Katja Ploner

This week I had the pleasure to speak at the Mannheim Business School in a learning session with #MBA students. Thank you, Armin Heinzl, Prof. Dr. for hosting me!  We discussed three key questions and priorities for @Schneider Electric in the digital age: 1. How can we leverage digital #platforming and network effects to create value for our customers and partners? 2. How can we accelerate the energy transition and empower the rise of #prosumers, who both consume and produce energy? 3. How can we provision #AI sustainably in data centers, today and in the future? I was impressed by the curiosity, engagement, and all the thoughtful questions. Now, let me ask all of you a question: Which of these 3 topics do you find most interesting and why? Looking forward to your comments!

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It’s more than a career boost – it’s a true change of perspective. ✨ The #NxtGenFemLeaderProgram is a program that empowers women at Siemens to take on leadership positions. 👉 Find out in the video what participants Annabelle and Irina took away from the program. What was most important? Increased self-confidence and the conviction that no challenge is too great! 💪 #TransformTheEveryDayWithUs #WomenInTech

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Entrepreneurship … … is sometimes also about working hard “in the trenches”. 😉 It was great being at Technical University of Munich Entrepreneurship Day (again). I did not only learn, that about 80 startups are founded every year within the TUM #ecosystem, but also that this makes TUM the largest B2B start-up hub in Germany! Of course, I took the opportunity to talk with Sebastian Wann Luca Fabiano Abdullah Ghazi from Muniqo Performante. Actually, they are now in a crucial phase. They passed the ideation phase and are leaving the trenches by validating their concept with customers. This includes not only technical questions, but even more importantly the #businessmodel and go-to-market. Results are really promising. 😀 BTW: Here is, what they are doing: Based their advanced technology, they are offering active damper systems (in contrast to classic passive systems), Besides much higher precision and speed, this allows for real-time data collection, which is of the essence for application e.g. in mobility and production.

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🏋️ GETTING FIT FOR AI 💪 I am proud and thankful to be mentioned by Handelsblatt in their latest article on AI training in German companies. 🙏 "Handelsblatt" highlights three remarkable examples of successful AI training initiatives, with Merck leading the way. The mission of the data culture team is to infuse excitement about Data & AI and cultivate awareness of the importance of things like data quality or digital ethics. We've already engaged 10,000 employees through our GenAI internal training formats. Our Merck Data & Digital Academy is upskilling colleagues from zero to citizen data scientist. 🚀 Our winning formula involves practice-oriented training courses for example using our internal AI assistant tool “myGPT Suite” in small groups, focusing on 10% formal knowledge training, 20% group exercises, and 70% real-world application. And of course we want to make learning fun. I personally believe that the more emotional the approach, the better the outcome. #DigitalTransformation #AITraining #FutureofWork #DataCulture #GenAI Künstliche Intelligenz: So machen Konzerne Mitarbeiter fit für KI (handelsblatt.com)

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On October 10, we celebrate World Mental Health Day, a time to prioritize our well-being by making time for #mentalhealth. At #Siemens, we understand that taking care of our mental health is key to staying successful and healthy in the long run. In this video, we showcase how our dedicated team members take care of their mental health. By making time for mental health, we can better manage stress, boost our resilience, build supportive relationships and create a more balanced workplace. Join us in prioritizing mental health today and every day. Let's navigate through #everyday challenges and changes together, fostering a #supportive and #healthy work environment. #WorldMentalHealthDay #WMHD24 #HealthyandSafe #MentalHealthMatters #SiemensCares #WellBeing #SupportiveWorkplace

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I’m beyond honored and grateful to be named one of the “100 Most Influential Women in the German Economy 2024” by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and manager magazin. This recognition is about all the women who are pushing boundaries, driving innovation and changing the way we think about leadership. While we’ve made great strides, there’s still much more to do.  Studies like the Gender Diversity Index 2024 by BCG and Technische Universität München show that companies with a high level of gender diversity are not only more crisis-resistant, but also invest more in future technologies such as artificial intelligence, thereby ensuring their long-term competitiveness. At the same time, the study shows that women remain severely underrepresented on the boards of the top 100 German companies, with a ratio of just 21%.    Women are key to shaping the future of business and making organizations ready for what’s next. This is why initiatives like this are so important. Why making role models visible for the younger generation matters. A big thank you to #teamZEISS, ZEISS Group, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and manager magazin for making this nomination possible and congratulations to all the inspiring women listed! Which woman has inspired you in your career and driven you to make a change in the business world? 

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I had the privilege today of being invited as a keynote speaker for Talentor’s Leaders4Tomorrow program in Vienna. Speaking to such engaged and passionate individuals was truly inspiring and a powerful reminder of the energy and potential future leaders bring to the table. My topic, Leading Through Change, feels more relevant than ever in today’s fast-evolving world. Growing up in South Africa during a time of profound transformation, I witnessed firsthand how one extraordinary leader—through vision, consistency, and unwavering commitment to people—brought peaceful change to millions. As leaders, we carry the responsibility to guide our teams through challenges while keeping our focus on the people affected by those changes. Listening with an open mind and showing respect for diverse opinions are not just leadership skills—they are necessities. It doesn’t mean every suggestion will lead to action, but acknowledging and valuing employees’ voices fosters trust, engagement, and long-term success. To my fellow leaders: Let your teams know you hear them. See them. Respect them. Leadership is not about having all the answers; it’s about creating the space for others to thrive. Thank you, Talentor, for the opportunity to contribute to this incredible program and for fostering tomorrow’s leaders! #Leadership #LeadingThroughChange #Talentor #Leaders4Tomorrow

