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During this time, I often spoke with Dr. Zhouping Ai. Instead of giving me a long lecture, the President of Heraeus Greater China gave me just two words: “Trust yourself.” His message was clear: If a decision is right, I grow from it. And if it turns out to be wrong, I learn from it. Either way, I move forward. I discovered how seriously Heraeus took this trust much sooner than expected. On only my third day at work, I was given the opportunity to host an anniversary event at a Heraeus Electronics site. Of course, I had doubts. Wasn’t I far too new? Did I know the company well enough? Still, I stepped onto the stage. Speaking in front of so many people and hosting an event was completely new to me. But while I was up there, I realized: I can do this. That leap into the unknown became a defining moment for me. For the first time, I understood what becomes possible when others place their trust in you – and you learn to trust yourself. 

Lancy and even bigger challenges 

Later, I took on an even bigger challenge: hosting the 50th anniversary celebration of Heraeus in China. This responsibility came at a very special time in my life. I had just become a mother, and my daughter Lancy was still a baby. Suddenly, two worlds needed my full attention – and both mattered equally to me. Preparations for the anniversary were in full swing. There were numerous rehearsals, the scripts were extensive, and expectations were high. Many important guests traveled to China, including the CEO of Heraeus Group, Dr. Frank Stietz. While I prepared for my appearance on the big stage, the nights at home became shorter and shorter. I wanted to do justice to everything and often put myself under a lot of pressure. 

During that time, I remembered Dr. Ai’s words: “You don’t have to carry everything on your shoulders. Do your best. And trust yourself.” Those words gave me strength. I learned that I could accept support, set priorities, and do my best without having to be perfect. I did not have to choose between my new role as a mother and my professional responsibilities. I could combine both – in my own way. So I stepped onto the stage. I hosted the anniversary. As a young mother. As an employee still at the beginning of her career, already growing beyond what she thought she could do. As a woman who had learned to take the next step even when not every question had been answered. 

Growing my own tree 

Over time, I took on more and more responsibility. I coordinated visits by international executives, aligned different interests, and contributed to major events. Projects like these require close coordination between teams, locations, and many different stakeholders. 

In the past, different opinions often made me uncertain. Today, I listen, consider different perspectives, and then make my own decision. I have an image in my mind for this development: My own tree is growing inside me. Its roots represent my experiences. Every branch reminds me of a decision. Some paths were straightforward; others took a few detours before reaching the goal. New leaves appeared because I dared to try something. Others grew because I learned from mistakes. With every project, this tree becomes stronger. And every time I trust my own judgment, it continues to grow. 

Today, I know quite well what suits me. I enjoy projects where many different threads come together. I find it fulfilling to connect different aspects and turn them into something whole. The young professional I once was has become someone others trust with major responsibilities. When I look at myself today, I see a project manager, a mother, and a colleague who takes responsibility without losing herself along the way. But my most important development is something else: I have found the courage to make decisions. I listen. I learn. I accept support. I keep growing. And I trust myself. Trust yourself."