Hi, my name is Carol and I am a business strategist. Since 2007 I am analysing, developing, building and changing organisations. I focused on developing my intellectual interests and leadership skills, with the goal of contributing to the society by developing companies with responsibility. Over the years, I have explored new challenges in different industries in a global context (Fintech, Cleantech, Travel tech and more). Working alongside with colleagues and partners of diverse cultural backgrounds, I gained professional experience in business strategy and development, finance, marketing, sales, customer service, e-commerce and digital management. Recently, I worked for BayWa r.e., leading digital transformation projects within the renewable energy industry. What can I offer to you as a mentor? I can share with you my experience and points of view on different business and career challenges.
My Mentoring Topics
- Choosing and changing a career path
- Business growth and business sustainability
- Challenges of Reverse growth (restructure, scale down, carve out)
- Manage a team in chaos
- Change Management with empathy
- Culture management and Intercultural leadership
- How to thrive in a discrimination environment
D.
26.January 2024Carol is a wonderful person who has the ability and sensitivity to understand what the problem is before start drawing some advice and some path for us to walk in the direction of our desires. Besides that, she opened my eyes to the different efforts I should try. So, I had a great time with her and I'm grateful for all she gave me. Thank you so much, Carol.
J.
16.February 2023I had such a great mentoring session with Carol. She fully understands the challenges that I am up against and provided me with a lot of useful information. Carol is such a great listener which makes the mentoring session very pleasant. Looking forward to learning more from Carol in the future!
S.
2.June 2021I really loved your input on my problem. Although we only had a short time I really got a lot of new ideas and ways to look at my problem. I know better now where to start! Thanks again for sharing your time and experience!
Invisible Women - the Sunday Times number one bestseller exposing the gender bias women face every day
Caroline Criado Perez
Key Insights from “Invisible Women”: There is a significant data gap in our understanding of the world, which fails to take into account the experiences and needs of women. ‘Default Male’ is the standard measurement in many fields, ranging from medicine, technology to urban planning, which often leads to inadequate or harmful results for women. The gender data gap is not only a reflection of existing bias but also perpetuates gender inequality by systematically ignoring women's experiences and needs. Many industries, including healthcare, technology, finance, and politics, are dominated by men, leading to a lack of female representation in decision-making processes. The ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to policy and product design often fails to cater to the needs of women, due to the gender data gap. The gendered division of labour, which often undervalues and ignores women’s work, is a significant contributor to the gender data gap. The book proposes that the solution to the gender data gap lies in collecting and using sex-disaggregated data. Even in the 21st century, sexism is still ingrained in society and institutions, which is often overlooked or denied. Intersectionality is a crucial factor in understanding and addressing the gender data gap, as women’s experiences are not homogenous and are influenced by other aspects of their identity such as race, class, and disability. The danger of invisibility is a recurring theme in the book, highlighting the potential harm caused by the gender data gap in areas such as medical research and safety design. An In-depth Analysis of “Invisible Women” Caroline Criado Perez’s “Invisible Women” is a compelling exploration of the ‘gender data gap’, a term she uses to describe the systemic disregard of women’s experiences and needs in the collection and use of data. This data gap, Perez argues, is not just a symptom of gender bias but also a cause, perpetuating gender inequality by making women's experiences invisible. The concept of the ‘Default Male’ is central to Perez’s argument. Throughout history and across cultures, men have been considered the norm from which women deviate. This perception has led to the application of male-centered standards in many fields, including medicine, technology, and urban planning, often with harmful consequences for women. For instance, Perez describes how crash-test dummies are designed based on the average male body, leading to higher rates of injury for women in car accidents. The lack of female representation in decision-making processes, particularly in male-dominated industries such as healthcare, technology, finance, and politics, further exacerbates the gender data gap. Policies and products are often designed with a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach that fails to cater to the specific needs of women. For example, Perez discusses how the design of smartphones often assumes larger hand sizes, making them uncomfortable or even unusable for many women. The gendered division of labour is another significant factor contributing to the gender data gap. Women’s work, particularly in the domestic sphere, is often undervalued and overlooked, leading to distorted economic data. This perspective resonates with the concept of ‘invisible labour’ discussed in feminist economics, which highlights the economic value of unpaid care work predominantly performed by women. However, Perez does not just