#ThisLittleGirlIsMe

This little girl grew up in a rural area in Germany. No one had a clue on where her future will bring her, neither herself. All she wanted was playing tabletennis. Besides that she was navigating camouflaged through the days by meeting the expectations of the world around her. She was intimidated by the self-esteem of everyone, as she was a late developer in all aspects. Most of the time she was „the little sister of“. She did not talk a lot, clearly not in classes, as she could not manage the attention. When she was trying hard to participate in classes in order to improve her marks, she had terrible setback moments, when for a example a teacher told her, that „he acknolewdged her attempt to participate, but as the contribution is so naive, it is better to remain silent.“

A break through in life came, when she had to select her professional education. Trusting in results of tests, marks and analysis of others, her path was recommended to become a correctional officer. A young intimidated afraid of everyone women, was supposed to work in prison? It was the moment she realized, that she must learn to find out, what she wants and what she is interested in. So she started thinking about what she enjoys. And she found out, that she is good in chemistry and maths and loves everything about food. As a conclusion, she surprised herself and her surrounding by studying food engineering!

She started working as process engineer and was fulfilled and happy with her job. She was really good in what she did. So the expectation on her grew to develop career ambition, which she did not have at that time. Forced by the pressure of the surrounding, she applied for jobs, she was not passionate for. Resulting in interview feedback telling her, that „her CV suits the role perfectly but in the last 30 minutes of interview, she has proven, that one cannot trust her work.“ Setback. Only three years after that feedback she realized, what she really wanted next and went for it. Succesful.

This girl learnt during her journey in life that all the loud intimidating people are not necessarily better than her. She had great support of her parents and mentors, that helped her to experience, that her voice equally matters. The same experience, as she had in early years, when she was playing tabletennis. She learnt to focus much more on herself, not being afraid about not knowing, where her career will bring her. And today she is a plant manager leading two chocolate production facilities. And again in that recruitment process, she was confronted with a statement of the hiring team that „there is a 80% likelihood, that she would fail“. But nowadays, she can handle such comments. Many years ago, she would have not. Nowadays she is walking through the supermarket being proud of how her work is impacting the world…still camouflaged, not because she is intimidaded or afraid, but because she did it her way.

Her advise to the girls and young women is to have trust in yourself. There is no wrong in your decisions as long as you know why you made them. Have empathy with yourself and be brave enough to listen to it. Take your steps and

more, much more than this … Do it your way.

Her advice to the parents, leaders, mentors and sponsors is: Choose yours words wisely, because your feedback matters.