Mixed Leadership in Hamburg: Recognizing Potential – Growing Stronger Together

On May 29, 2026, our managing director, Béatrice Fenske, accepted a special invitation: Senator Dr. Melanie Leonhard and the Department for Economy, Labour and Innovation had invited female executives from all over Hamburg to the historic house of the Patriotische Gesellschaft – for a networking event under the guiding theme of Mixed Leadership and the targeted promotion of women in leadership positions.

The event kicked off with an impressive presentation by Isabel Matthiessen, Managing Director of D.H.W. Schultz Group. She described her personal journey as a leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry and emphasized how crucial it is to recognize and foster potential regardless of gender, origin, or outdated stereotypes.

What was particularly thought-provoking: Despite all progress, talents in business and society are still too often pigeonholed. Thinking in rigid stereotypes – from childhood heroes to everyday professional life – costs us as a society considerable economic and human potential.

The afternoon not only provided inspiration but also genuine exchange: We made new contacts, including with representatives from Haspa and the food industry, and experienced how a vibrant network of female executives emerges – one that learns from and strengthens each other.

For NST, Mixed Leadership is more than just a topic – it's an attitude. We sincerely thank Senator Dr. Melanie Leonhard and the Department for Economy, Labour and Innovation for this inspiring invitation.

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