Past General Meetings
Last Update: 13.11.2009
November 9, 2009 | WCN General Meeting
When: 19:30-21:00
Where:
Hotel Hilton am Stadtpark
room Bruckner
1030 Vienna, AT
Registration: EuropeanPWN
Dear ladies,
Know What You Want - Get What You Want –
The power of clear intentions in career advancement
In this highly pragmatic speech on the power of clarity, Katalin Halom will show you how murky thinking can undermine all your efforts at career advancement. She’ll then describe how to dramatically improve your chances to build a real career and not just have a job.
Katalin Halom is an internationally active business mentor, coach, author, and speaker who specializes in the process of goal clarification. Her diverse background gives her the unique ability to understand her clients’ struggle in defining a viable and enjoyable objective for their professional and/or private lives. Halom’s research into the root cause of people’s dissatisfaction with life resulted in her belief that not having a clear goal to pursue is a major obstacle for happiness, contentment, and professional success.
Katalin Halom is a Graduate of the Univ. of Vienna and of Prof. Martin Seligman’s (University of Pennsylvania) Authentic Happiness Coaching Program. She is a founding member of the Graduate School of Coaching/Coachville, and a Full Member of IPPA—International Positive Psychology Association.
For further information, visit her web site www.katalinhalom.com
October 5, 2009 | WCN General Meeting - „Male” or “ Female” Career?
When: 19:30-21:00
Where:
Hotel Hilton am Stadtpark
room Bruckner
1030 Vienna, AT
Registration: EuropeanPWN
Dear ladies,
Is there a "male" or "female" career ?
Biases and traits - from a male perspective
Our speaker Mr. Rudolf Vogl, Austrian, Degree Master in Law, University of Vienna, is serving as Senior Vice President
Human Resources for Raiffeisen International Bank-Holding AG, Vienna, Austria, since 2004. He is managing the strategic
HR function for a network of 15 banks in CEE with more than 62.000 employees.
Before that he headed HR for the Continental Europe Division of Gallaher Plc, London, for two years leading the human
resources teams in Western and Eastern Europe. For over 10 years he also held various senior HR functions with Eli Lilly
& Comp. in Europe and the US. However, he started his professional career with the Department for Organization & Personnel
at the Ministry of Finance in Austria.
We hope to see many of you, also for our networking cocktail starting
at 6.30 pm !
With best regards
Christina Thomar & Ursula Vavrik
Co-Presidents WCN Vienna City Network, member of the EuropeanPWN
www.wcnvienna.org
www.europeanpwn.net
September 14, 2009 | WCN General Meeting
When: 19:30-21:00
Where:
Hotel Hilton am Stadtpark
room Bruckner
1030 Vienna, AT
Registration: EuropeanPWN
Dear ladies,
we are convinced that you will like our September´s topic:
It will be: NETWORKING within our network !
Program of the evening:
1. WCN review: what happened from June until September 2009 ?
and what are the upcoming events in fall 2009 ?
2. networking games: get to know other WCN members and guests !
Join us for an exciting networking activity, the Queen Bee Game. You will gather in small groups
and have the opportunity to get many new contacts in a matter of minutes. The icing on the cake:
Right from the start you can specify what kind of contacts or information you are looking for - be it
for selling your car, getting information on holidays in the South of France or even a new job.
Come and experience networking at its best!
Please register online for all our WCN events, also General Meetings !
We are looking forward to meeting you there!
Christina Thomar & Ursula Vavrik
Co-Presidents, WCN Vienna Local Network - EuropeanPWN
June 8, 2009, WCN General Meeting
When: starts at 19.30H
Where: Hotel Hilton am Stadtpark
room Mahler
1030 Vienna, AT
Registration: EuropeanPWN
Dear ladies,
meet the first director of an University in Austria ! Meet Prof. Mag. Dr. Dagmar Hackl.
The first female University director in Austria – an exciting career path
In her presentation she will talk about the twists and turns of her career and how her personal and family life helped trigger her successful career choices as well as how they sometimes hindered her potential professional development.
About Dr. Dagmar Hackl:
Primary school teacher für 16 years. After special training an
education to HR Consultant for a large American company.
Upon the return to Austria return towards education again.
Primary and secondary teacher again for 6 years and consultant of Stadtschulrat for Vienna / HR development.
Next career step: Head of department for teacher education and training in Austria at the Ministry of Education for 7 years.
Since 2006 first female president (Rektorin) of Pädagogische Hochschule (University of Teacher Education ) in Vienna.
Hope to see many of you !
Christina Thomar & Ursula Vavrik
Co-Presidents WCN Vienna City Network, member of the EuropeanPWN
May 11, 2009 - WCN - General Meeting | L’Oréal: 100 years of passion for beauty and diversity
When: starts at 19.30H
Where: Hotel Hilton am Stadtpark, room Mahler
Speaker: Dr. Alexandra Pifl
Registration: EuropeanPWN
Dear ladies,
we are convinced that you will like our April´s topic:
L’Oréal: 100 years of passion for beauty and diversity
Since 1909, when L’Oréal was founded by the passionate chemist
Eugène Schueller, research has been a major source of success.
Today, L’Oréal is worldwide leader in cosmetics and not only
the most innovative and creative company in the beauty business but also
a great place to work.
Throughout its 100 years of existence, many employees have made a lifetime
career
within the L’Oréal group. Diversity is an important value for
the company, which results, among other, in various career options.
Alexandra Pifl will share with you her individual experience and take you
on a short journey
into the L’Oréal world. Discover the history, the business
model and the company values that make L’Oréal so attractive
– not only for consumers and excellent students seeking the best jobs.
About our speaker:
Dr. Alexandra Pifl currently holds the position Head of Corporate Communications
at L´Oréal, Austria. She joined L’Oréal, Austria,
in 1985, having served as a Product Manager until 1997
and as a Project Manager for special projects (1998-2002). She studied law
in Vienna and complemented her studies in Geneva and at the Duke University,
N.C. Alexandra is married and has one son.
Ladies, please register online !
We hope to see many of you, also for our networking cocktail starting at 6.30 pm !
With best regards
Christina Thomar & Ursula Vavrik
Co-Presidents WCN Vienna City Network
April 6, 2009, WCN General Meeting | Psychology of Persuasion
When: starts at 19.30H
Where: Hotel Hilton am Stadtpark, room Mahler
Speaker: Peter Sicher
Registration: EuropeanPWN
Dear ladies,
get to know more about:
“The Power of Persuasion”
The success of leaders, executives, managers, and salespeople is measured
by their ability to accomplish goals.
Those goals are met, more often than not, by reasoning, persuading and inspiring
others to share a vision and pursue a common purpose.
We live in a world where those who are the persuasive are the most prosperous.
How successful you are in your professional and personal
life depends on your ability to influence others.
Those who wish to create and sustain positive change in others need to
understand how the influence process works.
A vast body of scientific evidence now exists on how, when, and why people
say “yes.” In our interactive workshop we are going to discuss
the key principles of persuasion and how to apply them effectively in daily
life.
Speaker:
Our guest speaker Peter Sicher works with leading companies in a variety
of industries as management consultant, trainer, and coach
focusing on sales and marketing performance improvement. He started his
profession as key account manager and worked in various
sales- and marketing management positions in the high tech industry in Central
& Eastern Europe. At the Department of International
Management at FH Joanneum - University of Applied Sciences he also teaches
B2B Marketing, International Sales & Key Account
Management, and Strategy.
Join us in this exciting evening and register online !
Hope to see many of you,
cordial greetings
Christina Thomar & Ursula Vavrik
Co-Presidents WCN Vienna City Network, member of the EuropeanPWN
March 02, 2009 - WCN - General Meeting | 30 Years of Gender Equality Law
When: starts at 19.30H
Where: Hotel Hilton am Stadtpark, room Mahler
Speaker: Mag. Sandra Konstatzky
Registration: EuropeanPWN
Dear ladies,
tonight we have a very important topic and a very experienced speaker:
30 years of Gender Equality law
What are the main issues of Equality Law today?
Let´s discuss cases of Equal Pay, Glass Ceiling and reconciliation of work and family life.
What can the Ombud for Equal Treatment do for you, if you feel discriminated
against?
Speaker: Mag. Sandra Konstatzky
Since 07/2003: Legal advisor at the Ombud for Equal Treatment at the Federal Chancellery (National Equality Body)
Other activities:
Austrian Women Lawyers’ Association : Board member , President
· Austrian Frauenring, the Austrian umbrella organisation of all
Women organisations Board member
· Verein Frauenrechtsschutz, an association to help women to enforce their rights
Board member
Looking forward to meeting many of you there. Please register online !
