In our new category, „SOCIA Outlook,“ we want to try to regularly focus our attention on the situations of women* in working life in NGOs, in the consulting business, and in leadership positions.

The interview series continues with Nicola Kriesel. In the coming weeks, you can read the answers from Joana Ebbinghaus and Julia Hoffmann, and then we will ask the women from our SOCIUS NextWerk. I'm sure some of your colleagues will also be interested in answering the questions. 

What do you think is the best way to change society?

I think social change is most likely to succeed with many small steps taken by many (ordinary) people in many different places. Coming together, taking action and appreciating even small changes is, I believe, a good way forward. It is important to me to act in accordance with my own values and to continually align my actions with our shared vision.

How did you get your job?

My work at SOCIUS is more than just a job for me, and there is a part of me that believes it was fate that brought SOCIUS and me together. In 2004/05, I worked my way out of a major crisis of meaning and purpose in my life. I knew that I didn't want to spend my life as a solicitor/lawyer, but I also didn't really know what else to do with my law degree. I had already completed my mediation training, but it's virtually impossible to earn a living as a mediator on your own. In this situation, an acquaintance told me about a friend who worked at a consulting firm that was looking for a lawyer with communication skills. She mentioned my name, and the friend suggested that I get in touch, which I was happy to do. This led to a first meeting between Christian Baier, Andreas Knoth and me. That was in May 2005. Since then, I have been working with great enthusiasm and excitement in the SOCIUS team.

What do you want to achieve with your job?

I would like to contribute to creating working environments in which people can thrive and develop. Working environments in which team spirit, solidarity, loyalty and inclusion play just as important a role as self-determination and personal responsibility.

What profession did you want to learn when you were a girl?

When I was about ten years old, I wanted to become an archaeologist. Tutankhamun fascinated me greatly. A few years later, I wanted to become Chancellor (the first one. As everyone knows, I didn't succeed). So I decided quite early on that I wanted to study law. In between, I toyed with the idea of studying education and/or psychology. In my last year of school, I was forced to deal with a family legal dispute, which cemented my desire to study law. My goal was to ensure greater justice for children.

Who or what do you admire?

I admire my children for their strength of will and their steadfastness. I admire my mother, who, as a single woman, went her own way and always remained true to herself. In general, I admire single parents who, with so much love and strength, provide such valuable services, often not only to their children, but also to society. I admire people who peacefully stand up for what they believe in.

What does your dream of a better world look like?

In a better world, things would be fairer and therefore freer – for everyone. Human rights would be respected everywhere, and instead of great wealth for a few (white men), there would be prosperity for all, including respect for all living beings.

What does success mean to you?

I don't really understand the term „success“. I prefer to replace it with „achievement“. Achieving something that I am committed to, that is important to me, that serves my vision and that I strive for – that is very meaningful to me.

Which mistake have you learned the most from?

Oh – I'm not at all sure that we can actually learn as much from mistakes as is always claimed. And when I think about it, it seems that I don't dwell on mistakes for very long and quickly forget or repress them. I feel the same way about so-called mistakes that others make. If it's a mistake to talk too much and listen too little and often interrupt others, then that's probably the mistake that has taught me the most to listen to others, let them speak and be present.

Do you see yourself as a role model?

Sometimes I would like to be one. Other times, not at all. I have heard that others see me as a role model. That usually makes me feel rather uncomfortable, even if it is a little flattering. In any case, I try to behave in such a way that I could be one. The biggest challenge here is probably humility.

Do you have a principle that you live by?

For years, the phrase „Nothing good happens unless you do it“ hung on my mother's kitchen cupboard, right next to „Tolerance towards the intolerant is not a virtue, but suicide“ and „You can always start afresh in your career and in love, but with children that's impossible.“ These are all phrases that have stayed with me, that made me think as a girl and young woman, and that I still find meaningful today. Today, there are also many sayings hanging on my kitchen door.

One that isn't hanging there, but which guides me time and again, is: „Love is not for cowards.“

What does feminism mean to you?

Feminism is a way of shaping your own life. Feminism has always been part of my life, so it is essentially an integral part of who I am. I cannot remember ever not identifying as a feminist. Feminism is the belief that equality – regardless of gender – is right. Feminism contributes to justice and freedom for all.

How do you exemplify feminism in your team?

I don't think I exemplify that. What I do is, wherever I can, ensure that women* are empowered to take on positions where they can make decisions, and also empower other women*.

How do you try to improve the visibility of minorities in your team?

I hope that I can help ensure that everyone is heard equally, and I am happy to contribute to increasing diversity in our team. We still have some catching up to do in that regard.

What family-friendly measures have you been able to implement/would you like to implement in your team?

Children are welcome in the office. If someone is unable to work due to caring for family members (regardless of age), they can be sure of our support and solidarity.

 What advice would you give to younger women and those starting their careers?

Dare to go your own way, to be unconventional. Build networks early on, nurture friendships and allow yourself to be guided by older people.