

uniting female decision-makers from around the world
redefining a new standard for leadership together
At the global leaders summit, you will be among 800+ of the world’s most influential business leaders in the iconic Vienna City Hall. This exclusive, invite-only gathering is designed to foster genuine connections and shared learning. Connect with top leaders, form powerful relationships, and accelerate your business growth in one of Europe’s most prestigious venues.
📍 19 September 2024 | 10 AM - 5 PM | Vienna City Hall 🇦🇹
event gallery
to see more event photos, please click here.
Photo credits - @Tamás Künsztler & © Valerie Maltseva
meet the speakers
Innovative. Influential. Insightful.
Our speakers are the catalysts for change, sparking meaningful dialogues and offering fresh perspectives. Hear from these thought leaders as they share their expertise and inspire action.

leading like a rebel
Jes
Wolfe
– CEO
Jes Wolfe is CEO of Rebel Girls, a global, multi-platform girl empowerment brand dedicated to helping raise the most inspired and confident generation of girls through content, experiences, products and community. To date, Rebel Girls has sold more than 10 million books in 50 languages and 110 countries. Their audio stories have nearly 50 million listens via podcast, app, YouTube and in-flight entertainment and devices. Under Wolfe, the Rebel Girl offerings have further expanded with partnerships including those with Nike and Google, and in the metaverse with House of Blueberry on Roblox and Minecraft via Stride, an educational company. Wolfe joined Rebel Girls as a board member in 2019 and then became CEO in 2020. Before then, she worked in investment banking and consulting. She also flexed her entrepreneurial muscles by building Hoodline, a technology media company that eventually sold to Nextdoor. She became an angel investor, focusing on women-led companies and funds.

influence means impact
Marisha Lakhiani
– Chief Growth Officer
Marisha has a proven track record of success in driving the strategic vision and tactical execution, with unique expertise in combining the art, science, and technology of marketing to deliver cutting-edge solutions that drive growth and scalability on autopilot.

influence means impact
Irène Kilubi
– Founder & Managing Director
Dr. Irène Kilubi is founder and managing director of brandPreneurs & brandFluencers. She supports pioneers, visionaries and changemakers in the three subject areas of Community Building, Corporate Influencer Strategy and Connecting GenXYZ.

the AI leadership revolution
Annabella
Bassler
– CFO
Dr. Annabella Bassler (*1977) has been CFO of Ringier AG since June 2012. She joined Ringier in 2007 and held various positions in finance. In addition, Bassler was responsible for Ringier's activities in Romania from mid-2014 until 2021 and restructured the company into a profitable and modern media company. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Ticketcorner AG, Ringier Axel Springer Schweiz AG, Ringier Axel Springer Polska sp. z o.o. and Hallenstadion AG, among others. Annabella Bassler is driving the digital transformation of the Ringier Group. The focus is on strategy, M&A activities and financial management. In November 2019, she initiated and launched the Ringier EqualVoice initiative, which aims to make women more visible in media coverage and promote gender equality. The core of the initiative is the EqualVoice Factor: an algorithm that makes equality measurable. She completed her business studies at the European Business School in Oestrich-Winkel, Buenos Aires and Los Angeles, followed by a doctorate. After practical experience in consulting, Annabella Bassler worked from 2004 to 2007 in various positions in the finance departments at Hamburg Süd, the shipping company of the Oetker Group, in Hamburg.

money matters
Svetlana
Pančenko
– Head of People & Culture and Management Board Member
Experienced leader and seasoned People and Culture professional with over 20 years of experience in the banking and financial sector. Throughout her career, she has worked in various international environments and across multiple countries, gaining valuable insights into diverse business cultures. With a high focus on People and Culture, she is recognized as an expert in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. As a leader, she has successfully led P&C functions in different countries, demonstrating a deep commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces and driving organizational success through effective people management strategies.