Christina Thomar & Ursula Vavrik
Co-Presidents WCN Vienna City Network, member of the EuropeanPWN
February 9, 2009 – WCN General Meeting: Launch of EPWN Publication “Networking – the New Ariadne’s Thread”; thereafter “Advancement: Myths and Reality- What Company and Leaders Expect From Their Talent”
Speaker: Cécile Demailly, Co-Author, Vice-President Think Tank Communities for EuropeanPWN
Topic 1: Launch of EPWN book “Networking – the New Ariadne’s Thread"
Speakers: Adam Yearsley , Director of the Talent Management Group for the EMEASA Region of Western Union Lydia J. Goutas, Managing Partner , Lehner Executive Partners, working in recruitment, development and coaching
Topic 2: “Advancement: Myths and Reality- What Company and Leaders Expect From Their Talent”
When: Networking starts at 18.30H (at the Gallery), General Meeting at 19.30H
Where: Vienna Hilton am Stadtpark, room Mahler
Registration: EuropeanPWN
Launch of EuropeanPWN’s new publication in the Women@work collection
: “Networking, the new Ariadne’s thread” will also unveil
the results of the “How do women network?” survey. The book
asks whether one can succeed in business (professionally) without networking,
describes the state of the art across Europe, presents women’s unique
way to network, and compiles a must-have set of advice on how to network,
especially also for network founders.
The book was written by Marie-Claude Peyrache (President, EuropeanPWN-Paris) and Cécile Demailly (VP Think Tank Communities, EuropeanPWN), with interviews from Armelle Carminati (Accenture), Diane Morris (president TIAW and former president CWN), Margaret Milan (former president EuropeanPWN, honorary president EuropeanPWN-Paris), and contributions from Sandy Becky (Cisco, VP Corporate, EuropeanPWN-Paris), Marijo Bos (President, EuropeanPWN-Madrid), Hilary Ellis (Alstom, VP Exec Ed, EuropeanPWN-Paris) and Mirella Visser (President, EuropeanPWN). The book is published in two versions, English and French.
Topic 2: The inside and external views on “advancement: myths and reality- what company and leaders expect from their talent” touch upon questions like “What companies expect – is there an unspoken promise ?
How do advancement programs work ? How they select their people ? What types of advancement programs exist ? How will high tech change things ??What do employees do to undermine their career development ?”
Adam Yearsley , a native of Australia, is the Director of Talent Acquisition and Management Group for the EMEASA Region of Western Union Financial services. Adam ´s experience in both consulting as well as in corporations in Asia and Australia includes working with the Human Resource and Organisational Development Departments at Dell, Hewlett Packard, Nokia, Telcos and Banks. He has implemented employee education programs, performance appraisal instruments and attitude surveys, development plans, KPI’s and customer satisfaction measures.
Lydia J. Goutas, a native of NY is currently Managing Partner , LEHNER EXECUTIVE PARTNERS (formerly known as Plaut Personalberatung) working in recruitment, development and coaching – leading an international team serving growing multi-nationals for the last 10 years. Scientific publications, contributing author to various publications on women and employment overseas, currently writes a column in the Austria monthly, Economy. Before co-managing director of Webster University Professional Development Center, lecturer at PEF Private University for Management,academic director for the MSc Program in HR and Organizational Development delivered to the EADS( Germany, UK, France). Advisory board member of Webster University, the Austro-American Society, the Financial Services Club CEE, president of the American Women’s Association, an international charity organization with 27 different nationalities.
We are looking forward to meeting you there!
Christina Thomar & Ursula Vavrik
Co-Presidents, WCN Vienna Local Network - EuropeanPWN
January 12, 2009 - Networking | General Meeting
Speaker: Ms Rauch-Kallat
When: starts at 19.30H
Where: Vienna Hilton am Stadtpark, Johannes Brahms Room
Topic: MENTORING
Registration: EuropeanPWN
Logistics: The dress code for the event is: business casual.
During her period as minister for health and women, Ms Rauch-Kallat started
a women-business-mentoring program to support women in their professional
lifes and to ensure better networking between them.
Mentoring is a very important part in career building for men and women.
Especially for women it helps to overcome obstacles on the way to top positions
and helps to fight against the glass ceiling.The Mentory Club – a
club for mentors and mentees – is located in Alpha, a non-partisan
club for women, founded by Maria Rauch-Kallat more than twenty years ago.
Alpha is also running a wo-mentoring program.
At the beginning of the General Meeting we will have a short WCN General
Assembly:
topics:
1) WCN Financial statement 2008 and budget preview for 2009
2) Change of WCN name in statutes (to English name)
Looking forward to meeting many of you there. Please register online !
Christina Thomar & Ursula Vavrik
Co-Presidents WCN Vienna City Network, member of the EuropeanPWN
Networking
Dear ladies,
Looking for more networking opportunities?
Meeting new friends or business partners?
Getting some new ideas for your professional or private life?
Then please join us at our Networking Cocktail !
We see you at 6:30 pm at the gallery
in front of our WCN meeting room at the
hotel HILTON am Stadtpark.
Christina Thomar & Ursula Vavrik
Co-Presidents WCN Vienna, member of EuropeanPWN
Dezember 01, 2008 - Unclouding the Glass Ceiling
Speaker: Sabine Fleischmann
When: starts at 19.30H
Where: Vienna Hilton am Stadtpark, Johannes Brahms Room
Registration: EuropeanPWN
Abstract:
Both as a female employee and an experienced people manager with strong passion for gender diversity I have had opportunity to understand and work against the phenomenom “glass ceiling” in several international organisations. As always the reasons for this are complex and multple. I want to share my insights and what I think can be done differently by employees and managers, by men and women to achieve better career diversity.
About the speaker:
Sabine Fleischmann has started her career as a Software Developer in 1990. Since then she has held many positions and managerial roles in the industry with several IT companies. In December 2006 she became the Country Manager of Sun Microsystems in Austria . She is married and mother of a son.
November 10, 2008 - Networking | General Meeting - Improvise it! Theatre techniques improving business life
Topic: Improvise it! Gain more self-confidence by using improv theatre techniques in your business life
Speaker: Manuela Stachl, Barbara Roth
When: Networking starts at 18.30H, General Meeting at 19.30H
Where: Vienna Hilton am Stadtpark, Johannes Brahms Room
Registration: EuropeanPWN
Join us at the November General Meeting and learn more about improv – the ultimate collaborative experience.
Manuela Stachl, founder of moods and more, 1. Wiener Impro-Agentur, and Barbara Roth will introduce you to the secrets of improv and show you how to use improv techniques in your business life.
You`ll learn more about the '10 Commandmends of Improvisation' such as:
-effective listening (which sounds easier than it actually is) -collaborating
and -creating something new together ...using each person`s individual strength
to achieve a common goal.
After a short theoretical introduction Manuela and Barbara will show you
some short video clips and do a mini improv workshop with you.
October 6, 2008 - Networking | General Meeting - You don’t get a second chance
Speaker: Charles La Fond
Topic: “You don't get a second chance - to make a good first impression”
When: Networking starts at 18.30H at the Gallery, General Meeting at 19.30H
Where: Vienna Hilton am Stadtpark, Johannes Brahms Room
Registration: EuropeanPWN
You don’t
get a second chance - to make a first good impression
When you stand up to make a presentation, people immediately make a gut decision about you. Are you coming across the way you think you are? This talk will focus on making a good first impression and getting you off to a good start at your next presentation. We’ll also look at leaving a good last impression, too.
Charles La Fond, MBA, has been in the training industry since 1981. From 1984 to 2008 he ran the Business Language Center, an institute specialised in the English training of companies in Austria. He has been a Professor at Webster University, Vienna campus, since 1992, a licensed Buzan trainer for Mental Literacy and Mind Mapping since 1991, and has also been working for HPS Hierhold Presentation Services since 1998. He is an accomplished public speaker for Toastmasters International, and has worked for the Donau-Universität, Krems, from 1999-2002 in the field of “Convincing Argumentation”. His private interests include skiing , travel, public-speaking and computers.
Looking forward to meeting you there!
Christina Thomar & Ursula Vavrik
WCN Co-Presidents
September 1, 2008 - BusinessXchange/Networking &
Launch of “Women on Board - Moving Mountains"
Speaker: Betsy Hahn, former WCN president
Topic: Launch of EPWN book “Women on Board-Moving Mountains"
When: Networking starts at 18.30H (See above), General Meeting at 19.30H
Where: Vienna Hilton am Stadtpark, Bruckner Room
Registration: EPWN
Additional program of the evening:
1. WCN review: what happened from June until September 2008 ?
2. networking games: get to know other WCN members and guests !
From now on we would kindly ask you to register online for all our
WCN events, also General Meetings !