diagnose the problem; she also proposes a solution. She argues that the collection and use of sex-disaggregated data can help to bridge the gender data gap. This approach aligns with the United Nations’ call for gender-responsive data collection and usage as a tool for achieving gender equality. One of the most striking aspects of “Invisible Women” is its exploration of the dangers of invisibility. Perez highlights the potential harm caused by the gender data gap, particularly in medical research and safety design. She provides numerous examples of how the failure to consider women’s needs can lead to detrimental outcomes, from misdiagnosis in healthcare to increased risk of injury in car accidents. Finally, “Invisible Women” emphasizes the importance of intersectionality in understanding and addressing the gender data gap. Women’s experiences are not homogenous; they are influenced by other aspects of their identity like race, class, and disability. Therefore, an intersectional approach is crucial to ensure that all women’s experiences are represented and considered in data collection and usage. In conclusion, “Invisible Women” exposes the pervasive gender bias in our understanding of the world and calls for a data revolution that takes women’s experiences and needs into account. It is a powerful reminder that data is not neutral; it reflects the biases of those who collect, analyze, and use it.
ViewLeaders Eat Last - Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't
Simon Sinek
Key Facts and Insights from "Leaders Eat Last" The concept of the 'Circle of Safety': Leaders should create a safe environment where team members feel secure, supported, and free to express their thoughts and ideas. Effective leadership is about serving others, not being served. This is the concept of 'servant leadership.' Trust and cooperation are crucial for a team to function effectively. This can only be fostered in an environment where team members feel safe and valued. The biology of leadership: Certain chemicals in our bodies – endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin – play a significant role in leadership and team behavior. The danger of valuing numbers over people: In an organization, prioritizing metrics and profits over the well-being of the team can lead to a toxic work environment and poor performance. The importance of empathy in leadership: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others helps in building strong relationships and fostering cooperation within the team. Leadership requires courage: The courage to take the risk, to take care of others before oneself, and to make the right decisions, even if they are not popular. The role of communication in leadership: Effective leaders communicate a clear vision that inspires team members to work towards a common goal. Leadership is a lifestyle, not a rank: Leadership is about behavior and action, not about titles and positions. Leadership is about consistency: Trust is built through consistency. Leaders should be consistent in their actions and decisions to earn the trust of their team. Importance of flexibility and adaptability: Good leaders are flexible and adaptable in the face of change. They are open to new ideas and willing to adjust their strategies if necessary. An In-Depth Analysis of the Book's Contents "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek offers a comprehensive exploration of what makes a truly effective leader. Drawing on a range of examples from the military, business, and beyond, Sinek provides clear insights into how leadership works and how it can be fostered within an organization. At the core of Sinek's argument is the concept of the 'Circle of Safety.' This idea suggests that leaders should strive to create a supportive and secure environment for their teams. Only in such an environment can individuals feel safe enough to take risks, innovate, and cooperate effectively. This ties closely to the principle of servant leadership, a concept that has been widely discussed in leadership literature. Sinek argues that true leaders serve their teams, not the other way around. This service-oriented mentality fosters trust and cooperation, which are crucial for team performance. Sinek also delves into the science of leadership, discussing the role of certain chemicals in our bodies – endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin – in leadership and team behavior. This biological perspective provides a unique lens through which to understand leadership dynamics. A key warning in the book is about the danger of valuing numbers over people. This is a common pitfall in many organizations, where the drive for profits and performance metrics can overshadow the human element. Such an approach can lead to a toxic work environment and ultimately harm performance. The importance of empathy in leadership is another key theme in the book. This aligns with current research in emotional intelligence, which highlights the role of empathy in building strong interpersonal relationships and fostering a cooperative team environment. Throughout the book, Sinek emphasizes that leadership requires courage. This includes the courage to take risks, to prioritize others over oneself, and to make the right decisions even when they are not popular. Effective communication is also highlighted as a crucial aspect of leadership. Leaders need to articulate a clear vision that inspires their team and motivates them to work towards a common goal. Sinek stresses that leadership is a lifestyle, not a rank. It is about behavior and action, not about titles and positions. This demystifies the concept of leadership and makes it accessible to everyone in an organization. Consistency is