Elisabeth Promberger, Chairwoman of the Management of REWE Region South

one: Ms Promberger, you have been a mentor in the Women's Drive programme since this year. How did this come about?

Elisabeth Promberger: As a long-time REWE employee, I think it's important to be actively involved in REWE Group's women's development programme in order to encourage and inspire other women to go their own way. That's why I proactively signed up for the programme.

At the start of last year's management conference in Berlin, I joined my colleagues on the podium for the first time in my new position as Chairwoman of the Management Board of the Southern Region and member of the national management of REWE Germany - not because of my gender, but because of my many years of experience in the REWE world and my extensive internal network.

After the panel discussion, several female colleagues approached me and asked about my professional career and possible career tips. These conversations made it clear to me that I was able to show interesting perspectives and alternative paths through my diverse tasks and stations. I enjoyed the interaction.

It is always important to me to advocate for diversity. Diversity generates new ideas and solutions and together we simply achieve the best results.

one: Why is a balanced gender ratio in management positions important to you?

Elisabeth Promberger : The track record of diversity is clearly proven. At the beginning of my career, I was advised to dress as masculine as possible and to emphasise male characteristics. That was 18 years ago, but I still sometimes hear that today. Yet it is precisely people with different experiences who are important for our company and who complement each other in the team in the best possible way.

Furthermore, a balanced gender ratio is also important to ensure equal opportunities and to act as a role model in a modern society in terms of corporate responsibility. It is therefore a decisive step towards a more equal and diverse working world.

one: Why do we need a development programme for women like Women's Drive?

Elisabeth Promberger : Compared to men, women often doubt their abilities. Take a job advertisement as an example: a woman fulfils 90 percent of the requirements but hesitates to apply, while a man takes the initiative with only 50 percent. This is of course a stereotype. Nevertheless, it strikes me that women need to be encouraged more to apply for management positions. It is therefore important that programmes such as Women's Drive aim to boost women's self-confidence without diminishing men's abilities.

one: What was that like for you?

Elisabeth Promberger : Thanks to my many years of experience in competitive sport, I was able to develop my self-confidence at a young age and train strengthening characteristics such as assertiveness and goal-orientation. As team captain, I was also able to gain my first leadership experience at an early age.

one: What do you enjoy most about being a mentor for Women's Drive?

Elisabeth Promberger: It gives me great pleasure to see how I can support and accompany others on their path of personal development, while continuously learning myself.

This experience is extremely valuable and enriching for everyone involved. I therefore recommend all experienced senior managers at REWE Group to get involved in Women's Drive.

one: Did you have any mentors yourself?

Elisabeth Promberger : I have always been lucky enough to have senior managers from whom I could learn a lot. They challenged me and encouraged me at the same time. Above all, they believed in me when I perhaps didn't yet.

It is crucial to give employees self-confidence, to encourage them to take time for themselves and to talk openly about their strengths, interests and development opportunities. I therefore very much welcome the new, strength-orientated STEPs discussions.

one: At the moment, the number of female top managers at our company is rather limited. Women's Drive is an instrument for making a difference. What else needs to change for us to become more diverse "at the top"?

Elisabeth Promberger : Continuous and intensified efforts are needed to create a more equal and diverse working environment. Sensitisation and awareness-raising are crucial. Women should be encouraged to make a significant contribution in management positions, as male and female qualities are necessary in management teams in order to achieve optimal results.

The expansion of flexible working options, such as part-time, mobile office or flexible working hours, can help women and men to achieve a better work-life balance and thus pave the way for more women to take up management positions.

In addition, more emphasis should be placed on mentoring and networking, and women should be proactively encouraged to get involved in such programmes.

one: Finally, why do we need Women's Drive?

Elisabeth Promberger: Women's Drive is a tool to empower, encourage and inspire women. By supporting each other, we can bring about long-term change. It is therefore with great pride that I see it as my task to make a contribution here at Women's Drive.

one: Mrs Promberger, thank you very much for talking to us.