own?development. We too often forget about taking the time to?actively grow our toolbox." - Lara Diener.

Thoughts? Comment below ????