How did you feel after making these hard choices?

With our custody arrangement – the children spending alternate weeks with my ex-husband and me – I suddenly had more time for myself and for self-reflection. I had made this change, this act of saying “no” visible to the world around me and also to myself. This was a liberating experience. At the same time, I was initially overwhelmed with the question of what I truly wanted and needed.

Was this the time of your next #believeinyourself moment?

Over time, things became easier and I grew into my newly found self-confident me. Now it was time to explore what new career paths I could take. What did I actually want out of life? Was I ready to develop further? The managing director of sSC, had previously asked me several times if I wanted to become a trainer and join the “Navigator” development programme, but I had always hesitated. Of course, I had many doubts and questions. Would I be able handle my new responsibilities time-wise? What if one of my kids got sick? Was I up to the task?

How did you overcome this obstacle?

I felt that it was the right time for me. I had a manager who believed in me and encouraged me to take the next step.

I gathered all my courage and self-confidence and said, “Yes, I want to do this! I’m ready to grow and develop further. And our managing director supported me by saying, “Lisa, we can do this!”

How do you feel about this step today?

I’m very happy with my choice! Since joining the “Navigator Programme” in October last year, I’ve learned many things, for example how to lead my first working group. Additionally, I’m involved in several other internal sSC projects. I’ve grown, and I’m a long way from being done.

Despite some setbacks, I can say with pride that I’m making steady progress – both professionally and personally. I can now meet my ex-husband on equal terms. 

Do women need a different kind of leadership to reach their full potential?

I think that women often require more encouragement and affirmation to pursue new opportunities. In many cases, the support and belief from others is the push they need to believe in themselves. 

I’m very fortunate to have strong female role models from whom I can learn a lot. Witnessing first-hand what can be achieved gives you the momentum you need to foster self-belief and personal growth. My mentor in the Navigator programme has shared many valuable insights from her own experience, as have many other great people in my work environment and in my personal life.

What would you like to pass on to your children?

My goal is that my children see it as a given that their mum works, and I want them to be proud of having a mum who balances a career and family life. It’s important to me that my boys learn to treat girls and women, and indeed everybody they encounter, with respect. That they perceive household chores and becoming independent as natural responsibilities.

I want them to understand how important it is to make something of themselves and to support their future partners. I also teach them that it’s important to be smart with money and that not all pocket money needs to go towards candy or Pokémon cards.

What would you like to pass on to your readers?

Essentially, the same thing I tell my kids. And also that hard choices and change in general are painful at first, but they pave the way for new and wonderful things to emerge. I’m grateful to our managing director, my mentors, my colleagues, and the many wonderful people in my work environment for their belief in me and their support during times I needed it most. This has given me strength in both my personal life and as I navigate the next steps in my career. To all of you, I say: You’re not alone. And from the bottom of my heart, I encourage you to believe in yourself! 

Happy Mother’s Day!