another important aspect of leadership according to Sinek. Trust, he argues, is built through consistency. Leaders need to be consistent in their behavior, actions, and decisions to earn the trust of their team. Finally, Sinek underscores the importance of flexibility and adaptability in leadership. In our ever-changing world, leaders need to be open to new ideas and willing to adjust their strategies if necessary. In conclusion, "Leaders Eat Last" offers a holistic view of effective leadership, highlighting the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment, serving others, fostering trust and cooperation, understanding the biology of leadership, valifying people over numbers, demonstrating empathy, courage, effective communication, consistency, and adaptability. This aligns with many current theories and concepts in leadership literature, offering a practical guide for anyone seeking to enhance their leadership skills and create a more effective team.
ViewWill Work for Pie - Building Your Startup Using Equity Instead of Cash
Mike Moyer
Key Facts and Insights: Equity split in a startup is a critical factor that directly affects the overall success of the business. The traditional method of dividing equity at the beginning of a startup often leads to unfair distributions. The Slicing Pie model, as proposed by Moyer, is a flexible method for equity division that takes into account the various contributions made by each member of the team. Equity should not be viewed as a fixed asset, but rather as a dynamic one that evolves over time based on the contributions of each participant in the venture. The Slicing Pie model is not just about equity division, but also about risk management. The book offers a clear and practical guide on how to implement the Slicing Pie model in your startup. Equity division should be reviewed and adjusted over time to ensure that it remains fair and reflects the current state of the startup. Conflict resolution mechanisms are an important part of fair equity distribution. The Slicing Pie model can also be applied to other forms of business apart from startups. Equity division according to the Slicing Pie model encourages commitment and increases the chances of startup success. Book Analysis: The book "Will Work for Pie" by Mike Moyer is a comprehensive guide that introduces the concept of dynamic equity split in startups, offering a fresh and innovative perspective on the traditional approach of static equity division. The book reveals that the conventional method of splitting equity at the onset of a business venture often leads to unfair distribution because it fails to take into account the shifting dynamics of a startup, such as the varying contributions of each member over time. Drawing from his wealth of experience in the startup world, Moyer proposes the Slicing Pie model as a solution to this problem. This model recommends that equity should not be treated as a fixed asset but as a dynamic one that changes over time based on the contributions of each participant in the startup. This shift of perspective is an innovative concept, which is rarely explored in other books or courses on entrepreneurship. The Slicing Pie model, as explained in the book, is not just about equity division. It is also about risk management. By aligning the equity distribution with the actual contributions of each team member, it reduces the risk of conflict and resentment among team members. This dynamic model of equity division ensures that each person's stake in the startup accurately reflects their inputs, including time, money, ideas, relationships, supplies, equipment, facilities, or anything else that adds value to the startup. The book goes further to offer a practical guide on how to implement the Slicing Pie model in your startup. It provides clear examples and scenarios, making it easy to understand and apply. It also emphasises the need to regularly review and adjust the equity division to ensure that it remains fair and reflects the current state of the startup. An important aspect that Moyer addresses in his book is the mechanism for conflict resolution in the event of disagreements over equity distribution. The Slicing Pie model provides a fair and objective basis for resolving such conflicts. Interestingly, Moyer argues that the Slicing Pie model can also be applied to other forms of business apart from startups. This suggests that the concepts and principles covered in this book are universally applicable and can be beneficial to any entrepreneur, regardless of their business model. Finally, the book concludes that using the Slicing Pie model for equity division can encourage commitment among team members, increase the chances of startup success, and ensure that everyone gets their fair share of the pie. In conclusion, "Will Work For Pie" offers a fresh perspective on equity division in startups. It provides actionable insights and practical tools for implementing the Slicing Pie model, making it a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and startup teams. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a fair, flexible, and effective method for dividing equity in a startup. Overall, the book successfully challenges conventional wisdom on equity division and provides a more equitable alternative. It is a testament to Moyer's deep understanding of the dynamic nature of startups and his commitment to promoting fairness and equity in the entrepreneurial world. Those who read this book will gain a solid understanding of the Slicing Pie model and how it can be applied in their startup, enabling them to create a more harmonious and productive team environment and increase the likelihood of their startup's success.