We are looking forward to meeting you there!
Christina Thomar & Ursula Vavrik
Co-Presidents, WCN Vienna Local Network - EuropeanPWN
June 2, 2008 - Networking | General Meeting
Speaker: Mag. Martina Gleissenebner
Topic: SELF-BRANDING FOR WOMEN – “To be a woman or not to be”…
When: Networking starts at 18.30H (See above), General Meeting at 19.30H
Where: Vienna Hilton am Stadtpark, Johannes Brahms Room
Registration: EPWN
SELF-BRANDING facilitates career development! Join us at the WCN’s next General Meeting, June 2, 2008 to know more about this topic.
”To be a woman or not to be”… This is very often the question for women who want to reach top management positions. However, so far women at executive level generally tend to imitate their male counterparts. They have learned to play according to the rules of a "man's world". As a result a female contribution to decision making processes still lags behind.
Self-branding means to develop the brand of your personality. The speech concentrates on the potential lying in the creation of your own “brand” in order to create and communicate a stronger - and authentic - SELF in your workplace. The way how to specify your own "Unique Selling Proposition" and your “Personal Identity” as basics of all branding processes will be defined and explored, with a focus on how to communicate your brand.
Martina Gleissenebner (www.branding-tc.com) is a Branding Specialist who holds an international executive position for branding, sales & marketing in a multinational company for more than seven years. In addition, she is the founder of the first international speaker’s agency for women only (www.international-business-speakers.com) and keynote-speaker herself with her specific expertise on branding, charisma & professional speaking.
Christina and I are looking forward to meeting you there!
May 5, 2008 - Networking | General Meeting
When: Networking lasts 18.00 - 19.00 | General Meeting starts at 19:30 *GUEST SPEAKER is Francis Montocchio (see below)
Where: Hilton Hotel - Stadtpark, 1030 Vienna
Registration: EPWN
Speaking the language of your business partner is often already part of the success story! Join us at the WCN’s next General Meeting, May 5, 2008 to know more about this topic.
Speaker: Francis Montocchio
Topic: Acquiring a Second Language as an Adult – Dream or Reality?
Where: Vienna Hilton am Stadtpark, Johannes Brahms Room
When: Networking starts at 18.30H, General Meeting at 19.30H
Francis Montocchio is the founder and director of the language school “Pro Active English” and has been teaching English as a second language to adults for more than 20 years. He has also studied the development of the brain as well as language acquisition among brain-injured children.
Understanding how we acquire a second language and the approach we can best use to do so lies in knowing how the brain is wired and adapting our approach to second language acquisition accordingly. Additionally, Francis will talk about questions such as “why do children acquire second and third languages more easily than adults?” and “why can’t I speak a second language even though I learned it for several years at school?” He will give some of the members of the audience a chance to take an active part in practising an effective approach to acquiring a second language.
Christina and I are looking forward to meeting you there!
Looking for more networking opportunities? Meeting new friends or business partners? Getting some new ideas for your professional or private life?
Then join us at the Hilton Bar before our next General Meeting for a half-price cocktail during Happy Hour in the After Work Lounge. Make sure you stop by and get more out of the network while enjoying a cocktail and free snacks at the bar. There is a table reserved for us! Simply ask for the WCN reservation!
Looking forward to seeing you there!
April 7, 2008 - Networking | General Meeting
When:Networking lasts 18.00 - 19.00 (Note change in meeting place) | General Meeting starts at 19:30 (Please kindly start moving upstairs between 19 - 19:30 so that we can start the General Meeting on time)
Where: Hilton Hotel - Stadtpark, 1030 Vienna
Registration: EPWN
Is there really such a thing as work-life balance?
It´s not just a feeling – it´s a reality. The pace of our daily lives is faster than it was five years ago. Computers, mobile phones and other technical devices make it possible for us to be available anytime and anywhere. This daily time pressure drains our energy. The question is how do we continue to “refuel” ourselves to keep up with the pace. How can we overcome the challenges that we face when it comes to allocating our time? Rüdiger Tesar – entrepreneur, father of two, top athlete (pentathlon), licensed athletic trainer and therapist deals with these challenges daily. Based on his own personal experience, Rüdiger has developed techniques to help top managers conquer the work-life balance challenges.
Rüdiger will
·Show us the four areas you need to concentrate on to achieve a balanced life
·Share new ideas and practical tips for mastering own personaltime challenges
·Show us ways to allocate time for our children, business, relationship, friends and sport
·Help us identify our personal “danger” zones in respect to work-life balance
Please join us in welcoming Rügiger Tesar as our guest speaker on Monday, April 7, 2008
We look forward to seeing you there!
February 4, 2008 - Networking | General Meeting
When: Networking lasts 18.00 - 19.00 (Note change in meeting place) | General Meeting starts at 19:30 (Please kindly start moving upstairs between 19 - 19:30 so that we can start the General Meeting on time)
Where: Vienna Hilton am Stadtpark | S'PARKS | Gustav Mahler room
Registration: EPWN
Speaker Karin Schreiner (topic, Intercultural Competencies). More information to follow.
Looking for more networking opportunities? Meeting new friends or business partners? Getting some new ideas for your professional or private life?
Then join us at the Hilton Hotel before our next General Meeting for a half-price cocktail during Happy Hour in the S'PARKS 14. We usually meet at the Hilton Bar, but only this time, we will meet in the S'PARKS which is also located in the hotel.
Make sure you stop by and get more out of the network while enjoying a cocktail and free snacks at the bar. There is a table reserved for us!
Simply ask for the WCN reservation!
January 14, 2008 - Networking | General Meeting
When: Networking lasts 18.00 - 19.00, General Meeting starts at 19:30 (Please kindly start moving upstairs between 19 - 19:30 so that we can start the General Meeting on time)
Where: Vienna Hilton am Stadtpark, Bruckner Room
Registration: EPWN
Looking for more networking opportunities? Meeting business partners or new friends? Getting some new ideas for your professional or business life? Then join us at the Hilton Bar before our next General Meeting for a half-price cocktail during Happy Hour in the After Work Lounge. Make sure you stop by and get more out of the network while enjoying a cocktail and free snacks at the bar. We managed to get a table for us! Simply ask for the WCN reservation!
General Meeting to follow at 19.30 — General Meeting won't be on the first monday, rather it will be on Monday Jan. 14. Please welcome speaker Lindsey Walker , who will discuss 'Strategies for Stress'. Lindsey is a Self-Development Coach and founder of Carpe Diem – International Self-Development Center. Lindsey will be addressing the topic of stress and offering some inspirational ideas to help individuals creatively manage stress and empower the self. She was educated at the Arts Educational School in London England in the areas of dance, drama and voice. She has a BA [Hons] in Psychology and is a member of the British Psychological Society. Her growing interest in metaphysical and holistic healing approaches led her to do a thirteen-month transpersonal counseling course, as well as train over several years in Art Therapy. She has also completed a training program called, ‘The Dance of Life’ created by German dance therapist Petra Klein, which uses movement and dance for self-discovery and in-depth self healing. She has counseled both adults and children, using spontaneous painting and expressive dance when called for. Her work experience also took her to Bangalore, India, where she used spontaneous painting and expressive dance to counsel street children, as well as to ! the Emirates where she used dance, drama and art work to counsel cancer patients in an Arabic hospital.
REMINDER: We remind you to pick up your WCN Directory, which includes a biography of all of our members if you have not done so already. They are available at the Membership Director’s/Treasurer’s desk outside the meeting room.
We look forward to seeing you at the next General Meeting!
December 3, 2007, Happy Hour | Networking
When: Networking lasts 18.00 - 19.00
Where:Vienna Hilton am Stadtpark, Bruckner Room
Registration: EPWN
Looking for more networking opportunities? Meeting business partners or new friends? Getting some new ideas for your professional or business life? Then join us at the Hilton Bar before our next General Meeting for a half-price cocktail during Happy Hour in the After Work Lounge. Make sure you stop by and get more out of the network while enjoying a cocktail and free snacks at the bar. We managed to get a table for us! Simply ask for the WCN reservation!
General Meeting to follow at 19.30
November 5, 2007 General Meeting
When: General Meeting at 19.30 (I would ask that you kindly please start moving upstairs between 19 - 19:30 so that we can start the General Meeting on time)
Where: Vienna Hilton am Stadtpark, Bruckner Room
Registration: EPWN
Join us for our November General Meeting! For our November General Meeting Neha Chatwani will be talking to us about ‘Self-coaching or the art of getting unstuck’ - understanding what self-coaching is and how it can be used in daily life. The business world is fast-paced and requires quick and effective action. Self-coaching techniques support in making these decisions and raise the awareness of their impact.
