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ABOUT SILVIA
Silvia Kaupa-Götzl, an Austrian-born leader with a Dutch heritage, has built a remarkable career in law and mobility. After training as a lawyer and working in Vienna, Leiden, and London, she transitioned to leadership roles at ÖBB, Austria's largest mobility company. For nearly a decade, she served as CFO of ÖBB-Postbus, Austria’s largest bus company. Silvia is a passionate advocate for humility, respect, and empowerment in leadership, always striving to transform organizations and inspire others.
SUCCESS IS DEFINED BY WHAT MAKES YOU A HAPPY AND CONTENT PERSON, NOT BY OTHERS' EXPECTATIONS.
Silvia Kaupa-Götzl
SILVIA IN A NUTSHELL
Former Board Member
Österreichische Postbus
area of expertise
General Management Sustainability & CSR Austria 🇦🇹
companies Silvia has worked for
SILVIA AS A LEADER
Silvia believes that success is a deeply personal journey, defined by what brings happiness and fulfillment rather than external accolades. She values authenticity, humility, and respect, understanding that leadership is about empowering others, being open about emotions, and embracing both strengths and weaknesses. Silvia champions the idea that leadership is not about being the best, but about making others feel valued and supported.
Leadership is not ever thinking that you are a better or more clever than any of your employees or partners.
great leaders listen, care and encourage.
The future of leadership is for everyone.
When I think of a leader, I think of people with heart and courage who have left an impact on other people, such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Kaja Kallas.
TRUE LEADERSHIP IS EMPOWERING OTHERS WHILE STAYING GROUNDED AND TRUE TO YOURSELF.
Silvia Kaupa-Götzl
SILVIA ON REDEFINING SUCCESS THROUGH PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Silvia believes that success is not a one-size-fits-all concept but something deeply personal, defined by what brings happiness and contentment. For her, success is about being free to make her own decisions, enjoying her work, and feeling satisfied with her life. This philosophy has guided her career, helping her navigate challenges with a sense of purpose and authenticity. By prioritizing what truly matters to her, she has built a fulfilling career and personal life.
SILVIA ON BALANCING EMPATHY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN LEADERSHIP
Silvia emphasizes the importance of showing emotions and being open about vulnerabilities in leadership. She believes that empathy is often misunderstood as a lack of commerciality, but in reality, it strengthens team cohesion and performance. However, balancing empathy with accountability is crucial. Silvia has learned that while it’s important to connect with and support her team, she also needs to maintain high standards and ensure that goals are met. This balance is key to her leadership success.
EVERY DECISION I'VE MADE, GOOD AND BAD, HAS SHAPED MY LEADERSHIP SKILLS—REMINDING ME TO STAY HUMBLE, TREAT PEOPLE WITH RESPECT, AND ALWAYS FIND JOY IN WORK.
Silvia on becoming a better leader
INTERVIEW
IN CONVERSATION WITH POSTBUS' BOARD MEMBER - SILVIA KAUPA-GÖTZL
Our leaders’ interviews are honest conversations with female CEOs and board members in different industries sharing inspiring stories and hands-on career advice on how to climb the career ladder.
For the very first edition of our leaders’ interviews, we look to the transportation industry, a largely male-dominated field across the world, with few exceptions. We sat down with Silvia Kaupa-Götzl, board member at the largest bus company in Austria, Österreichische Postbus AG.
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