top of page
large_white_GLS_CityOfVienna_logo.png

800+

influential business leaders attending

50+

countries
represented

30+

world-class speakers and panelists

1

iconic venue -
the Vienna City Hall

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

gallery

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.

jes wolfe ceo of rebel girls.png

  leading like a rebel  

Jes
Wolfe

– CEO

rebel girls long.png

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.

  • LinkedIn
maimunamosser-2023-creditfotowieland_edi

  the AI leadership revolution  

Maimuna
Mosser

– Country Director Austria

google logo website.png

Country Director of Google Austria, driving digital transformation and innovation in the tech industry and beyond.

  • LinkedIn
Diana zur Lowen.png

building tomorrow's businesses

Diana zur Löwen


– Angel Investor

rawr ventures.png

Diana is a Content Creator, the Founder of Melationship & Rawr Ventures and a Business Angel.

  • LinkedIn
Marisha.png

influence means impact

Marisha Lakhiani


– Chief Growth Officer

mindvalley.png

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.

  • LinkedIn
Ida Tin.png

building tomorrow's businesses

Ida Tin


– Founder

clue.png

Ida is the mother of the term Femtech. Cofounder Clue, health app for women. Travelled the world on motorcycles. Two kids. Like thinking about big systemic questions.

  • LinkedIn
Dr. Irène Y. Kilubi.png

influence means impact

Irène Kilubi


– Founder & Managing Director

joint generations.png

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.

  • LinkedIn
Lunia Hara.png

influence means impact

Lunia Hara


– Director Project Management

diconium.png

Lunia is making an impact by driving cultural change with empathy.

  • LinkedIn
rashmi.png

enabling a new era of leaders

Rashmi Verma


– VP, Global Employee Experience

hugo boss.png

Rashmi is a dynamic international leader, renowned for her people-first approach and ability to foster people-engagement.

  • LinkedIn
stef ahammer.png

  money matters  

Stefanie Ahammer


– Country Manager

visa.png

Stefanie brings over a decade of professional experience to her role as Country Manager at Visa Austria GmbH.

  • LinkedIn
annabelle bassler.png

  the AI leadership revolution  

Annabella
Bassler


– CFO

ringier.png

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.

  • LinkedIn
Svetlana Pančenko.png

  money matters  

Svetlana
Pančenko


– Head of People & Culture and Management Board Member

bank austria uni credit logo the female factor.png

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.

  • LinkedIn
franzi hardenberg.png

building tomorrow's businesses

Franzi von
Hardenberg


– Founder & CEO

siss bliss.png

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.

  • LinkedIn
sylwia gorska.png

  money matters  

Sylwia
Gorska


– Head of People and Culture

ikea logo website.png

Sylwia Gorska-Przytulska is the Country People & Culture Manager at IKEA Austria. Previously, she worked as a specialist for Global Learning and Development at IKEA Sweden.

  • LinkedIn
Gabriele Tatzberger_leaders_portrait_edi

fostering innovative ecosystems

Gabriele
Tatzberger


– Head of Startup Services

vba logo website.png

Head of Startup Services at Vienna Business Agency, fostering entrepreneurial growth and innovation in Vienna's startup ecosystem.

  • LinkedIn
gabs vrisch.png

fostering innovative ecosystems

Gabriella
Chihan Stanley


– Founder

vrisch.png

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.

  • LinkedIn
Angeley Mullins_1_edited.png

  people, planet, profit  

Angeley
Mullins


– CCO

resourcify logo website.png

As Chief Commercial Officer at Resourcify, Angeley is leading sustainable growth initiatives and promoting diversity in business.

  • LinkedIn
ulrike glatt.png

people, planet, profit

Ulrike Glatt


– Director Marketing Europe Global Equities

henkel logo website.png

Ulrike is happy and proud to shape and support the implementation of Henkel Beauty Care Sustainability agenda.

  • LinkedIn
vicky petrie (1).png

the status quo of leadership

Vicky Petrie


– Senior Director

verian group logo website.png

Vicky is powering decisions that shape the world by helping to solve the next generation of public policy challenges.

  • LinkedIn
Mila Smart Semeshkina.png

money matters

Mila Smart Semeshkina


– CEO / Founder & President

lectera.png

Mila is an international expert in building and promoting high-tech brands, EdTech visionary. Opinion leader in personal growth and development, popular blogger.

  • LinkedIn
karin mair.png

the ai leadership revolution

Karin Mair


– Managing Partner Financial Advisory & Risk Advisory

deloitte.png

Karin specializes in guiding national and global organizations through the fast changing landscape of compliance and risk management.

  • LinkedIn
katherine yuan.png

the ai leadership revolution

Katrin J. Yuan


– CEO | Boardmember | Top 100 Women of the Future

swiss future institute.png

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.

  • LinkedIn
fedor holz.png

influence means impact

Fedor Holz


– Poker Player, Entrepreneur & Investor

pokercode.png

Fedor is a German professional poker, entrepreneur and investor who enjoys helping people pursue their passion.

