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ABOUT ANNA SOPHIE
Anna Sophie Herken is a trailblazing leader and Managing Director at GIZ, where she leverages her extensive experience in international development and finance to drive global change. As the founder of #DieNächste, she boldly addresses domestic violence, advocating for women's rights with unwavering courage. Her diverse career spans influential roles at Allianz, the World Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Anna's commitment to authenticity and empathy sets her apart, inspiring others to embrace their true selves in both personal and professional realms. A German-Swedish national, she holds a law degree and an MBA from the University of Cambridge, continually striving to create a more equitable and compassionate world.
DON'T BE AFRAID TO SPEAK UP AGAINST BIAS AND CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO. IT’S WHAT KEEPS YOU ALIGNED WITH YOUR TRUE VALUES.
Anna Sophie Herken
ANNA SOPHIE IN A NUTSHELL
Managing Director / Vorständin
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
area of expertise
Finance / Banking / Investment / Accounting Germany 🇩🇪
companies Anna Sophie has worked for
ANNA SOPHIE AS A LEADER
Anna's leadership philosophy is rooted in authenticity and empathy. She believes in being true to oneself, speaking openly about thoughts and feelings, and valuing people for who they are. Anna champions a leadership style that prioritizes empathy, low egos, and inclusivity, challenging the traditional notion of strongmanship. Her commitment to changing work culture to be free of bias and more human-centric reflects her dedication to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. Through her actions and beliefs, Anna inspires others to lead with compassion and integrity.
Leadership is not showing strengths.
Great Leaders display humbleness and empathy.
The future of leadership is human.
When I think of a leader, I think of leaders who put themselves in the 2nd row.
EMPOWER OTHERS THROUGH EMPATHY AND GENUINE APPRECIATION.
Anna Sophie Herken
ANNA ON NAVIGATING WORK-LIFE IMBALANCE AND LEADING WITH AUTHENTICITY
Anna, a dedicated professional in international development and a single mother of two, exemplifies the challenging yet fulfilling journey of balancing work and personal life. Her daily life is a mix of chaos and fulfillment, but she thrives by prioritizing what matters most — her family, friends, and genuine connections. Anna's leadership philosophy centers on being genuine and empathetic. By openly discussing her experiences with domestic violence, she aims to inspire and support others. By integrating her personal and professional life, she demonstrates that true success comes from being one's authentic self, maintaining transparency, and valuing relationships.
ANNA SOPHIE ON OVERCOMING BIAS AND PROMOTING GENDER EQUALITY IN LEADERSHIP
Anna's career in the male-dominated financial industry was marked by significant challenges, including bias against women and mothers. She tackled these obstacles head-on by openly addressing biases and advocating for gender equality. Her journey underscores the importance of speaking up, confronting societal expectations, and fostering an inclusive work environment. Anna's dedication to supporting new leaders, particularly women and girls, highlights her commitment to creating a better workplace. By sharing her story and championing equality, she inspires others to embrace their authentic selves and challenge the status quo.
TO BE A BETTER LEADER, BE YOURSELF, EMBRACE AUTHENTICITY, AND FOSTER AN ENVIRONMENT OF EMPATHY AND INCLUSIVITY. TRUE LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT INSPIRING AND SUPPORTING OTHERS TO BE THEIR BEST SELVES.
Anna Sophie on becoming a better leader
INTERVIEW
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