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New Perspectives on Leadership and Negotiation
Right at the beginning, a panel featuring Laura Kronen, Sabine Scheunert and Maria Grazia Davino made one thing clear: women often approach negotiations differently than men – more systemically, more communicatively and less driven by power. However, they remain underrepresented, especially in major deal-making, and are still more visible in traditional HR roles.
The speakers called for greater courage to be visible and less perfectionism. It is crucial to start early – through education and upbringing, as well as by encouraging a more playful approach to competition. International comparisons, particularly with China, show how quickly progress (“China speed”) can be achieved through targeted support. At the same time, the importance of “sisterhood” was emphasized: networks and mutual support are key success factors.
Notably, many of the panelists reported that their careers were also enabled by targeted support from male leaders – not least because there are still too few women in top positions.
Performance, Brand and Community: BMW M as a Success Model
Silvia Neubauer, Vice President Customer, Brand and Sales at BMW M, highlighted the importance of a strong brand focus. The brand is clearly positioned: “Born on the racetrack – made for the streets.” Motorsport DNA is consistently translated into everyday life and forms the foundation of a passionate community.
BMW M strategically focuses on community building, for example through car clubs or exclusive limited editions such as the “VR46 Edition,” limited to 46 vehicles, in collaboration with MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi – including personal experiences at his home track.
New target groups are also being addressed strategically: influencers, street artists and brand ambassadors such as racing driver Samantha Tan contribute to the cultural positioning of the brand. At the same time, BMW M is driving electrification forward – including a fully electric version of the M3. An accompanying documentary series (“BMW M Electrified”) actively involves the community in this transformation process.
Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone: Making Women Visible
Anika Stappenbeck, CHRO of Volkswagen, placed a strong focus on the promotion of women. Her credo: “Step out of the comfort zone.” Visibility is key – as is transparency regarding talent and career paths.
Volkswagen has already made progress, for example with two women in plant management. At the same time, much remains to be done, particularly regarding fair pay and structural equality. Her advice: find allies, clearly articulate ideas and actively make your voice heard.
Artificial Intelligence: Great Potential, Limited Adoption
Another key topic was the use of artificial intelligence in companies. Despite high expectations, most organizations currently use AI in only a few application areas – often in fewer than five, as reported by Isabel Hartung.
The discussion made it clear: technological change requires not only investment, but above all new capabilities and a shift in organizational mindset.
Future Skills: From CVs to Capabilities
A masterclass highlighted that we are moving from the information age into a transformation age – characterized by constant acceleration. Traditional CVs are losing importance, while verifiable skills are becoming increasingly relevant.
Companies are increasingly focusing on skill management and individual competency profiles. Investing in education at an early stage is crucial to closing digital skill gaps. Among the key skills of the future are:
- Adaptability and willingness to learn
- Systems thinking
- Digital and technological competence
- Communication skills
- Decision-making capability
Electromobility Between Regulation and Market Dynamics
The transition to electromobility remains complex. In another masterclass, Hogan Lovells partners Jessica Goetsch and Melanie Schub discussed key challenges: regulatory requirements, data protection, raw material availability, charging infrastructure and global competitiveness.
Rethinking Leadership: Responsibility Over Power
A panel featuring experienced executives Imelda Labbé, Gaby Luise Wüst and Sevilay Gökkaya illustrated how leadership is evolving. For all of them, their first leadership role was the most challenging – but also a strong vote of confidence from their managers at the time.
Modern leadership today means above all:
- Creating clarity and transparency
- Taking responsibility
- Making decisions despite uncertainty
Power is seen less as a status symbol and more as a tool for decision-making. Especially in complex systems with many interdependencies, a systemic perspective is essential.
Interestingly, women are often appointed to leadership roles when situations are particularly new or high-risk – a challenge that also presents significant opportunities.
Informal Networks as a Success Factor
An often underestimated aspect is informal power structures – particularly in the automotive industry. Those who want to succeed must understand and actively use them. “Build your sensors,” advised Imelda Labbé: observe, listen and recognize where decisions are actually being shaped.
Conclusion: Transformation Requires Courage, Capability and Diversity
The event clearly demonstrated that the transformation of industry is not only technological, but above all cultural. It is about new leadership models, greater diversity and the ability to deal with uncertainty.
Or, as one of the speakers put it:
“It’s about impact – and about simply getting things done. Without fear.”