  • LinkedIn
mahdis gharaei.png

  host  

Mahdis
Gharaei


– Co-founder

the female factor logo website.png

Co-founder and co-ceo of the female factor, championing diversity and inclusion across Europe and the Middle East.

  • LinkedIn
tanja_sternbauer_thefemalefactor_edited.

  host  

Tanja
Sternbauer


– Co-founder

the female factor logo website.png

As co-founder & co-ceo of the female factor Tanja is dedicated to advancing women's leadership and creating impactful networks.

  • LinkedIn
elisa gramlich.png

people, planet, profit

Elisa Gramlich


– Head of Sustainability

wien energie logo website.png

Elisa's objective is to develop an international career in management or consulting in the field of corporate responsibility, innovation and sustainability, thriving to contribute to solving global problems.

  • LinkedIn
Emilie Fauveau.png

the future of work is inclusive

Emilie Fauveau


– Head of Operational Excellence

shrankerl.png

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.

  • LinkedIn
karin probst.png

the power of franchising

Karin Probst


– Chief People Officer

mc donalds logo website.png

Karin Probst is the Chief People Officer (CPO) at McDonald's, with expertise in Human Resources, Recruiting, and Legal.

  • LinkedIn
anabela delic.png

the power of franchising

Anabela Delic


– Director Operations,
Franchising and Development

mc donalds logo website.png

Anabela Delic is the Director Operations, Franchising and Development at McDonald's Österreich

  • LinkedIn
antonella mei-p.png

how women are shaping the future of the EU

Antonella Mei-Pochtler


– Executive Vice Chairwoman & Managing Director, Chairwoman

Austrian Federal Chancellery.png

Antonella is an experienced Senior Executive and Advisor with a demonstrated track record in management consulting, industry and not-for-profit on a global level.

  • LinkedIn
furkan k.png

spotting the unseen: conversations on bias

Furkan Karayel


– Author

di.png

Furkan is author of the book “Inclusive Intelligence“, multi-award-winning diversity and inclusion speaker and founder of Diversein.com.

  • LinkedIn
Bistra.png

fostering innovative ecosystems

Bistra Kumbaroska


– Founder

larger.world_logo.png

Bistra supports individuals, organisations and companies in combining innovative tools to grow their positive impact on society and the environment.

  • LinkedIn
nina kaiser.png

moderator

Nina Kaiser


– Co-Founder

4game changers.png

Nina is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of 4Gamechangers Festival.

  • LinkedIn
erika.png

building tomorrow's businesses

Erika Diskancova


– EMEA Enterprise Sales Lead

canva_logo.png

Erika oversee the mid-market and enterprise segment, managing a team of consultants who provide tailored guidance and support to our clients across various industries and regions.

  • LinkedIn
Barbara Baumgartner.png

fostering innovative ecosystems

Barbara Baumgartner


– Business Angel & Managing Director

FAI rent-a-jet.png

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).

  • LinkedIn
Stuti Singh.png

table talks

Stuti Singh


– Founder & Corporate Trainer

stuti_logo.png

Stuti chooses to live life fearlessly. She helps people and organisations create the relationships, results, impact and life they would love.

  • LinkedIn

 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
PLAN OF BUSINESS ACCOUNTING SERVICES AND SEMINARS
Maria Zarotiadou
Managing Director
PLAN OF BUSINESS ACCOUNTING SERVICES AND SEMINARS
Greece 🇬🇷
Mila Smart Semeshkina
Lectera, WeConvention
Mila Smart Semeshkina
CEO / Founder & President
Lectera, WeConvention
Barbara Göttling
Mandarin Oriental Prague
Barbara Göttling
General Manager
Mandarin Oriental Prague
Czech Republic 🇨🇿
Shohreh Sabaghpour
Global Cleantech Directory
Shohreh Sabaghpour
CEO
Global Cleantech Directory
Iran 🇮🇷
Svetlana Pančenko
UniCredit Bank Austria
Svetlana Pančenko
Head of People & Culture and Management Board Member
UniCredit Bank Austria
Austria 🇦🇹
Maria Ho
Maria Ho, Inc.
Maria Ho
Broadcaster, Poker Player, Content Creator
Maria Ho, Inc.
USA 🇺🇸
Engy El Sabban
VictorLink
Engy El Sabban
CEO
VictorLink
Egypt 🇪🇬
Maimuna Mosser
Google
Maimuna Mosser
Country Director Austria
Google
Vildan Cirpan
YOGAGA
Vildan Cirpan
Actress and Founder
YOGAGA
Germany 🇩🇪
Lena Hoschek
Lena Hoschek
Lena Hoschek
Designer
Lena Hoschek
Austria 🇦🇹
Ines Imdahl
rheingold salon
Ines Imdahl
CEO and Founder
rheingold salon
Germany 🇩🇪
Christina Bischof
feschi
Christina Bischof
Founder & CEO
feschi
Austria 🇦🇹

partners & supporters

"You are making history."

a happy speaker about our last conference

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.

Image by Anthony Fomin

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

mahdis gharaei.png

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.

bottom of page