Sharing experience - fostering talent
Dr. Martina Kolb-Pieper has set up a network to support young female managers in technical professions, offering them a platform for exchange and development through coaching. As an experienced production and operations manager, Dr. Kolb-Pieper knows the particular challenges that women in technical professions often face. Doubts about their competence, gender stereotypes and a lack of role models often make it difficult for young women to develop their full potential.
After joining Freudenberg Performance Materials (FPM), she decided to pass on her many years of experience and create a network for young female colleagues.
“It is all about gaining new perspectives from colleagues in similar situations, as this often leads to creative solutions.”
Dr. Martina Kolb-Pieper
Together with FPM's Human Resources (HR) department, she initiated the "Female Technical Leaders Program" in 2023 - an internal company platform where female leaders from traditionally male-dominated technical fields can exchange ideas.
As a trained business coach, Kolb-Pieper and her HR colleagues provide a safe space where challenges can be discussed and feedback can be obtained through peer coaching. "It is all about gaining new perspectives from colleagues in similar situations, as this often leads to creative solutions," explains Kolb-Pieper.
Promoting visibility
What began as a pilot group in Weinheim has now been rolled out globally. In addition to the German group, there is now a European and two American networks.
"I really appreciate the opportunity to exchange ideas with other female executives in the technical field. The commonalities of our issues - regardless of position, location or team - are remarkable," says Fanny Saurma, Manager R&D and pilot group participant from Weinheim.
FPM's management also actively supports the initiative. "With this programme, we are promoting equal opportunities and the visibility of female leaders in the technical field," emphasises Nico Münter, Senior Vice President Human Resources. "In this way, we are helping to unlock the full potential of diverse operational leadership teams."
Another strong advocate is CTO John McNabb, who shares Kolb-Pieper's vision of expanding the programme even further. "Women leaders are an important part of FPM, and I hope that through this programme we can create a strong network," says McNabb. Soon the network will form more groups in Europe and expand to Asia. "A common cultural background can help with these issues," emphasises Kolb-Pieper.
Kolb-Pieper sees her involvement as part of a long-term development that should make it easier for women to prove themselves in technical professions without gender bias. "I hope that technical skills will be recognised regardless of gender. If we are successful, this will promote the normality of women in technology - that is my goal". Dr. Martina Kolb-Pieper has a doctorate in chemistry and started her career in yarn and machinery development with a British-American company. She managed a saw blade company in the USA and later became managing director of a manufacturer of waste water filtration systems. She joined FPM in 2014. In her free time, Kolb-Pieper enjoys travelling and outdoor activities.