International business leaders come together to discuss gender equality and promote change

Ildiko Kovacs, Head of Location Communications of Tire Division at Continental, was one of the keynote speakers at the GISMA Business School event.

On Wednesday 31 January, GISMA Business School hosted a networking event looking at the role of women in business. The ‘Change the Face of Leadership: Accelerate Women’s Career Growth’ event was organised in collaboration with career development firm IMPACT Group.

Over 80 professionals came together to engage in a critical conversation on accelerating the careers of women. The event’s aim was to address the reality of gender parity in business and experts were invited to look at the current situation and identify solutions.

The day hosted keynote speeches from Ildiko Kovacs, Head of Locations Communications – Tire Division at Continental, and Marcia Mueller, VP Global Leadership Development at IMPACT Group.  They then joined a panel of business professionals – including Mali Baum, Stephen Boyle and Isabel Meneses – to address the topic, and participants were further encouraged to discuss the subject during a networking event.

The list of guests featured representatives from some of the biggest international companies including Uniper SE, Tesla Germany, and Rolls Royce – who also contributed on shaping the agenda.

Speakers and members of the panel at Change the Face of Leadership: Accelerate Women’s Career Growth, from left to right: – Isabel Meneses – MBA Student at Porto Business School – Ildiko Kovacs- Head of Location Communications at Tire Division, Continental – Dr. Stephen Boyle – Lecturer atUCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School – Dr.Thorsten Thiel -Managing Director at GISMA Business School – Marcia Mueller -Vice President of Leadership Development at IMPACT Group – Benjamin Lorch – Head of GISMA Berlin Campus – Mali Baum – International Business Development Specialist & Co-Founder of Wi (Women’s Influencer).

Dr. Thorsten Thiel, Managing Director at GISMA Business School, said: “In Germany and many European countries the question around gender equality in the job market is an important point of debate. With this event we wanted to explore what can be done systematically to tackle this issue from a corporate and business perspective.”

Marcia Mueller, VP Global Leadership Development at IMPACT Group, said: “The topic of gender parity is not a concern for just one company, one industry, or even one country.  It is a global business issue being discussed worldwide. Maximising all talent in the workplace is a competitive advantage and just good business. Each of the panellists and speakers were from different countries and cultures, bringing diverse perspectives to the audience.

“We are excited to continue to partner with GISMA in the future, where we can bring an innovative blend of education and practical leadership experience through one-to-one coaching. We see GISMA setting the standard for future international business studies.”

GISMA Business School students were also invited to the event, along with members of the Girls Gearing Up Women in Business Group on campus. GISMA also launched its first student association, led by GISMA student Alexa Casanova, in November 2017, aiming to support women in business through panel discussions, company visits, and other activities.

“Women in Business is very important to us and this event is a testimony of the commitment we have towards our students, beyond our academic duties,” concluded Dr. Thiel.

The topic of accelerating women’s careers is very important to us”, said Marcia Mueller,IMPACT Group’sVice President of Leadership Development,at the GISMA Business School event.

Thorsten Thiel, Managing Director at GISMA Business School: “The question around gender equality in the job market is an important point of debate.”

GISMA students were invited to the event, along with members of the Girls Gearing Up: Women in Business Group on campus.