My Path to Empowerment

I have been deeply engaged in self-reflection for quite some time. Challenges and opportunities in both my personal and professional life have been constant triggers for questions: When am I most true to myself? Where do I find my sense of purpose? What drives me to succeed? Why do I pursue my goals? Who can support and inspire me on my journey? As a woman, I have also faced some specific obstacles, such as dealing with stereotypes and biases, and finding my voice and confidence. Being part of Südzucker Group BENEO employees can participate at the company’s “Empowering Women Workshop”. So, this year’s call for application came just in time for me.

The Heart of the Seminars

In Bad Nauheim, Germany, six remarkable women came together for two days in May and June, with the guidance of our outstanding coach, Susan Meinl.
The first module was quite a ride through understanding and navigating our roles, self-awareness, empowerment and presence. Susan equipped us with a huge toolbox of techniques and exercises. We practiced individually, in pairs or as a group. We examined our roles and corresponding expectations, personal talents, strengths, values, needs and tackled limiting beliefs that actually many women share. The focus extended to taking personal responsibility, building resilience, practicing self-care, and embracing a growth mindset. Furthermore, we delved into projecting charisma, advocating for ourselves, and enhancing our visibility.

In the second module of the workshop we explored why emotional intelligence, particularly in the era of rising artificial intelligence, is set to become an essential skill for managing emotions and navigating complex social interactions. Also, the importance of building relationships through empathy and creating connection was emphasised. We also talked about effective communication strategies like setting boundaries, resolving conflicts, and providing constructive feedback. The “Empowering Women” at Südzucker workshop concluded with a discussion on the significance of political and collective intelligence.

One impactful moment for me was the reflection of the milestones in my life as an actual path I walked along in the conference room. Going through the challenges, both positive and negative, and realising the resources I have gained through them was very intense but has created a sense of pride and gratitude.

Connections and Conversations

I didn’t know any of the women and it was a diverse group from different divisions and departments of Südzucker Group. Susan helped us quickly develop a very warm, open and safe atmosphere where we could share our experiences, thoughts and feelings freely. Through this, we learned from and inspired each other, identified similar hurdles, and created sustainable connections. I appreciated that we had the chance to do this outside the regular work environment, in a nice city with a beautiful park where we enjoyed joint walks.

The “Empowerment Circle”, conducted both in person during the workshop and virtually in the following weeks and month, was and is particularly impressive to me. One of us shared a challenging condition, and Susan guided us through this supervision technique that focuses on empathetic listening, deep reflection and collective insight. This is a very connecting and constructive group experience, demonstrating in a practical way how collective growth works. I am confident that we will be able to apply this method to support each other in the future.

Lessons Learned: A Personal Transformation

One of the most valuable aspects of the workshop was to discover and define who I am as a person and a professional. I enjoyed creating my personal canvas with my strengths, values, needs, and aspirations. For sure this is something that I will review from time to time. I also appreciated Susan’s encouragement to seek feedback from those who know me well. This helped me to see myself more clearly and to identify my blind spots and areas of improvement.

These lessons have started to influence my perspective and approach at work in several ways. First, I’ve become more mindful of my abilities and beliefs, and how they connect with those of my team and the company. This has helped me feel more engaged in pursuing my goals. Second, I’m now even more attentive to the needs and feelings of my colleagues and more open to learning from others. This has motivated me to collaborate more actively and exchange ideas across functions more frequently.

Values: A Shared Vision for the Future

The seminar provided a profound opportunity for ongoing personal development that reaches into many areas of personal and professional life. Next to my role as Manager Nutrition Communication I am also active as one of BENEO’s value manager. In this role I appreciate how my values align with the Südzucker Group’s and BENEO’s guiding principles. They do not only complement each other, but also guide my work, attitude, and interaction with colleagues, and external stakeholders. Values are not just about creating a better atmosphere; they’re driving success at all levels.

Taking Action: Steps Towards Change

The “Empowering Women” program at Südzucker Group offers a unique chance to connect with colleagues across the company’s divisions. Our initial sessions with our group of six women, underscored the importance of different perspectives and also created a strong sense of belonging and solidarity. The shared insights and stories have been inspiring and have strengthened our bonds. This experience highlights the value of the wider female network as a great resource for mutual growth.

To build upon the momentum we’ve created, I intend to stay connected with the other participants, regularly reaching out, sharing resources, celebrating achievements, and offering help to each other when needed. By actively engaging with the “Empowering Women” community with more than 50 women meanwhile, we can continue to inspire one another in our professional journeys and cultivate a more collaborative and supportive culture.

Call for Collective Progress

Undoubtedly, women face similar obstacles in both personal and professional spheres. This makes it very valuable to have a female network within the company for support, encouragement, and exchange of experiences. Yet, self-discovery, personal development, and realising untapped potential is crucial for everyone regardless of gender distinctions.

Therefore, it is encouraging to witness that Südzucker Group is not only continuing this initiative, but also expanding its scope from “Empowering Women” to the pilot “Empowering You” to include all genders in supporting a fair and gender balanced work culture. The journey has just started. Let’s continue in growing together and shaping change.