Inspired by her own experiences, Neha offers her clients the support to leverage their full potential by the shifting their frames-of-reference and thereby tapping into personal and professional innovation. Her approach is holistic: increased awareness of thought processes and body signals, incorporating these with intuition, emotions and rationale of the mind. Neha believes life-long learning is not only meaningful but also fun!
We look forward to seeing you at the next General Meeting!
October 1, Networking starts at 19.00, General Meeting at 19.30
When: Networking starts at 19.00, General Meeting at 19.30
Where: Vienna Hilton am Stadtpark, Bruckner Room
Registration: EPWN
Looking for more networking opportunities? Meeting new friends or business partners? Getting some new ideas for your professional or business life? Then join us at the Hilton Bar before our next General Meeting for a half-price cocktail during Happy Hour in the After Work Lounge. Make sure you stop by and get more out of the network while enjoying a cocktail and free snacks at the bar. We managed to get a table for us! Simply ask for the WCN reservation!
Join us for our October General Meeting and give your confidence a boost! Tasha Faltys-Linden, WCN co-president, will introduce you to a Confidence Booster Circuit Training course which promises to improve your body language, keep your message short and concise and add media mix to your presentations. We look forward to seeing you at the next General Meeting!
September 10, 2007 - General Meeting
Topic: Networking Special
When: Networking starts at 19.00, General Meeting at 19.30
Where: Vienna Hilton am Stadtpark, Johannes Brahms room
Registration: EPWN
Happy Hour starts at 19:00. Below is teh link for signing up!
Join us for a special interactive networking event where we will learn about effective self marketing. All members will have an opportunity on a voluntary basis to market themselves, their businesses or their careers – do not miss this chance! Also, meet the Steering Committee and find out what they have in store for us in the upcoming months! Also please be so kind as to fill out the Annual Survey by Friday, August 24th which you can find by following the link at the bottom of this email– your feedback is important to us and helps us keep the WCN in line with the needs and interest of its members. The survey results will be presented at the meeting.
Survey for Next Meeting - We look forward to hearing your thoughts!
Looking forward to seeing you!
May 7, 2007 – General Meeting
Where: Hilton Stadtpark (Johannes Brahms Room), 1030 Vienna
When: meeting begins at 7:30 pm, networking from 6:30 pm.
Please join us in welcoming Dieter Zirnig as our guest speaker at the May General Meeting. Dieter Zirnig is the Country Manager for Interactive Marketing at Hewlett Packard in Austria and responsible for Marketing Effectiveness, Analytics and Web 2.0. All sound a bit confusing? Then come along and find out how you can increase your networking effectiveness by using a blog, learn how to connect and be connected with others through the use of internet platforms and find out how to use both of these interactive communication tools to increase marketing effectiveness and analyse upcoming trends.
We look forward to seeing you!
Monday, June 4, 2007 – June General Meeting
Where: Hilton am Stadtpark
When: Begin 19.30
Registration: EPWN
Please joing us in welcoming Viviane Posch as the WCN guest speaker for our June Meeting. Viviane is a licensed LifeSuccess consultant who lives and works in Vienna. Viviane will be talking to us about "the power of the mind" and how we can use this power to reach higher performance levels in our careers and achieve a better work-life balance in our daily lives. Viviane will be talking to us about a powerful graphic which can be used as a tool to understand the powers of the mind. According to Viviane, "top-performers are doing something different from everybody else and yet it´s not something you can detect. It´s the way they think." Join us in finding out how you can "power-up" your mind!
April 2 – General Meeting
Where: Vienna Hilton am Stadtpark
When: meeting begins at 7:30 pm, networking from 6:30 pm.
Please join us in welcoming Susanne Schunder-Tatzber MD, MAS, MBA who will be speaking at our April General Meeting.
Susanne is an expert on the subject of human capital and considers herself a “happy patchworker” as she does not work for one single employer, but is involved in some eight health related projects.
Susanne will be answering the question “what is human capital and how does it influence today´s business world”. She will share with us her views on the importance of recognizing the human aspects and assets which exist within a company. She will also explain the human capital model which helps managers become more aware of interpersonal needs within their companies, thus supporting them in their goal to become successful managers.
March General Meeting - Monday, March 5
Guest Speaker: H.E. Ms. Taous Feroukhi, Ambassador of Algeria to Austria and the United Nations
Where: Vienna Hilton am Stadtpark, Bruckner Room
When: 7:00pm networking begins; 7:30pm General Meeting begins
In celebration of International Women’s Month, Her Excellency Ms. Taous Feroukhi, Ambassador of Algeria to Austria and the United Nations, will be the guest speaker at the WCN’s March General Meeting. She will be speaking on topics relating to women as leaders in international affairs and women’s career and educational opportunities in Algeria and Africa. The following is a brief biographical note highlighting Ambassador Feroukhi’s distinguished career:
Ambassador Taous Feroukhi is Permanent Representative of Algeria to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Vienna. Notable highlights of her term in Vienna have been serving as Chairperson of the CTBTO Preparatory Commission for 2005 and as Chairman of a special safeguards and verification committee of the International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors for 2005-2006.
Ambassador Feroukhi studied literature and political science at the University of Algiers, Algeria, and at the University of Madrid, Spain. She joined the diplomatic service in 1976 and served from 1979-1981 as Secretary for Cultural and Educational Cooperation in Ottawa, Canada, and from 1981-1986 as First Secretary of the Embassy of Algeria in Madrid, Spain, and further as First Counselor and Deputy Ambassador at the Permanent Mission of Algeria to the United Nations in Geneva between 1990 and 1994.
In the Foreign Ministry in Algiers, Ms Feroukhi was responsible for Southern European countries (1986-1990). In 1994, she was appointed Deputy Director for Programmes and Specialized Agencies of the United Nations, followed by the position of Counselor to the Secretary of State for Co-operation and Maghrebian Affairs until 1999.
Prior to her current appointment, which she took up in November 2001, she served in the Cabinet of the President of the Republic of Algeria.
February 5, 2007 - General Meeting
Topic: Principles of Persuasion – getting people to say YES to your requests
Where: Vienna Hilton am Stadtpark, Bruckner Room
When: 7:00pm networking begins, 7:30pm general meeting begins
During our October meeing Tim Birdsall shared the first three of six principles of persuasion with WCN members. Back by popular demand for our February meeting, Tim will fill us in on the remaining three principles of persuasion. Tim Birdsall is a sales trainer that specialises in enabling customers to create new opportuinties from new customers, and more opportunities from existing customers. Come and learn more about the art and science of getting people to say YES to your requests.
January 8, 2007 - General Meeting
Topic: Networking Kick Off Meeting 2007
Where: Vienna Hilton am Stadtpark, Bruckner Room
When: Networking starts at 19.00, General Meeting at 19.30.
Networking has become an important tool to improve professional and personal success. Understanding that networking is a give and take process is the first step in increasing the effectiveness of your networking potential. During our meeting we will discuss the benefits of active networking within the WCN and identify the networking return on investment for WCN members. Please come prepared to share your WCN networking goals for 2007 as well as your networking input for the WCN for 2007 with your fellow members.
December 04, General Meeting
Where: Vienna Hilton am Stadtpark, Bruckner Room
When: Networking starts at 7 pm, General Meeting at 7:30 pm
Jenny Simanowitz from Happy Business presents a Communications Cabaret. This is a modern, humorous form of knowledge transmission based on communications training. It’s aim is consciousness-raising and knowledge transfer through art and entertainment. For more information: www.happybusiness.at
November 2, 2006 - General Meeting
Topic: WCN in 2007 – A mind map
Speaker: Charles LaFond (Certified Mind Mapping Expert)
Where: Vienna Hilton am Stadtpark, Bruckner Room
When: Networking starts at 19.00, General Meeting at 19.30
This workshop will give you the techniques and the knowledge in order to achieve higher levels of creativity, clearer organization of thoughts, increased concentration and more concise communications through the introduction and use of Mind Mapping®.
October 03, 2006 - General Meeting
Topic: 6 Principles of Persuasion
Speaker: Timothy C. Birdsall
Where: Hotel Intercontinental
When: Networking starts at 19.00, General Meeting at 19.30
Our October speaker Tim Birdsall is a sales trainer that specialises in enabling customers to create new opportuinties from new customers, and more opporttunities from existing customers. Within this field, the works of Robert Cialdini, and in particiular his 6 principles of persuasion, the art and science of getting people to say YES to your requests, have become key. Tim will share these with you.
