Turning Crises into Opportunities with Kathrin Anselm
In this packed-out live podcast episode at Berlin's eclectic showroom, Objekte Unserer Tage (OUT), we had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Kathrin Anselm.
From founding the dating platform One2Like (which was later acquired by Parship) to being selected by Handelsblatt as a Top 50 Women in Tech, and a Top 100 Women in 2021 by Focus, and now leaving her mark on Airbnb within the DACH, CEE and CIS regions, Kathrin has played a crucial role in shaping the tech scene in Berlin and beyond.
“Working for me is like traveling – there is so much still to see and explore.”
Taking things back to the beginning, Kathrin started the conversation off by sharing her story which began with a career in management consulting until a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presented her with a simple choice: to either stay in Munich or uproot her entire life to Berlin and shake things up. It goes without saying that we all know what happened next!
Speaking candidly about her own career trajectory and motivations to a room brimming with over 85 guests, it became clear that Kathrin is someone who has a powerful passion to be involved in projects which are dynamic and that must feed her drive for self-development.
“Titles are futile. What really matters is that you can connect with what you are doing.”
She also unveiled her own personal journey of conquering the fear of uncertainty and challenging ingrained beliefs from her upbringing, whilst addressing societal norms, she advocates for individual autonomy and embracing life on one's own terms and not being dictated to by the pressures that surround us all.
“One of the first hacks I do in a leadership role is I try to put myself in other people’s shoes, to understand what drives and motivates them.”
Speaking about the “fundamental principles” vital for effective leadership and opening up about her thoughts about being recognized as one of the leading women in the tech industry.The conversation continued to leave no stone unturned, with Kathrin and Daria jumping into diverse topics such as fostering meaningful relationships, and navigating career shifts, in particular for women contemplating similar transitions.
But work wasn’t the only topic on the table, with the interview taking a turn into the private talking points such as the advantages of journaling, positive affirmations, staying physically active, and placing importance on self-development were discussed.
After such an incredible evening, we’d like to take this moment to express our deep gratitude to everyone who made this event possible. To Kathrin for making time for us, to the incredible OUT team who supported this event every step of the way, to BOLD for offering the amazing goodies from Kiko Milano, e.l.f. cosmetics, Paula’s Choice and the special discount at Triumph – you made more than a couple of WAA Podcast listeners very happy! And of course Kolonne Null who kept the celebration in full-swing with their selection of non-alcoholic wines.
