Boldly seize opportunities!

Questioning the familiar and having the courage to take unusual, new paths - these principles have always helped Helen to grow professionally and personally. In her talk, which she gave on May 8 in the FS Women's Society series, she provided exciting insights into her career and formulated her own "lessons learned" for students, alumni and friends of Frankfurt School.

Helen shared that she initially had not known exactly which career path she should take after graduating from University. She opted for a graduate program at Xerox and then worked in various positions in the automotive industry and at Airbus. She spoke enthusiastically about manufacturing companies and being part of the production process. Eventually, her path led her to RWE, where she mastered various career steps. Almost three years ago, she was appointed Director of Global Accounting at RWE Supply & Trading. The long-established energy group is undergoing a transformation towards a climate-neutral energy future. RWE Supply & Trading plays a central role as an internal power externalization and optimisation provider, providing strategic management and modern solutions for the entire Group and its clients.

When asked about discrimination in the workplace, Helen Mallett responded with a smile: Yes, she had not always been immediately perceived as an equal colleague in the past - it hadn't bother her much. Performance matters, especially in the M&A sector; if you work hard, take ownership and show what you can do, you will be appreciated - regardless of gender. Challenges such as stress or long working hours were part of everyday life, but with a strong team, open communication and mutual trust, these can be overcome - leading to excellent relationships.

Another key topic Helen addressed was the compatibility of work and family life. In her experience, women often take on more of the day-to-day organization of family life - and it is precisely this that often makes them particularly structured, efficient and solution-oriented at work.

However, strong relationships are also crucial for professional success: Trust, genuine listening and a good network not only make collaboration easier, but are often the key to success. In order to build good and resilient relationships, you should ask questions and show true interest in the other person. To conclude, Helen gave personal advice to the guests: stay yourself, be open to taking opportunities and don't be afraid of new things.

Bachelor student Lea Maria Riebl moderated the subsequent Q&A session. The topics discussed included specific measures to promote women in companies, flexible working time models and the role of networks. During the get-together, there was a lively exchange between the guests, Helen and her team. In a relaxed atmosphere, they also discussed career opportunities at RWE Supply & Trading.