September 4, 2006 - General Meeting
Topic: Networking Special
Where: Vienna Hilton am Stadtpark, Bruckner Room
When: Networking starts at 19.00, General Meeting at 19.30
Join us for a preview of what's ahead for the WCN in the upcoming months. Meet the new presidents and the Steering Committee and find out what they have in store for us as far as events, innovations and new faces are concerned. Take part in some intensive networking together with your fellow WCN members as part of what has been coined “speed networking”. So please don't forget to bring your business cards – this very well could be the evening that you find answers to your unanswered questions!
June 12th, 2006 - General Meeting
Topic: Juggling Family and Career in Austria
Join us for a Panel Discussion on Juggling Family and Career in Austria. From finding out you are pregnant to settling back in your career after your child is born, we will discuss many issues that women in Austria face.
Our panel members:
Sigrid Brandstetter, KPMG Tax Manager
Gabriele Schwarenthorer, IBM, Human Resources, HR Partner North East Europe
Christina Thomar, Frey Wille Marketing and Business Development Manager
Juliette Hyde, Economist Intelligence Unit Marketing Manager CEEMEA
Speaker: Panel Discussion
Where: Hilton am Stadtpark
When: Networking starts at 7 p.m., Meeting starts at 7.30 p.m.
May 8, 2006 - General Meeting
Topic: Information and Communication Technologies: Maximizing their potential in our daily lives
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) offer us assistance in many areas of our lives and are perhaps most notably in the modern workplace. The rise of IT has changed more than just the level of automation and availability of relevant information: it has affected the entire way we work. Most of us are now dependent on the rapid distribution of information and knowledge enabled by ICTs. However, at times, these technologies are in fact more likely to hinder us in "being smart" than facilitate quick and intelligent problem-solving. In her presentation, Hanna Risku will question the supposedly helpful role of information and communication technologies in our daily lives, explain reasons for the fundamental difficulties in their use and discuss how we can make best use of technology in helping us manage the complexity of modern business reality.
Hanna Risku was born in Finland and has lectured, published and carried out research in several languages and European countries. She was recently elected Professor at the Danube University Krems, where she heads up the University's new Department for Knowledge and Communication Management. She is also President of the European Society for Technical Communication, TCeurope. Join Hanna Risku to hear more about her experiences in surviving and succeeding in the international academic world and learn, from her professional and scientific specialization, about the opportunities and challenges of the use of information and communication technology.
Speaker: Professor Hanna Risku, Danube University Krems and President of TCeurope
Where: Hilton am Stadtpark
When: Networking starts at 7 p.m., Meeting starts at 7.30 p.m.
April 3, 2006 - General Meeting
Topic: Love, Power and Money – Strategies on Maintaining Harmony in the Family
Mediation expert Barbara Ganzinger will present useful tips and tools for resolving conflict.
Family is the cornerstone of every society. We all come from a family, some large and some small. Having a happy family is an important comfort to people and has a significant role in our lives.
Being part of a family means more than living with relatives. In an ideal family, the three elements “love, power and money” are in perfect harmony. However, when one of these elements disrupts the delicate balance of this harmony, the family can be thrown into turmoil.
Our speaker, Barbara Ganzinger, will present a model that helps families solve difficult situations, often related to money and possessions, and maintain the balance within the family. Whether you are managing your own family, or a family business, the end goal is to encourage family members to recognize and respect each other’s perspectives, to enable communication and the ability to find common ground.
Barbara Ganzinger is a consultant for family enterprises. She is a partner at Brenninkmeyer Seyer & Partner as well as a mediator and executive coach. She comes from a family that owns a private company. She is married and has three children.
Speaker: Barbara Ganzinger, Mediator and Executive Coach
Where: Renaissance Penta Hotel
When: Networking starts at 7 p.m., Meeting starts at 7.30 p.m.
March 6, 2006 - General Meeting
Topic: A New Role is Emerging in the Corporate World – the "Chief Networking Officer"
Join the WCN as we pay tribute to International Women’s Day (March 8th)
While we are moving from an information society towards a networked society, skills which traditionally were considered to be “female” skills are gaining ever more importance. “People make the difference” statements made by leaders such as David Ogilvy or Jack Welsh are even more true today. It is not just about the individual knowledge and expertise, it is about the ability to connect the unconnected and with it create new business opportunities, foster innovation, enable long term business relationships, motivate employees and ensure sustainable development. Let us network and lead the way!
Selma Prodanovic, a professional networker, demanded multilingual networking trainer, lecturer, author, consultant, and entrepreneur, with more than 15 years of international new business development, marketing and networking experience. Selma has lived in several countries, speaks 5 languages, is member of more than a dozen international networks, and is currently writing her doctoral thesis on social networks. Fascinated with the idea of constant active development, and the fact that each of us can make a positive difference, Selma Prodanovic is the founder and Chief Networking Officer (CNO) of Brainswork. Selma is also Vice President of creativ wirtschaft Austria, President of Creative Europe, Regional Manager of SuccessBC, and marketing lecturer in a tourism school in Vienna.
Speaker: Selma Prodanovic
Where: Hilton am Stadtpark
When: Networking starts at 7 p.m., Meeting starts at 7.30 p.m.
February 6th, 2006 - General Meeting
Topic: Effective Communication in Professional Business Situations
"The newest computer can merely compound, at speed, the oldest problem in the relations between human beings, and in the end the communicator will be confronted with the old problem, of what to say and how to say it." - Edward R. Murrow
If it is true that:
- We cannot NOT communicate
If it is true that:
- In every situation that involves another person or persons, communication takes place.
If it is true that:
- It is difficult to be sure that the messages that are received are the same as the ones we think we have sent.
Then:
- Successful communication is not something that can be taken for granted.
And:
- The goal must be to achieve success with quality in our communication – no matter what challenge we face!
Join us to learn from Ms. Faltys-Linden how to communicate with power, confidence, authority, persuasiveness and credibility in your ambitions to lead, motivate and influence within the global marketplace.
Tasha´s expertise lies in the fields of marketing and media communications. She began her media career at the ORF (Austrian Broadcasting Corporation) in 1982. Presently she is actively involved in the development and realisation of ORF workshops focusing on radio journalism, including live on-air training. In addition to her work at the ORF, Tasha manages the event-marketing agency, i.c.e. – ideas, concepts and event, which she founded in 1991.
Additionally, Tasha began her career as an executive business trainer and coach in 2002. She regularly trains business professionals how to communicate effectively. Her international clients include Henkel CEE, Siemens, Brau Union, Magna Steyr, DHL, Coca-Cola, Raiffeisen International, Wrigleys Poland, and Miba, AG.
Speaker: Tasha Faltys-Linden, Executive Business Trainer and Coach
Where: Hilton am Stadtpark
When: Networking starts at 7 p.m., Meeting starts at 7.30 p.m.
January 9th, 2006 - General Meeting
Topic: Using Cultural Differences to Create Value - Applying the Mapping, Bridging, Integrating (MBI) Model
As the markets, locally and around the world, become more diverse it is necessary for companies not just to understand and adjust for cultural differences. Now the emphasis is, and has to be, on leveraging differences to create value.
How can a company reach a multicultural population? By creating multicultural project teams and supporting them in their work, allowing them to develop more creative and versatile solutions. To this purpose, Joseph DiStefano and Martha Maznevski designed and tested their Mapping, Bridging, and Integrating (MBI) model, which has since been applied to areas beyond product design and marketing.
Elisabeth Cassels-Brown, freelance trainer in intercultural communication and management, Adjunct Professor at Webster University Vienna, and Lecturer at the IMC University of Applied Management Sciences in Krems, will present the basics of the MBI model and encourage us to apply them in a case study.
Speaker: Elisabeth Cassels-Brown, www.cassels-brown.at
Where: Hilton am Stadtpark
When: Networking starts at 7 p.m., Meeting starts at 7.30 p.m.
December 5th, 2005 - General Meeting
Topic: Me and my headphones, or lost in the Ethernet?
Gisela Ebermayer-Minich, succeeding in different positions with IBM for more than 20 years, will present her story about how she meets the challenges and enjoys the benefits of working internationally in a virtual environment. Hear her perspective on the flexibility needed by the individual and by the corporate organisation to survive with cultural differences, to create and nurture relationships on a virtual basis and to meet across different time zones. The aspects on how to develop the prerequisites necessary to work virtually and effectively in an international environment will also be discussed.
She will ask every participant to fill in a self-assessment as to which key factors influence the individual's flexibility. And finally, her presentation will include a short technical description on the infrastructure IBM provides, as well as some of the major aspects on workforce flexibility, which IBM has researched and built programs around.
Gisela Ebermayer-Minich is currently the Pan-European Deployment Leader for Resource Management Infrastructure. During her career, she has held challenging positions within IBM – from being one of the first sales women at IBM Austria, to being promoted to management to create a new department from the beginning to organisational maturity and finally being the manager of the Global Account team, which included serving in the role of a local CIO. She is an active member of the ‘IBM Austria Women Leadership Forum' and was the first Austrian president of the 'Women's Career Network'. She is married and has no children. She speaks German, French and English fluently, understands Latin, a little Spanish and a little Italian and takes classes in the South Indian dance Bharata Natyam.
