On the Women Authors of Achievement Podcast, we hear from some of the most successful women of our time about the ebbs and flows of their personal and professional lives. Host Daria Suvorova takes listeners to discover and learn from the inspirations and obstacles these remarkable women faced to get to where they are today.
We are joined by Maria von Scheel-Plessen, who traveled all the way from Munich to meet me at Fotografiska’s cozy Bar Clara—bringing luxury straight to the show. As a senior marketing leader for a top luxury brand, Maria is a powerhouse in her field, blending strategy, tech, and business. But her path wasn’t conventional. Instead of stepping into her family’s 300-year-old legacy, she carved her own path—moving across the world, taking bold risks, and redefining what leadership looks like. In this episode, we get real about the highs and lows of leading—navigating self-doubt, setting boundaries, and making big career moves. Maria also shares insights on the future of luxury, from shifting consumer habits to why personalization is everything. And of course, we talk about the power of trusting yourself—because sometimes, the best strategy isn’t just knowing the market, it’s knowing you.
This episode's guest is Annett Kuhlmann, co-founder of Marsano—a brand that redefined floristry in Berlin. Annett’s journey is fascinating. With training in photography from the Ostkreuzschule and interior design at St. Martin’s, her unique eye for beauty is what sets Marsano apart. Over the past 20 years, she and her co-founders, Katrin and Andreas, have built Marsano into something extraordinary—a perfect blend of creativity, sustainability, and collaboration. In this episode, we talk about her early inspirations, the challenges of running a creative flower business, and how Marsano’s distinctive aesthetic came to life. We’ll also explore her personal favorites—flowers, colors, and the joy (and challenges!) of staying creative.
For over two decades, Leyla has been at the forefront of redefining contemporary fashion, blending Berlin’s cosmopolitan energy with her Persian heritage to create a brand that’s as bold as it is personal. From navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and steering through turbulent times to making powerful political statements through her iconic kufiya-inspired designs, Leyla’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose. Leyla opens up about the personal and professional lessons that shaped her legacy—her reflections on trust and leadership, the emotional impact of hormonal shifts, and her vision for empowering women through her work.
