top of page
ABOUT INES
Ines Imdahl is the CEO and Founder of rheingold salon GmbH & Co.KG, one of Germany's most renowned market research agencies. Despite being told she wasn’t suited for academia, Ines defied the odds, self-financed her education, and pursued her passion with unwavering determination. Her early career in management consultancy ended abruptly due to her "unmanageable" nature—a trait she turned into her greatest strength by becoming an entrepreneur. Ines has since co-authored two books, raised four children, and was honored as one of Germany's 40 over 40 most influential women. She is a vocal advocate for human-centered leadership, believing that empathy, complexity, and sensitivity are the keys to making a real difference in the world.
DON'T LISTEN TO WHAT YOU'RE TOLD. YOU'RE NOT TOO BOSSY, NOT TOO MODEST AND THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH YOUR DREAMS. JUST FOLLOW YOUR DREAM ANYWAY.
Ines Imdahl
INES IN A NUTSHELL
CEO and Founder
rheingold salon
area of expertise
Market Research Marketing / Communications / PR / Advertising Consulting Germany 🇩🇪
companies Ines has worked for
INES AS A LEADER
Ines believes that leadership is about being human—combining the strengths of both feminine and masculine qualities. She advocates for a leadership style that values vulnerability as a strength, fostering mutual understanding and deeper connections within teams. For Ines, true leadership is not about perfection or omniscience but about the courage to make mistakes and learn from them.
Leadership is not to decide everything or pretend to know everything. It's not about omniscience or perfection.
Great leaders are human, sensitive and always ready to make new mistakes in order to learn.
The future of leadership is human leadership beyond all theories.
When I think of a leader, I think of Kamala Harris - as she turned her image in less than a few weeks, just by being kind and human.
THE BEST LEADERSHIP I CAN IMAGINE IS HUMAN LEADERSHIP. IT COMBINES THE STRENGTHS OF THE FEMININE AND THE MASCULINE.
Ines Imdahl
INES ON PARENTHOOD X LEADERSHIP
Ines and her partner have developed a unique model to balance career and parenthood over 24 years, despite both working full-time. Their strategy involves alternating long and short workdays, ensuring equal participation in both professional and parental duties. This model not only avoids the typical pitfalls of part-time work but also shares the load of household responsibilities, leading to a more equitable partnership. It is a testament to how leadership at home can translate into leadership at work, providing a template for others looking to balance career and family life effectively.
INES ON OVERCOMING IMPOSTER SYNDROME
Ines acknowledges self-doubt as a common trait among female leaders, often perceived as a weakness but a potential strength. She believes that this self-doubt fosters careful reflection and correction, countering the often unchecked risk-taking seen in male-dominated environments. By embracing and addressing imposter syndrome, Ines encourages women to see it as a tool for growth rather than a barrier, thus redefining what it means to lead with authenticity and confidence.
DON'T COPY MALE LEADERSHIP STYLES. FOCUS ON FEMALE STRENGTHS: COMPLEXITY, EMPATHY, SENSITIVITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Ines on becoming a better leader
INTERVIEW
bottom of page