ViewLeading Digital - Turning Technology into Business Transformation
George Westerman, Didier Bonnet, Andrew McAfee
Key Facts and Insights from the Book: Digital Mastery: The authors introduce the concept of Digital Mastery, which is the art of using technology to transform the business, creating new business models and improving existing ones. Two Capabilities: Two key capabilities are needed to achieve Digital Mastery - Digital Capability and Leadership Capability. Digital Capability involves redesigning the customer experience, operational processes, and business models. Leadership Capability involves vision, governance, engagement, and IT-Business relationships. Four Types of Companies: The book identifies four types of companies based on their Digital and Leadership Capabilities - Beginners, Fashionistas, Conservatives, and Digital Masters. Digital Vision: Digital Masters have a clear and comprehensive vision of how digital technologies can transform their business. Governance: Digital governance involves the procedures and processes used to manage digital initiatives and investments across the enterprise. Engagement: Digital Masters engage their people at all levels, encouraging them to experiment and learn. IT-Business Relationships: The relationship between IT and business units is crucial. Digital Masters ensure that this relationship is collaborative and productive. Customer Experience: Digital Masters use technology to enhance the customer experience, making it more personalized and seamless. Operational Processes: Digital technologies are used to streamline and automate operational processes, making them more efficient and effective. Business Models: Digital Masters use digital technologies to create new business models or enhance existing ones. Digital Transformation: Digital transformation is not just about technology; it's about changing the entire business. It requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach that involves all aspects of the business. Analysis and Summary: "Leading Digital - Turning Technology into Business Transformation" by George Westerman, Didier Bonnet, and Andrew McAfee provides a comprehensive guide to digital transformation. The authors, with their immense expertise and experience, shed light on the process of transforming a traditional business into a digital powerhouse. At the heart of the book is the concept of Digital Mastery, which is about harnessing the power of digital technologies to transform business processes, operations, customer experiences, and ultimately, the entire business model. The authors argue that achieving Digital Mastery requires two key capabilities - Digital Capability and Leadership Capability. Digital Capability involves three components - redesigning the customer experience, operational processes, and business models. The authors emphasize the importance of using digital technologies to enhance the customer experience, making it more personalized, seamless, and engaging. They also highlight the use of digital technologies to streamline and automate operational processes, making them more efficient and effective. Finally, they discuss how digital technologies can be used to create new business models or enhance existing ones, enabling companies to unlock new revenue streams and gain competitive advantage. Leadership Capability, on the other hand, involves vision, governance, engagement, and IT-Business relationships. The authors stress the importance of having a clear and comprehensive vision of how digital technologies can transform the business. They also discuss the importance of digital governance, which involves the procedures and processes used to manage digital initiatives and investments across the enterprise. Furthermore, they underscore the importance of engagement, encouraging people at all levels to experiment with digital technologies and learn from their successes and failures. Finally, they highlight the crucial role of the relationship between IT and business units, which should be collaborative and productive. Based on their Digital and Leadership Capabilities, the authors identify four types of companies - Beginners, Fashionistas, Conservatives, and Digital Masters. Beginners are just starting their digital journey, while Fashionistas chase after the latest digital trends without a clear strategy. Conservatives have a clear digital strategy but are slow to adopt new technologies, while Digital Masters excel in both Digital and Leadership Capabilities. In conclusion, "Leading Digital - Turning Technology into Business Transformation" is a valuable guide for any organization seeking to navigate the digital age. The authors provide a clear and practical roadmap for achieving Digital Mastery, emphasizing that digital transformation is not just about technology, but about changing the entire business. They urge companies to embrace digital technologies, not as an end in themselves, but as tools to transform their business and achieve sustained competitive advantage. In a world where digital technologies are disrupting industries and reshaping the competitive landscape, this book offers invaluable insights and recommendations that can help companies turn technology into business transformation.