building tomorrow's businesses
Franzi von
Hardenberg
– Founder & CEO
In 2022, Franzi von Hardenberg was honored as Entrepreneur of the Year. Over the past 10 years, she has founded four companies and is now focusing on the most beautiful precious metal in the world: gold. Through The SISS BLISS, a jewelry company that creates personalized real gold jewelry in German master workshops, and BLISS BANG CAPITAL, her aim is to build the world's first closed gold loop by purchasing, melting, and recycling old gold to create new jewelry.

fostering innovative ecosystems
Gabriella
Chihan Stanley
– Founder
Gabs, an award-winning XR director and producer, serves as a significant pillar in the Austrian XR community. She is the co-founder of vrisch, one of Austria's most recognized and prestigious studios dedicated to applied immersive entertainment, and the founder of XRVienna, the largest XR community in Austria. Known for her unforgettable energy as a speaker, she effectively drives vrisch in creating cross-industry XR solutions and encourages productive dialogue between XR creators and enthusiasts at XRVienna.

the ai leadership revolution
Katrin J. Yuan
– CEO | Boardmember | Top 100 Women of the Future
Katrin J. Yuan is an award-winning executive with a background in technology and transformation. With a Master of Business Administration and studies in IT and finance, Katrin is fluent in six languages. She is a six-time Board Member, Chair of the AI Future Council, lectures at three universities, and serves as a Jury Member for ETH and Digital Shapers. With a background of leading eight divisions in the top management, Katrin is an influential executive, investor, speaker and a "Young Global Leader" at the St. Gallen Symposium. Her expertise extends to AI human interaction, future megatrends, enforcing AI and a diverse data-driven approach. Katrin is a direct descendent of Yuan Shikai, Former First President of the Republic of China.

the future of work is inclusive
Emilie Fauveau
– Head of Operational Excellence
Emilie is on a mission to deliver high-quality and convenient food solutions for customers by applying problem-solving and communication skills to manage and improve the performance, efficiency, and quality of processes and services.

fostering innovative ecosystems
Barbara Baumgartner
– Business Angel & Managing Director
Barbara is the Managing Director of FAI rent-a-jet GmbH, DMCC Branch in Dubai. FAI rent-a-jet GmbH is the largest private jet operator in Germany and among the world’s largest air ambulance operator (in terms of revenue).
the agenda
welcoming
10:00 ☕️ checkin & Viennese breakfast
Start the day with a traditional Viennese breakfast and check-in.
🎤 leadership stage
11:00 welcoming words
Opening remarks to kick off the summit by the founders.
🎤 leadership stage 🎤 keynote
11:30 the status quo of leadership
Discussing the newest findings of the The Reykjavík Index for Leadership with Vicky Petrie. This session will bridge the gap between these findings and the need to reshape the narrative around leadership for a more inclusive and diverse future.
🎤 leadership stage 🎤 keynote
11:45 redefining leadership
🌱 impact stage 💬panel discussion
12:20 people, planet, profit
Co-hosted by Wien Energie, this session will feature industry leaders sharing their expertise on balancing people, planet, and profit in today's business landscape.
🌍 global stage 💬panel discussion
12:20 fostering innovative ecosystems
Join our speakers for an insightful discussion on fostering business environments where individuals can thrive. This multifaceted conversation will address the challenges women in business continue to face, explore strategies to overcome them and share success stories of female leadership. We will highlight ways to elevate women's roles in innovation and how cities like Vienna are leading the way in gender equality and business excellence.
🌱 impact stage 💬panel discussion
13:05 influence means impact
Influence is more than just a tool for marketing—it’s a way for leaders to make real changes in the world. Today, we're focusing on how those with influence can responsibly use their reach to not only drive business success but also create positive impacts in society. We’ll discuss what it means to wield influence wisely, sharing insights from leaders who have used their positions to advocate for change and improve their industries.
🌍 global stage 💬panel discussion
13:05 building tomorrow’s businesses
Across the globe, over 300 million startups kick off each year! Thanks to a mix of digital tools, viral TikTok campaigns, low setup costs, and YouTube tutorials that show us how it's done, starting a business today is more accessible than ever. However, statistics show that only about 1 in 10 of these businesses survive the initial stages. We're fortunate to be joined by successful entrepreneurs and investors who have not only started but also grown their businesses, and are helping others do the same.
🌍 global stage
14:00 table talks
Engaging discussion on pioneering leadership approaches.
🎤 leadership stage 💬 panel discussion
14:45 money matters
Explore how transparency and equality in compensation can drive business success and create a fairer workplace for all.
🎤 leadership stage 💬panel discussion
15:35 the AI leadership revolution
Explore the impact of artificial intelligence on modern leadership. This panel delves into how AI is reshaping decision-making, strategy, and organizational dynamics, and what leaders need to know to mitigate bias and stay ahead.
🎤 leadership stage 🔥 fireside chat
16:20 leading like a rebel
Join us for an inspiring fireside chat with Jes Wolfe, CEO of Rebel Girls, as we explore how empowering narratives can redefine leadership and foster a new era of inclusive and impactful leaders.
🎤 leadership stage
16:55 closing words
Summarizing key insights and celebrating.
who you'll meet
Your chance to connect with a new era of leaders from around the globe. Engage with decision-makers from all industries, expand your network, and unlock business development opportunities.
Join us and be part of a powerful global network driving the future of leadership.

