Dear Petra, you are a true role model for a successful career at ROSSMANN. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us about female leadership and our women’s network Women@ROSSMANN.

From your perspective, which personal qualities and conditions were key to your journey into executive leadership?

I believe my curiosity, creativity, and passion have helped me the most. I have always wanted to shape things and drive them forward. Persistence and the courage to explore new paths were also essential. Equally important, however, was the environment at ROSSMANN. I encountered leaders who trusted me early on and gave me responsibility. Performance and commitment matter here—not gender. The open, family-oriented culture allowed me to develop my career in alignment with my personal and family situation. I was challenged, but also supported.

What does female leadership mean to you?

First and foremost, it highlights the need for more women in leadership positions—only 29.1% in Germany in 2024, which is still significantly below the EU average of 35.2%. But to me, it primarily means authentic leadership. It’s not about a specifically “female” style—it’s about bringing your full personality to the table. Traits like empathy and strong communication skills are real strengths that enrich leadership tremendously.

Which values are especially important to you in your leadership role?

In my daily work, three values are especially important: trust, transparency, and appreciation—supported by strong communication. I trust in each individual’s expertise and consciously give people the freedom to deliver strong results. Transparency around decisions creates motivation. And above all, appreciation for the work people do is what drives them and shows that every contribution matters.

What measures does ROSSMANN take to specifically support women on their path into leadership positions?

85.78% of our employees are women, and one-third of leadership roles are held by women. But we don’t rest on that—we actively create the right conditions: flexible working models, targeted development and mentoring programs, and networks—especially our women’s network Women@ROSSMANN, which provides space for exchange, inspiration, and mutual support.

Before we dive deeper into the women’s network, can you give us an overview of the networks at ROSSMANN? What networks exist and what role do they play in the company culture?

Networks are an essential part of our diversity culture at ROSSMANN. In addition to our women’s network Women@ROSSMANN, we also have an LGBTQIA+ network, Arbeitskinder@ROSSMANN, the parent network Kraftquelle Elternnetz, the Age Network, and ColourConnection.

These networks create a strong sense of belonging and provide employees with a platform to exchange ideas on topics that matter to them. Whether in retail, logistics, or headquarters—employees across the company can get involved in these networks in their free time.

What motivates you to be a sponsor of the women’s network Women@ROSSMANN?

My motivation is simple: I want to give back and encourage other women to believe in themselves and confidently articulate their career ambitions. I want to increase the visibility of female talent. The network should be a source of strength—a place where women find the support they need for their individual journeys.

Looking beyond ROSSMANN: many talents attend career conferences like FEMWORX to advance their careers. Why is networking so crucial for professional development?

From my experience, strong performance alone is often not enough to reach your career goals. You need to be visible—and that’s where networking comes in. It’s not about collecting superficial contacts, but about building real relationships. A strong network gives you access to information you wouldn’t otherwise have. My clear advice: focus on building fewer, but deeper and more trusting relationships. A handful of strong allies is far more valuable than hundreds of fleeting connections.

What final advice would you give to young women who are just starting their careers?

Stay true to yourself—but be bold. Actively shape your path and don’t wait to be discovered. Say yes to challenges, because each one is an opportunity to grow. And most importantly: define what success means to you—and pursue your path with passion.

Thank you very much for the interview and your insights.