Speaker: Gisela Ebermayer-Minich, IBM
Where: Hilton am Stadtpark
When: Networking starts at 7 p.m., Meeting starts at 7.30 p.m.
November 7th, 2005 - General Meeting
Topic: Achieving Entrepreneurial Success
Margaret Milan, President of EuropeanPWN and founder of Eveil & Jeux, presents her entrepreneurial success story. Hear her perspective on breaking the glass ceiling, finding the support needed to achieve one's objectives, and on being a real "superwoman" (or not) in order to do it all.
Margaret began her career in marketing for Proctor and Gamble. She left the corporate world to spend some time with her children and then founded Eveil & Jeux in her garage. The company became France's leading mail order toy store and was recently bought by the Pinault Printemps Redoute Group. Margaret is Scottish and a Harvard Business School graduate.
Join us to hear Margaret's inspirational story.
Margaret will also demonstrate live the full potential of the EuropeanPWN website: how to use the directory for networking, book for events across Europe, post messages, and more.
Speaker: Margaret Milan, President of EPWN
Where: Hilton am Stadtpark
When: Networking starts at 7 p.m., Meeting starts at 7.30 p.m.
October 3rd 2005 - General Meeting
Topic: Laughter really is the best medicine
Speaker: Mag. Monika Mueksch
Where: Hotel Hilton, Salon "Alban Berg"
When: Networking starts at 7 p.m., Meeting starts at 7.30 p.m.
Did you know that ten minutes of “heavy laughter” burns as many calories as an hour of rowing, and besides is one of the best relaxation methods? Have you ever thought about the idea of taking a bottle of “laughter medicine” instead of an aspirin?
Come to Monday night’s meeting and see, feel and experience why the often quoted phrase “Laughter is the best medicine” really is true and enjoy an interactive evening with Laughter Yoga & Co, following the motto: “Humor brings people closer and creates distance to problems.”
Monika Müksch works as an actress/singer/coach and “Laughter Muscle Trainer” and her aim is to show people how wonderful life can be if you choose the “platform of joy” and keep on the sunny side of life!
December 2004
Topic: Non-verbal Negotiations
Presented by: Ms. Gisela Amort
November 2004
Mr. Karl von Habsburg
Topic: Integrating Minority Rights into a Legal Framework
Mr. Karl von Habsburg has made it his life-long mission to integrate ethnic minority rights into a legal framework and bring them to the political foreground. What is clear from his dynamic talk to the WCN is that he has a great, if not unique, knowledge and expertise on this subject and that he is extremely dedicated and passionate to his cause. Exuding enthusiasm and a positive manner, Mr. von Habsburg shared much insight into the current political scene and background of minority rights, interspersed with vibrant and witty personal recollections and observations on his own political career. He commented that 9 / 11 has in part served to make it more difficult for some minority groups to get recognition as the focus, particularly of the United Nations, is on majority groups and terrorist organizations.
He also pointed to what he considers to be the outdated paradigm of the 'Nation or Sovereign State' referring to this as a dinosaur that is dead – 'it just doesn't know that it is dead'- that in the globalized world no country is entirely self–sufficient or independent, rather nations are not isolated but are part of a larger structure and that along these lines he suggested that the European Union has emerged as the most advanced structure. Mr. von Habsburg also outlined how people's rights need to be protected on all levels – from the family, to the community, to the regional, to the national and then global – he referred to all the layers in between this as 'Cross Border' often effected by region, ethnicity and language. Amongst other topics Mr. von Habsburg also discussed the problems of protecting 'cultural heritage' during conflicts and war, in his experience of Croatia he was 'totally stunned' to realise people wanted desperately to preserve their cultural heritage such as the paintings in churches. He commented that Austria in particular has been proactive in this area and that its armed forces contain 22 Cultural Property Protection Officers, who serve to protect what is important to minorities. Mr. von Habsburg took a variety of questions of the floor but was particularly flattered when one lady from the audience commented that in the course of the evening she had changed her opinion of him to the positive!
Many thanks to Ira Mollay who led the interactive networking exercise for the evening. Members from the audience were asked to step forward and were given the opportunity to call out either their profession/ an area or key word/or something they were seeking: a chance to use our imaginations! Others then stepped forward and joined on to the respective categories they could relate to and groups from the original line up grew and branched out, networking and exchanging ideas. Needless to say but from the noise levels of the conversation it was a great success.
October 2004
Presented by: Melissa Fleming
Topic: IAEA(and me) at Work
Melissa Fleming, Head of Media and Outreach, Division of Public Information at the International Atomic Energy Agency
In an outstanding presentation 'IAEA(and me) at Work' Melissa Fleming provided the WCN with a privileged and inspiring insight into a professional life played out on the cutting edge of world events. Melissa 'demystified' the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency, an organization which in recent years has featured so prominently in the news and spoke of her professional role which she balances with her family life. She totally captivated the WCN audience with her ability to talk on 'the level', speaking highly of her colleagues, her great respect for the Director General of IAEA Dr. Mohamed Elbaradei, whilst also admitting she has experienced a steep learning curve since joining the organization several years ago with regards to the 'nuclear' side of things. Her job also comes with considerable pressure, such as getting off an aeroplane after a long and tiresome journey to be confronted by the world's media wielding microphones in front of her and expecting press statements. Beyond a doubt one needs exceptional expertise and nerves for this demanding role even if Melissa remains modest. Highlighting crucial events in the IAEA's development, its mandate, safeguards program, the situations in 'hot spots'such as Iran and Iraq, Melissa brought us swiftly up to date on events being played out currently on the world stage–– no reading newspapers, websites, scanning CNN necessary – here were topical issues being reported to us in the comfort of the Hilton Hotel! Before taking many questions from the floor, Melissa also discussed other facets of the IAEA's work including the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, safety of nuclear technologies and how the IAEA is working around the world to develop projects.
Melissa's feedback on the evening was very positive and she commented that it was 'really a pleasure to be among so many intelligent, engaged and interested women'. For those of us intrigued by how she balances the various roles in her life she also provided her top tips:
'To-do lists and a good secretary who hammers me with reminders; rising early to get things organized for the kids while listening to the BBC and relishing my only hour of solitude; deciding what is a priority and delegating stuff that is not; surrounding myself with professional, enthusiastic, energetic people; devoting the whole weekend to family when possible and organizing family-friendly vacations'.
Many thanks to Jenny Simanowitz who in her inimitable enthusiastic and entertaining style (which has come to be expected!), got the new format networking exercise for October's Meeting off to a great kick start. Through a brief series of interactive exercises Jenny highlighted and reinforced what makes for 'good networking'. There was very positive feedback on this event.
May 3, 2004
Topic: "Women without Borders"
Presented by: Dr Edith Schlaffer, Social Scientist, Author, Director
Dr.Schlaffer is a social scientist and has been director of the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Politics and Human Relations for over 20 years. She conducts research on the interaction beween private life, politics and society and tries to educate men, encourage women to be more rebellious and change society. In the aftermath of September 11th, 2001, she co-founded "Women without Borders" (www.women-without-borders.org), an international undertaking for politics and civil society. It promotes dialogue among women on an international level, presents a forum for alternative women's diplomacy and offers a platform to women in regions of crisis and social change, so that their voices can be heard and supported internationally. She has also published several books about her field of work.
April 5, 2004
Topic: NETWORKING
Owing to personal reasons Ms. Buxbaum had to cancel her scheduled talk on fashion and working women, however, all was certainly not lost and the evening turned out to be a valuable networking session, aided also by the distribution of the new WCN directories! As the representative from her table, Selma Prodanovic showed how the network has worked for her and gave many examples of valuable connections she has been able to make both professionally and personally. I contacted Selma for further information and she has kindly written an inspiring article about this which you will find in the May edition of the WCN Newsletter.
