Over the past few weeks, much has been written by journalists around the world about the outcome of the U.S. election and why it turned out the way it did. Perhaps the brutal reality is that the world is still not ready for a female commander-in-chief in the United States. According to the latest UN Women report, only 30 women serve as heads of state around the world as of October 2024. At the current rate, it will take 130 years to achieve gender equality in politics and leadership as a whole. Last week, I had the opportunity to discuss this statement with one of the leading voices in transatlantic relations and global politics, Dr. Constanze Stelzenmüller. During an engaging fireside chat at the #higHer Women's Network at Giesecke+Devrient, she shared her insights on the challenges and opportunities for women in leadership and the broader implications for global politics. Constanze also touched on a key driver of leadership decisions and electoral outcomes: the relevance of the phrase "It's the economy, stupid," first coined 32 years ago by strategist James Carville during Bill Clinton's presidential campaign. It was meant to keep the team focused on what voters care about most: their financial well-being. Today, it is more relevant than ever in leadership, communications, and strategy to focus on tangible impact rather than abstract ideas to ensure that decisions resonate with people's realities. In an increasingly complex and uncertain world, where stability feels more elusive than in previous generations, it is difficult to buy into a bold vision, a promise of an uncertain future. Perhaps this is why we all often know what we should be doing (eat healthy, exercise, take the bus) but fail to do it and instead end up with a box of ice cream on the couch and hours of social media. Change is always difficult because the human brain reinforces the patterns we once learned; after all, they helped us survive and get here (on the sofa with salted caramel ice cream). Apparently, it takes 66 days to establish a new habit (side note: who in the world came up with that number of days, maybe because it has a devilish connotation). But it can be done. We all have the power to drive change and make it happen. By eating healthier, exercising more, or doing our part to close the gender gap. A special thanks to my friend Ruth Madrid Dusik, for taking me to this great networking event, hence saving me from a Cookie Dough Ice Cream Netflix night. Thanks again to Dr. Constanze Stelzenmüller for sharing her invaluable perspective and to the team at Giesecke+Devrient for organizing such an inspring event.
Thanks for stopping by and your active contribution!
IESE Executive MBA 2023 | Head of Chapter at "Siemens IT Enterprise Integration Services" I Board Member IESE Alumni Chapter Germany
1wTina Proust I absolutely love attending any event with you. Thank you for just being there in all the different occasions! ❤️