Maria Zarotiadou
Managing Director
PLAN OF BUSINESS ACCOUNTING SERVICES AND SEMINARS
Greece 🇬🇷


Mila Smart Semeshkina
CEO / Founder & President
Lectera, WeConvention


Barbara Göttling
General Manager
Mandarin Oriental Prague
Czech Republic 🇨🇿


Shohreh Sabaghpour
CEO
Global Cleantech Directory
Iran 🇮🇷


Svetlana Pančenko
Head of People & Culture and Management Board Member
UniCredit Bank Austria
Austria 🇦🇹

Maria Ho
Broadcaster, Poker Player, Content Creator
Maria Ho, Inc.
USA 🇺🇸

Engy El Sabban
CEO
VictorLink
Egypt 🇪🇬


Maimuna Mosser
Country Director Austria


Vildan Cirpan
Actress and Founder
YOGAGA
Germany 🇩🇪


Lena Hoschek
Designer
Lena Hoschek
Austria 🇦🇹


Ines Imdahl
CEO and Founder
rheingold salon
Germany 🇩🇪


Christina Bischof
Founder & CEO
feschi
Austria 🇦🇹
the venue
The global leaders summit will be held at the historic Vienna City Hall, a landmark of architectural splendor and a symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage. Join us in this prestigious setting for a truly memorable event.

proudly introducing the host of the global leaders summit:
the city of Vienna
Vienna 🇦🇹 is a city that stands for diversity and progress, and provides the perfect ground zero for a movement that will change the future of work.
A hub for innovation and diplomacy, as well as the business and geographical center of Europe, Vienna supports women and under-represented minorities on all levels, be it in politics, the private sector, or family life.
Setting new standards over and over again, Vienna is truly a city that redefines leadership at every step.
40%
of Austrian
businesses are
led by women
35 %
of Viennese startups were founded by women
#1
best place to be for female founders
*Startup Heatmap 2019
20
years of supporting female entrepreneurs
Vienna is teaching us that we are stronger together and inspired us to co-create and collaborate and to think big and beyond our borders. The city celebrates diversity and its leaders, providing all the support we need. I'm proud to call it home.
Mahdis Gharaei
co-initiator of this movement

Is your company committed to diversity and inclusion?
Join us at the global leaders summit, where you'll connect with other like-minded leaders who share your values. Request an invite now to be part of an exclusive event that celebrates and promotes inclusive leadership or get in touch for sponsorship packages.

















































































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