It is a huge honour to be able to tell part of my story on International Women’s Day, especially considering that my peers have had amazing careers and are clearly among the very best in their respective fields.
With regard to breaking biases, I have to recognize that I come from a position of privilege, having always benefitted from structural advantages in Germany and Europe as well as from the continuous support of friends and family. Nevertheless, it can be quite challenging to be a young professional in a field that is still comparatively male-dominated, especially in the more senior positions. There have been times when my ambition was questioned, and I was asked why I was bothering to be working already instead of spending more time in university or traveling. At a networking event, I was once told that speaking to me was pleasant, when it came to business topics, my conversation partner would rather speak to one of my male superiors. These statements were rare exceptions, and while I understand that having to prove one’s competence to others is only natural, it makes it easy to feel like an imposter or question my own abilities.
It is through the work with my colleagues that I feel more and more comfortable sharing my thoughts and ideas in these situations. Eleven of my 27 German colleagues are women, and all of them are absolutely inspiring. They are smart, confident, strong, and kind all at the same time and never miss a chance to raise each other up. Every single member of our Ankura team is hard-working, generous, and supportive. That is what makes Ankura unique and what makes me proud and grateful to be a part of this team.
I have recently joined the board of ASIS International’s German chapter and am now responsible for the initiative “Women in Security.” My goal is to continue my predecessor’s legacy in building a platform for women in the industry to connect and support each other. Additionally, I hope to ensure that as many women as possible get the chance to learn from such amazing role models as I have.
This post is part of a series as Ankura celebrates International Women's Day. We recognize significant achievements, honor traditions, and celebrate our colleagues. We are excited to share the stories of female professionals at our Firm throughout the year.