ViewEmpresa sana - Manual para conseguir una empresa saludable, próspera y longeva
Vicente de los Ríos Medina
Key Facts and Insights The book emphasizes the importance of a healthy company culture for longevity and prosperity. A company's health is assessed not just by its financial performance, but also by the well-being of its employees and its relationships with stakeholders. Management style, leadership, communication, and the employee's role are key factors in creating a healthy company. The book provides a comprehensive guide to achieving a healthy work environment, including regular health checks, the right nutrition, and adequate exercise. Emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and goal setting in achieving a healthy company. It stresses the importance of ethical behavior, transparency, and corporate social responsibility. Details the process of change management and its role in achieving a healthy company. It provides practical advice and real-life examples of successful healthy companies. It underscores the role of continuous learning and development in maintaining a healthy company. The book highlights the role of innovation and adaptability in achieving a healthy, prosperous, and long-lived company. Summary and Analysis The book is a comprehensive guide on how to create and maintain a healthy, prosperous, and long-lived company. It emphasizes that a company's health is not just about financial performance, but also about the well-being of its employees and its relationships with all stakeholders. This aligns with the stakeholder theory of corporate governance, which argues that businesses have a responsibility to all their stakeholders, not just their shareholders. One of the key aspects the author focuses on is the importance of a healthy company culture. According to de los Ríos Medina, the culture of a company is the foundation for its longevity and prosperity. This includes factors such as management style, leadership, communication, and the role of the employee. The author believes that a participative management style, where employees are involved in decision-making, leads to a healthier company. This is supported by research indicating that employee participation in decision-making leads to improved job satisfaction and performance. Another important aspect covered in the book is the importance of regular health checks, proper nutrition, and adequate exercise for employees. This is a novel concept in the world of business, but it is gaining traction as more companies recognize the link between employee well-being and company performance. This aligns with the concept of the 'healthy work organization' proposed by the World Health Organization. Strategic planning and goal setting are also emphasized in the book. The author suggests that clear goals and a well-defined strategy are essential for a healthy company. This is supported by management literature that suggests that strategic planning leads to improved company performance. The author further emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior, transparency, and corporate social responsibility. This is in line with the concept of ethical leadership, which suggests that ethical behavior by leaders leads to a healthier company culture and improved stakeholder relationships. The book also covers the process of change management. De los Ríos Medina suggests that companies need to be adaptable and willing to change in order to stay healthy. This is supported by the dynamic capabilities theory, which argues that companies need to continuously adapt and evolve in order to survive in a changing business environment. Finally, the book provides practical advice and real-life examples of successful healthy companies, making it a valuable resource for executives and managers who want to improve the health of their company. The author underscores the role of continuous learning and development in maintaining a healthy company. This is in line with the concept of the learning organization, which suggests that companies need to continuously learn and adapt in order to stay competitive. In conclusion, "Empresa sana - Manual para conseguir una empresa saludable, próspera y longeva" is a comprehensive guide to creating and maintaining a healthy company. It provides valuable insights and practical advice, making it a must-read for executives and managers.
ViewWhat It Takes - My Playbook on Life and Leadership
Sarina Wiegman
I'm sorry for the confusion, but as an AI developed by OpenAI, I can't read or summarize specific books, including "What It Takes - My Playbook on Life and Leadership" by Sarina Wiegman. I don't have the ability to access databases, the internet, or external systems to fetch or retrieve specific data or information such as this. I am designed to provide information and answer questions to the best of my knowledge and abilities. If you have any questions about leadership, life, or related topics, feel free to ask! I'm here to help.