March 8, 2004
Topic: Career woman and politician, wife and mother, a dynamic role model talks about her life and challenges
Presented by: Carina Felzmann
Managing Director of Cox Orange Marketing & PR GmbH, Member of Parliament, Speaker of the Board of arge creative wirtschaft Austria, former Vice-President of the Viennese Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Felzmann spoke of her rich and varied career with much enthusiasm, emphasizing that she had always been open to new opportunities and challenges but that her success is also simply down to much hard work, flexibility and good nerves. From deciding on a career in tourism management at 14, studying in Paris, to being a ski instructor in Switzerland, to computer training, to four years at home with two children (now teenagers), to PR person for her husband's joinery company, to Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce, to founding her own PR agency, combined these days with a political career – her resume is impressive and inspiring. Ms. Felzmann outlined how she keeps her life and work in very separate spheres, in her PR agency she concentrates on the tasks at hand and is not thinking about her husband and children, at the parliament she concentrates on politics and is not thinking about how she can further the interests of her PR agency, the weekend is strictly for her family and that she keeps to a rule of maximum three social engagements during the week. She finds time to run in the Wiener Wald close to her home twice a week and on the 45 minute drive to her office she uses this time to constructively think about work, likewise during the drive back she uses this time to review domestic matters such as what's in the fridge and what the family will have for dinner. Ms. Felzmann's positive attitude and down to earth manner radiated through her talk, she stated that she loves her life, she loves her work and that she has very good employees. After having a very bad accident early on in life she said she takes life as a gift.
February 9, 2004
Topic: Traditional Chinese Medicine
Presented by: Dr Katrin Bienert
Dr. Katrin Bienert is a qualified General Practitioner and a founding member and a lecturer at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Academy in Grinzing, which is the first of its kind in Europe. Dr. Bienert studied for six months in China and visits there every other year, Chinese doctors are also integrated into the academy in Grinzing. Dr. Bienert's talk offered a very different approach to nutrition as was given by Dr. Barbara Schmid in January. The key principles of five elements nutrition are derived from observation of people and nature, the macrocosm of nature and the world is linked to the microcosm of one person. The five elements are wood, fire, earth, metal and water, which in turn are linked to organs in the body - the spleen, heart, liver, kidneys and lungs. The five elements are strongly connected and interrelated to each other. Each of us is associated to a specific element or are a mixture of several. The elements therefore represent different personality types who have a tendency to particular illnesses and who can benefit more from particular foods than others. The general principle is that certain types either need to increase heat or coolness in the body by the foods they eat. Dr. Bienert gave much information about the individual associations to each element. As we are entering spring she advised it is good to eat light foods, such as bean sprouts, fresh greens, honey, mint, and also to cook foods for a shorter time, she recommended eating seasonally and that one day a week to eat only fruit and vegetables. A suggested breakfast would be a millet or rice porridge, with grated apple or pear, with some ginger or cinnamon. Dr. Bienert recommended the book 'Dealing with Whole Foods' by Paul Pitchford
January 12, 2004
Topic: Eve of the future - how women can lead healthier, happy lives despite a busy schedule
Presented by: Dipl. DA Barbara Schmid
As multi-functional beings women have numerous demands made of them - they have professions, they act as housekeepers, partners, mothers and are also expected to be beauty queens, Ms. Barbara Schmid posed the question how amongst all of these pressures can a good quality of life be achieved? A key factor in our quality of life is the quality of the food we eat and our attitudes to food. According to Ms. Schmid good nutrition is one of the best investments to make in your health which will have the most beneficial long term effects, she observed that many women were prepared to spend money on skin creams but not prepared to buy better food. We should be better informed about the food we buy and what it contains, if possible it is best to buy organic, regional and seasonal foods. Ms. Schmid discussed the many links between health and food - are there risky foods? - are certain foods or the lack of them related to illnesses?- she certainly believes so. There has been a dramatic increase over recent years in intolerances and related eating disorders. Women are particularly in denial that they have any problems, Ms. Schmid says she knows many women that say they are never ill or have good health but when the conversation goes further she finds out they suffer from constipation or menstrual problems. Research indicates that diet could prevent by 40% the risk of having cancer, this is particularly of concern when the figures indicate that 1 in 8 women in Austria is effected by breast cancer. When it comes to dietary supplements '1 size does not fit all'. Women diagnose themselves and they are often wrong, Ms. Schmid is horrified by the fact many women buy supplements often using various combinations together which might actually be counterproductive. Many women are not overweight but they live like they are on a diet constantly and because of this are actually malnourished. Women are oftenobsessed with the amount of fat in foods but the body needs a certain amount of fat to stay healthy. Ms. Schmid advocated that there were many nutritional reasons why products such as full fat milk, butter, nuts and avocados were good for the body although for many women they were seen as forbidden foods.Ms. Schmid discussed many issues connected to food and nutrition. She questioned whether nutrition has been sacrificed in the name of convenience and pointed out that in 1953 average time for a meal prepared in the home was two hours, today it is 15 minutes.
December 1, 2003
Topic: Equal Opportunities
Presented by: Dr Ingrid Nikolay-Leitner
Dr. Ingrid Nikolay-Leitner has no easy task when it comes to overseeing the implementation of equal opportunity legislation in the workplace. Sexual discrimination is unfortunately alive and kicking and in the workplace this might manifest itself in women being paid less then men, women not reaching higher management levels by having the same promotion opportunities as well as it might mean men not being taken seriously if they apply for jobs perceived as being within the female domain. Dr. Nikolay-Leitner indicated the disparity in pay between the sexes by saying that women earn a third less than men, and that this gap is even wider in the private sphere, echoing the observations made by Ms. Elisabeth Klatzer in her recent talk on gender budgeting, including the point that women often have less bargaining skills then men when it comes to asking for a pay rise. About 80% of the commission's clients are women. Cases concerning pay often have a good chance of being successfully resolved because they are easier to prove by using records of employees pay for example. Cases concerning promotion are generally less successful as activities are less transparent and employers who do not have women in senior positions often fall back on saying that they had not been able to find women who were as well qualified as men. Dr. Nikolay-Leitner stressed that in every case the initiative must be taken by the client and that the commission will only do what the client wants and take the situation as far as that person is prepared to go, ultimately it could mean a court case, which is a prospect that many people do not welcome. Particularly problematic is the isolation a woman may feel if she makes a complaint, not only that there may be hostility from management but that colleagues who do not support her decision may also further compound the stress of the situation. Another obstacle impeding the individual is that it is often interpreted as lack of power to contact ombudsman. Dr.Nikolay-Leitner answered many questions and listened to comments during the course of her talk, several suggestions came from the floor that it would be worthwhile to put some resources into education, so that employers could be made more aware of the law and that talks could be made to schools to raise awareness of sexual discrimination in the workplace.
November 3, 2003
Topic: Running a successful womens magazine and the publication's political responsibility
Presented by: Veronika Pelikan (Editor, Wienerin)
Veronika Pelikan is the chief editor of the leading Austrian woman's magazine "Wienerin" and will speak about her aims for the magazine and her views on the responsibility of women's magazines to inform their readers – not only on the latest fashion, but also current political issues. Wienerin has interviewed leading political figures on women's issues in Austria, and always seeks to inform its readers, covering issues such as Gender Budgeting (the WCN's previous speaker) and (miss-)use of alcohol in parliament. Ms. Pelikan became the chief editor of the Wienerin in 1997 and also launched the "Wienerin Young World" now "Miss – die junge WIENERIN" in 1998. She has a journalist background and a Ph.D. of Sciences of Media and Communication from the University of Vienna.
October 6, 2003
Topic: Gender Budgeting
Presented by: Elisabeth Klatzer
Topic: Are Women Getting a Fair Deal?
The WCN welcomes Elisabeth Klatzer, currently Deputy Director at the Department of European Affairs in the Federal Chancellery, to talk about gender budgeting. This process (already in existence in several countires) demonstrates what percentage of a national budget benefits men and women respectively. One of its aims is to allocate funds to improve the position of women and thereby contributing to gender equality. Ms. Klatzer is also an economist, has a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard and throughout her life has been continuously involved in feminist politics; she is also a member of feminist ATTAC, the feminist arm of the international (peaceful) anti-globalisation organisation which is active in 33 countries worldwide.
September 8, 2003
Topic: NETWORKING
Presented by: Dr Ira Mollay
The new year kicks off on Monday 8th September with Dr. Ira Mollay leading us through a very structured networking session. Members will have a chance to talk about themselves in a professional capacity within groups and will be led by a facilitator, so bring plenty of business cards!
Ira's coaching experience focuses on personal growth and transition periods; she advises both companies and individuals. She is also the author of 'Alles Fest im Griff', a guide to handling daily situations.
June 2, 2003
Topic: CAREER PORTRAIT / FIRST WOMAN IN NATIONAL LIBRARY
Presented by:Dr. Rachinger, Austrian National Library
Dr Johanna Rachinger, one of the few powerful women in the publishing world, became the first female Director-in-Chief of the Austrian National Library in June 2002.
