For our small anniversary, the 10th network meeting of FührungsFrauen Westpfalz, we had the pleasure of being guests at a company whose size and international significance many participants would never have guessed: ITW Fastener Products GmbH in Enkenbach-Alsenborn. The surprise was all the greater when a globally active company with around 45,000 employees in 52 countries was revealed behind the unassuming site.

After a welcome from Jutta Metzler, member of the ZRW board and IHK vice president, ITW gave an insight into the plant, which has specialized in the production of plastic fastening parts for the automotive industry since the takeover of TRW in 2016. Around 200 employees work at the site in Enkenbach-Alsenborn and production is highly automated. Many of the products that ITW manufactures are barely visible in the vehicle, yet they are indispensable.

The exchange with two female managers from ITW, whose career paths could hardly be more different - and yet show many parallels, was particularly exciting. Both spoke openly about the challenges that women in management positions still face: prejudices regarding care work, higher expectations compared to male colleagues and the constant pressure to prove themselves.

Bettina Schuster started at ITW in 1993 as an apprentice tool mechanic - a very unusual path for a woman at the time. Her desire to work part-time as a mother met with mixed reactions internally. Today, she is successful in a senior HR position, despite initial doubts due to her lack of a degree. Her lessons learned: perseverance, self-confidence and belief in herself. Jessie Tücking has been with the company for just over a year. After studying HR management and holding various positions in industry, she consciously decided against the security of a public authority - a decision that sometimes brought her criticism, but also offered her room for personal development. Today, she benefits from these experiences in her management role.

Following the questions the participants had for the two women, Jutta Metzler highlighted trends in the working world of today and tomorrow. These included topics such as hybrid working, AI in everyday working life, development opportunities through employee training, quiet hiring and many more. After a short impulse on the trends, there was room for input from the participants.

In conclusion, Jutta Metzler summarized it as follows: Social skills, emotional intelligence, creativity and a willingness to solve problems will play a major role in the working world of today and tomorrow and are crucial for professional success.