ViewDas 4-Stunden-Startup - Wie Sie Ihre Träume verwirklichen, ohne zu kündigen | In Teilzeit nebenbei selbständig machen: Karriere-Ratgeber mit Tipps und Tools für eine erfolgreiche Existenzgründung
Felix Plötz
Key Facts and Insights from the Book The 4-Hour Startup Concept: The book introduces the concept of a 4-hour startup, urging readers not to quit their regular jobs but to invest four hours a day into building their dream businesses. Practical Approach: The book offers practical strategies and steps on how to start a business with minimal time investment. Time Management: The book emphasizes on the importance of effective time management and productivity for a successful startup. Business Tools: The book provides a set of tools and resources that can help in the process of setting up a startup. Case Studies: It includes real-life case studies of successful entrepreneurs who have implemented the 4-hour startup concept. Personal Development: The book encourages personal growth and self-development for successful entrepreneurship. Risk Management: The book stresses the importance of identifying, analyzing, and managing risks in a startup. Marketing Strategies: It provides marketing and branding strategies for a startup with limited resources. Financial Planning: The book gives guidance on budgeting and financial planning for a startup. Work-Life Balance: The book advocates maintaining a work-life balance while pursuing entrepreneurial dreams. In-Depth Analysis and Summary In "Das 4-Stunden-Startup," author Felix Plötz presents a novel concept of starting a business without quitting your regular job. This concept is based on the principle of investing four hours a day into your dream business while maintaining your regular employment. One of the key ideas presented in the book is the pragmatic approach to starting a business. Plötz doesn't romanticize entrepreneurship; instead, he proposes a realistic and practical method that can be followed by anyone with a business idea. This approach is highly beneficial as it reduces the financial risk associated with quitting a job to start a business. The book places significant emphasis on time management. It's not about working harder, but rather smarter. The author suggests several productivity strategies and tools to help readers manage their time effectively. In this context, the 4-hour startup concept encourages efficiency and productivity rather than long, unproductive working hours. Plötz also provides a set of practical business tools and resources that can be utilized to set up a startup. These tools range from business model canvas, SWOT analysis, to digital marketing tools. He also presents case studies of successful entrepreneurs who have implemented the 4-hour startup concept, offering readers a chance to learn from their experiences and strategies. Personal development and self-growth are also focal points in the book. The author believes that personal growth is a crucial aspect of entrepreneurship. He encourages readers to continuously learn and develop their skills and knowledge. Risk management is another critical aspect discussed in the book. Plötz emphasizes the importance of identifying, analyzing, and managing risks in a startup. He presents strategies for mitigating risks and tackling challenges that may arise in the business journey. The book also addresses marketing strategies for startups with limited resources. It provides valuable insights into branding, digital marketing, and customer acquisition strategies. Financial planning is another key aspect that the book covers. The author offers guidance on budgeting, cash flow management, and financial planning for a startup. This is crucial as poor financial management is one of the leading causes of startup failure. Lastly, the book underscores the importance of maintaining a work-life balance while pursuing entrepreneurial dreams. Plötz advises readers not to lose sight of their personal life and health in the quest for business success. In conclusion, "Das 4-Stunden-Startup" provides a comprehensive guide to starting a business while keeping your day job. It offers practical tools, strategies, and insights that can be applied by anyone aspiring to become an entrepreneur. The book's emphasis on time management, risk management, personal development, and work-life balance makes it a valuable resource for potential entrepreneurs.
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P.
12.February 2024Working with Carol has been a precious experience. From the very beginning, Carol took the time to understand my background, challenges, and aspirations. She figured out how to explain complex concepts clearly and understandably, which has been incredibly helpful. This mentorship has been invaluable to me, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from someone so knowledgeable and experienced in the field.