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ABOUT CATHARINA
Catharina Riess, Director of Media House at the Vienna Tourist Board, leads with a blend of humility, empathy, and a global perspective shaped by her experiences around the world. A champion of female leadership, she believes that everyone has the potential to lead, and strives to make a positive impact through her work. Catharina’s approach to leadership is guided by reflection, resilience, and the desire to empower the next generation of leaders.
LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT CREATING A SPACE WHERE EVERYONE FEELS VALUED, HEARD, AND INSPIRED TO CONTRIBUTE.
Catharina Riess
CATHARINA IN A NUTSHELL
Director Media House
Vienna Tourist Board
area of expertise
Entertainment Austria 🇦🇹
companies Catharina has worked for
CATHARINA AS A LEADER
Catharina believes that true leadership is rooted in humility, empathy, and the courage to stay true to oneself. Success is personal and defined by the goals one sets, not by societal expectations. Through experience, both with people and tasks, Catharina has honed her ability to lead with understanding, making decisions quickly and effectively while ensuring that her leadership leaves a positive impact on those around her.
Leadership is not a chore.
Great Leaders are humble leaders.
The future of leadership is female.
When I think of a leader, I think of women that paved the way for others to follow.
SUCCESS IS WHEN YOU ACHIEVE WHAT YOU SET OUT TO DO, REGARDLESS OF OTHERS' EXPECTATIONS.
Catharina Riess
CATHARINA ON THE CHALLENGES OF BALANCING WORK AND FAMILY LIFE
Catharina seized one of her greatest leadership opportunities when she returned to full-time work after having twins. Defying traditional norms, she took the courageous decision to move abroad with her family to take on a global leadership role. Her strategy was bold yet straightforward: Take the leap and tackle each challenge step by step! Catharina’s journey exemplifies the strength of resilient leadership, the power of self-confidence, and the importance challenging outdated conventions to achieve a balance between personal aspirations and professional impact.
CATHARINA ON EMBRACING HUMILITY AND EMPATHY IN A CHANGING WORLD
Catharina believes that true leadership is grounded in humility and empathy. However, the challenge arises when reporting to leaders who do not value these traits. Navigating this dynamic requires not only personal conviction but also the ability to "sell" the benefits of empathetic leadership to skeptics. Her experience highlights the ongoing transformation of leadership paradigms, where success is increasingly tied to understanding and uplifting others rather than commanding them.
EXPERIENCE BUILDS EMPATHY AND SHARPENS DECISION-MAKING—TWO KEYS TO EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP.
Catharina on becoming a better leader
INTERVIEW
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