Formally the head of the publishing company Ueberreuter, the leading German publisher of childrens' books and adult non-fiction, she has ambitious plans for the Austrian National Library, involving modernisation and expansion of the Library's traditional fields of interest. When asked if she saw any difference between a commercial publishing house and an institution like the Austrian National Library she drew attention to the similarity between the enterprises "It always remains important to share information with employees and colleagues, to keep them informed of goings on." She intends to build on its popularity as a tourist attraction, as it draws visitors from around the world to its exhibitions. Dr Rachinger will head the Library in an era where profitability is becoming more and more of a concern for traditional institutions. She plans to explore the possibilities of expanding its operations in corporate hospitality and also hopes to increase the Library's revenue from the royalties charged for rightsto photo-duplication and other services. A believer in free book-borrowing, she is concerned to keep the needs of the Library's users at the forefront of Library policy, as well as the development of other areas. On 2 June, Dr Rachinger will speak to the WCN about her career, how she "made it" as a woman in a typically male domain and the future of the National Library.
May 5, 2005
Topic: WOMEN & LEADERSHIP
Presented by:Jenny Simanowitz
It has been clear for some time that women are in the overtaking lane. And it's pretty sure that many of today's young women are going to be tomorrow's leaders. So - how are women going to lead? Are we going to follow the example of men with their power struggles, status games and hidden pride? Are we going to play the diva or the strict schoolmistress? Or are we going to find new roles? Roles based on real self-confidence and on our inner identity. Are we going to be able to be openhearted, charming, humourous, determined and flexible? In her "cabaretartic" lecture style, Jenny Simanowitz gives impulses to the topic of "Women and Leadership".
April 7, 2003
Topic: CAREER PORTRAIT / WOMEN AND CRIME
Presented by: Dr Michaela Pfeifenberger, Police / Ministry of the Interior
The April meeting was host to Dr. Michaela Pfeifenberg e r, Police Vice President. Unashamedly not a feminist, she claims that this fact seems to annoy those thinking she has an obligation to women. On the contrary she wants to be a pioneer but is certainly not averse to advising women in her field on their options. Dr. Pfeifenberger's first controversial appointment was as the first female police director of Schwechat airport, a 'very safe airport.' How does she deal with recalcitrant male colleagues? By using good old-fashioned 'please' and 'thank you' which seems to stun those who oppose her and who are not used to such niceties. She admits that a combination of being young, female and working for the Minister of the Interior's office (when she was the first woman to do so) and thereby gaining the Minister's trust played a role as well. She also talked of other women shying away from the chance of moving up the career ladder by saying that they cannot because they are women. Under her influence, Austria now has another female police chief in Carinthia. Positive discrimination has helped her too. And how do her male colleagues view her? The younger ones have no problem working for a woman. Then there is the group wishing to 'adopt' her and finally, there are the old sticks who have a problem with any woman. The questions ranged from differences between the gendarmerie and the police (basically the same job but different uniforms and the former are based in the countryside); the laissez faire attitude at Karlsplatz (we were told that mainly alcohol is consumed and the police wait for the 'bigger fish'rather than chasing after dealers who will pop back after two days in jail); police brutality and crime statistics. Reassuringly we were told that we live in one of the world's safest cities; according to a poll of 49 cities, Vienna was ranked no. 1 in the categories 'safety from threats and violence' and 'personal safety and protection of property.
March 10, 2003
Topic: MARKET RESEARCH
Presented by: Ms Daniela Heininger, Sensor Marktforschung
Daniela Heininger founded Sensor Marktforschung in 1995 after studying psychology and a career in project management. The company focuses on qualitative marketing research and has acquired an international client base including Unilever. Ms Heininger will speak about the advantages of qualitative market research, how images are used to create target groups for branded products and how society is changing – especially the emergence of "golden oldies". The evening will give us an insight into how market research effects the advertising we are daily in contact with and how we may be targeted in the future.
February 10, 2003
Topic: CAREER FOCUS / Q&A ON JOBS, CVS AND INTERVIEWS
Presented by: Karina Homan (Homan & Statzer), Manuela Lindlbauer (Woman4Success)
Karina Homan, co-founder of the recruitment ("head-hunting") agency 'Homan & Statzer Personalberatungs GesmbH', and Manuela Lindlbauer, co-founder of the agency 'Woman4success', answered the audiences' questions regarding work, job hunting and any other related subject. The discussions focused on: job-hunting strategies, CV for the Austrian market (what to include and not to include!), salary negotiation techniques, the job market when you hit a particular age, taking maternity leave. Some good tips were offered from fellow members and two websites which might be worth investigating for salary levels are www.gehalt.at, www.jobpilot.at.
All in all it was a stimulating evening, and both Ms Homan and Ms Lindlbauer were overwhelmed with WCN members after the programme wishing to ask personal questions, or present their CVs for potential job placements.
January 13, 2003
Topic: WOMEN'S HEALTH (BREAST CANCER)
Presented by: Dr Thomas Bachleitner-Hofmann
Dr. Bachleitner-Hofmann presented a concise clinical overview of breast cancer, including risk factors, diagnosis and treatment options. A key "take home message" was that with regular self-examinations and mammograms (from the age of 30), most breast cancer can be found and treated before it has a chance to spread. Dr. Bachleitner-Hofmann also pointed out that Austria has become a leading center for breast cancer research, with a large number of clinical trials conducted through the Austrian breast and colorectal cancer study group. If you are interested in finding out more information on current studies, visit: www.abcsg.at. The site is in German.
December 2, 2002
Topic: CAREER BREAK PANEL DISCUSSION
Presented by: Jodie Schaettgen, Caroline Jackman, Jutta Hölrigl, Petra Rössler
Four WCN members talked about their recent career breaks. Each woman had a different goal: Caroline MacLaughlin started a family, Jodi Schaettgen visited South American and learnt Spanish, Petra Roessler refocused her career aspirations, Jutta Hoelriegel went to school. While the objectives differed, it seemed that they described their experiences with similar adjectives: challenging, rewarding adn wonderful were spoken more than once by the panelists. Listening to these women showed once again how diverse and interesting the membership of the WCN is.
November 11, 2002
Topic: WOMEN AND PEACE
Presented by: Paula Abrams-Hourani (women in black), Juno Englander (Global Mothers), Sonja Jamkojian-Huber (Peace Movement Vienna)
The three speakers of this meeting care very deeply for the people caught in the political conflict in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. They represent the suppression of the Palestinina people, and support the solution of a Palestinian state. They seek to achieve a stronger voice for the Palestinian cause. Some questions and comments were put forward by the audience, who felt that their view of the conflict was perhaps too narrow. This spawned a debate over international political intricacies and religious foundations of the situation. Judging by the number of meeting participants who chose to take information and speak with the panellists following the program, it is clear that most applaud the efforts of Women in Black, whether for the cause itself or for their tremendous, tireless effort to make themselves heard.
October 14, 2002
Topic: FINANCE & INVESTMENT
Presented by: Weisenhorn & Partners, Richardson & Partners
The October meeting covered the basics of investing. For some this was a welcome review, for others brand new, and ofr those seasoned investors among us, perhaps a bit too "basic". At whatever level the material spoke to you, Mr. Weisenhorn indicated that despite what one hears about "the economy" in the media, and how poorly it may be doing overall, the bottom line is that how you invest your money is about making your money grow to meet your own personal goals for the future, distant or near. Not to invest your money (be it in stocks, bonds, funds, real estate, etc.) out of fear spawned by reports on the state of the economy now, but simply to stash your money underneath your proverbial matress means running a losing race against inflation. For more information visit: www.weisenhorn.at
September 16, 2002
Start of the 2002-2003 year! Networking Meeting - bring your business cards!
Topic: NETWORKING
Presented by:Dr. Ira Mollay
Dr. Ira Mollay, a lifecoach, trainer and fellow WCN member guided us through our traditional "seasonal start" networking evening. We were asked to think about the specific position we are in now, and to advertise ourselves if we had a job vacancy or were job hunting. We were also asked to think of "magic words" defining what the WCN means or symbolize the things or ideas that are important to us. It transpired that the WCN has is, and has been since its inception, an important meeting point for members; somewhere where they felt welcomed to Vienna, could make friends and perhaps find a link to a job.
October 8, 2005
Location: INVESCO BANK, Rotenturmstrasse 16 - 18, 1010 Wien
Presented by: Maria Wobak: "Ladies´ Investment Clubs in Austria", G. Lottes: "Investment 2001: trends and challenges"
June 11, 2001
Topic: Style (answers to all your styling dilemmas!)
Presented by: Sonja Jiszda
May 7, 2001
Topic: Intercultural Management
Presented by: Priya Abraham
This event will provide you with an overview of Intercultural Management. Since participants live and work in an intercultural environment, the program will focus on gaining more awareness. I will present a model of cultural dimensions which the participants will be able to use to evaluate some of their intercultural experiences from work or private life. During the workshop I will demonstrate the use of this model in interpreting future intercultural interaction as well.
