At the Fondsfrauen Summit 2023 you told us your courage stories! Due to the huge response, here it is again for you to read. In today's article, we present the courage story of Britta Mues-Walter, Executive Search, Managing Consultant & Owner, &ahead Co-Founder and Managing Director.

Brittas Story:

As a student, we participated in a business simulation in group work. As usual, the work in the group was essentially divided between 2 of actually 5 people and my fellow student and I had agreed on the topic for the presentation. I was to start and he was to take over the second part. On the day of the presentation, in a lecture hall with more than 1000 students, it was our turn. Even though I was prepared in terms of subject matter and content, I had not previously imagined the situation of speaking in front of so many people in a packed lecture hall. I was literally speechless. I was frozen and couldn't get a word out.

Luckily, my fellow student noticed immediately and reacted great, taking over the first part until I slowly thawed out and was then able to step in a bit late. The experience was like a trauma at first and it took some time before I dared to speak in front of people again. To counter this obstacle and overcome the fear, I consciously and bit by bit put myself back into small lecture situations. First also in a private environment. At birthdays, parties and then also professionally. As a personnel consultant, I usually only face smaller groups at the client's or, in an interview, just one person. To counter this obstacle and overcome the fear, I consciously and bit by bit put myself back into small lecture situations. First also in a private environment. At birthdays, parties and then also professionally. As a personnel consultant, I usually only face smaller groups at the client's or only one person in an interview.

I then gradually gave myself more and more confidence and also held many workshops at &ahead, moderated events, was invited to roundtable discussions, spoke at events on the topics of women and careers, professional re-entry and potential development. Today, it's almost part of my daily professional bread. However, the heart palpitations and some trembling still accompany me, but a little adrenaline is also part of it . .

I am glad that I exposed myself to this and overcame the trauma so that I can also speak 'publicly' or in front of a larger audience about the issues that are important to me and share my experiences and also pass them on to younger women.

Britta´s Conclusion:

You can also free yourself from a traumatic experience. You learn a lot about yourself. However, you also have to deal with it, otherwise it will remain an experience that you want to keep hidden, that you are ashamed of, which I did for a long time.

When you open up, you learn that others have their issues too. It is amazing what you learn when you share such "traumatic situations" with others. Most of the time you get positive feedback, encouragement and empathy.

Today my motto is:

Don't leave an event without speaking up if I have something to contribute. We all have something to contribute, so be brave and dare to share your knowledge, experience and expertise.

Dear Britta, thank you so much for sharing your personal courage story with us!

Profilbild von Julia Hackl

Julia Hackl

Corporate Partners