#PlayInTheTopLeague
Stay Strong
Katharina Apitius, Head of Sales EMEIR
“It was one of those situations where you have to decide: give up or push through? Seventeen years ago, my boss at the time sent me to the “Federal Association for Medical Technology.” “Unfortunately, I'm unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts,” he said. So I went to Berlin and was the only woman in one of their working groups, in a room full of CEOs of large US companies with whom, to make matters worse, we were also involved in a legal dispute. All men and me, neither a CEO nor a company owner.
Give up or keep going - that is the question
The first meeting was a gauntlet. “What are you doing here?” I was asked bluntly. A chicken bone flew across the table: “You like eating bones, don't you?” The message was clear – I was not welcome. When I got home, I was on the verge of giving up. But why should I leave the field? I gave myself a chance. I picked up the phone, spoke to each of them individually, politely asked, “Is it always like this here?” and understood the mechanisms. In the end, only two “werewolves” remained out of 15.
Steadfastness pays off
At the next meeting, I strategically sat next to someone who was sympathetic to my cause. Step by step, I gained trust. Years later, all of my original opponents had disappeared — but I remained. Today, I am one of the longest-serving members of these working groups and have even been elected as one of the group's spokespersons. One of my former “adversaries” once said to me, “You know what? You're a great woman, just in the wrong company.”
This experience taught me that steadfastness pays off. Courage opens doors. And those who lead with conviction can change things – for themselves and for others.”
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