At CWS Hygiene, developing our employees plays an important role in accelerating gender equality. Today, on International Women's Day, under the motto 'Accelerate Action', we would like to put the spotlight on Alexa Bienasch from Customer Care. A woman who has developed herself and her career with us and has grown with us. She is an example of how equality is not just a vision, but a process that is lived every day at CWS Hygiene.
Alexa, can you tell us a bit about your career and your role at CWS Hygiene?
I am in my 21st year at CWS and started out as a single mother working part-time in the field service planning department. Someone quickly spotted my talent for being structured and organised, and that's how I've progressed from Telesales Support Team Leader to Management Assistant to my current role as PKB Department Manager. I've been doing this since 2013.
This year's theme for International Women's Day is ‘Accelerate Action’. What does this theme mean to you personally and professionally?
Gender equality should not just be an empty phrase; we have to live it every day and I have only had good experiences as a woman in our company. I have never taken less seriously than my male colleagues. Supporting and encouraging women to pursue their goals is an important goal for us at CWS Hygiene, so I encourage any woman who wants to develop here. A good example of this is Natalia Stalis, who started with me in PKB and is now very successful in sales and has already won awards.
What role do mentoring and support play in your career development and how do you pass this on to your team?
It is very important to believe in people, to trust them and above all to encourage, challenge, praise and generally talk about everything. Open communication is essential. Mistakes are human and happen wherever people work. I always try to be transparent and approachable, open and honest, and encourage people to go the extra mile and believe in themselves.
How do you deal with challenges that specifically affect women in management positions?
With courage and faith in myself. My mum, who is almost 93, always says 'you can do anything, but you have to believe in yourself'. I believe that if you are honest with yourself and your strengths and weaknesses, you can achieve anything. When it comes to things I'm not good at or where I know I can't succeed, I'm honest about that and find a solution or a colleague who can do it better.
How has CWS Hygiene supported you in your career and which initiatives have helped you in particular?
I have always been supported by people at CWS who believed in me. Listening is important, but it only works if you communicate on an equal footing, and I always found a sympathetic ear.
Do you have any advice for young women who want to pursue a career in management?
Start small, don't aim too high too fast, set goals, listen, learn, be flexible, don't get bent. Have the courage of your convictions and, above all, of yourself. Listen to everyone, from all areas, and put the pieces of the puzzle together. I can only be successful if I know all areas and can think outside the box. And most importantly.... don't let yourself be led astray.
Thank you for this inspiring conversation!