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Last week, the German Bundestag resumed its work after the summer break - traditionally, the first debate on next year's budget was due. The discussions on the budget have accompanied us throughout the summer. At the same time, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) has provided important groundwork for the ongoing debate with its paper (https://lnkd.in/eVKKxciM) on design options for the future electricity market design ⚡. At GE Vernova, we welcome the paper of the BMWK as it enables a structured discussion on the design elements of the #electricitymarketdesign for #climateneutrality. In our view, it is important: ➡  that the new market design incentivises the provision of the dispatchable capacity and flexibility needed in a power system based primarily on wind and solar energy, ➡ that regional scarcities of power generation and transmission capacity will be made transparent through locational signals to guide investment, and ➡ that investors get long-term clarity on the investment framework for the energy transition, which, in addition to the points mentioned above, also includes network charges, the promotion of renewable energies and the configuration of electricity price zones. For the new market design to be operational in 2028, as planned by the government, we believe it is advisable to take a pragmatic approach and reduce complexity wherever possible. When designing the planned capacity mechanism, the German government should, where possible, also build on the experience of its European neighbours. This will help to avoid delays during the EU state aid approval process.  #FutureofEnergy #GEVernova #TheEnergyToChangeTheWorld GE Vernova #ConsultingServices

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What does "perfect" really mean, and who gets to decide its definition? The concept of "perfect" can have countless interpretations, ultimately laying in the eye of the beholder. At Siemens Infrastructure #eMobility, we embrace this complexity, partnering with our customers and the whole #ecosystem to explore and define what their perfect depot looks like. The collaboration in our communication ecosystem with Johanna Gürses and feedback communication GmbH, have led us to craft our (nearly) perfect campaign for the business (Can you tell that we are a little proud? 😉🧐) Now, we're curious to hear your thoughts - what does perfect mean to you? https://lnkd.in/e9w5Scdk

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🚀 A Year of Success: "Generative AI and ChatGPT" Certificate Course at Hochschule Fresenius 🎓 Over the past year, the Generative AI and ChatGPT certificate course at Hochschule Fresenius has empowered students to navigate the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence. Offered as part of select Master’s programs in our Engineering Cluster and stand alone Certificate, this course has received outstanding feedback from participants, solidifying its place as a standout in our curriculum. 🌐 Why this course matters: In a world shaped by technological innovation, understanding tools like ChatGPT and the fundamentals of AI is no longer optional—it’s essential. 🧠 What makes this course unique: Comprehensive coverage of AI: Concepts, dimensions, and perspectives Deep dives into Machine Learning, Neural Networks, and Deep Learning Real-world applications of Generative AI and ChatGPT Exploration of Human-centric AI and Digital Ethics A practical, hands-on project workshop 🌟 Student-driven success: Our students consistently highlight the course's relevance, depth, and hands-on approach: "Generative AI and ChatGPT are not just technological trends; they’re reshaping how we approach education, business, and innovation. At Hochschule Fresenius, we’re proud to lead this transformation." (Prof. Dr. habil. Peter J. Weber, former Dean of the Faculty). 💡 What you’ll gain: An in-depth understanding of AI’s impact on society, business, and economics. The skills to identify and implement ChatGPT applications. The confidence to contribute to AI-driven projects in any professional setting. 📚 Continue to shape the future with Hochschule Fresenius — where education meets innovation. #GenerativeAI #HochschuleFresenius #ChatGPT #EternalLearning [Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ebvBRxpb]

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Interesting and surprising, isn't it? At least I think so... Here's a rough translation for all non-German speakers. ------ „That's not my colleague, that's my employee!“  A sentence that is profound. When I recently commented favourably on the work of another person's "colleague", she corrected me in a harsh tone: It wasn't her colleague, she said, it was her employee. I was briefly irritated because it was new to me that employees are not colleagues. I then said, "But then you're also colleagues if you work in the same company." Whereupon I was told: "My colleagues are at the same level as me." End of the announcement. Even if you shouldn't judge people based on a single sentence, I didn't have the feeling that we shared the same understanding of leadership. I feel the same way when people talk about "subordinates". Or when you are told what hierarchical level you are at and how many employees you have when you shake hands for the first time. It's like we're playing car quartets. Anyone who still leads in this millennium to celebrate their own hierarchical position or the "power of command" over others has not understood what it is all about. Leadership is not a relationship of domination; it is a service role. And there is nothing wrong with that, because it involves a lot of responsibility. Among other things, for ensuring that - others are utilised according to their talents, - can fully contribute and develop, - the team works together constructively and - suitable framework conditions are in place. This requires many competences in addition to professional ones. I have a lot of respect for people who manage to do this. And less for those who only want to use leadership to boost their ego. Thank you for sharing Swantje!

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Recent data from the German Federal Employment Agency Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BA) reveals a significant shift in the #caresector: The grow of temporary workers in Germany has seemingly come to an end!💡   According to a recent evaluation by the BA, the number of #temporaryworkers employed in care has decreased by 4% over the past year, with approx. 32,400 temporary workers remaining by the end of 2023. This reduces their share to just 1.8% of the nearly 1.8 million total employees in the sector.   This decline marks a pivotal change: While temporary staffing has helped for bridging short-term staffing gaps, the rising costs associated with it are a real concern for many care providers. At Korian Deutschland, we therefore believe that temporary staffing should not be a systemic tool for workforce planning.   The BA’s insights further underscore the need for innovative approaches that foster a positive working environment, prioritize the quality of care and ensure the well-being of both patients and staff – including a fair compensation, excellent working conditions and a supportive #leadership.   What is your take on the recent data?   For more information, check out the article by Handelsblatt editor Frank Specht 👉 https://lnkd.in/dk-RDcBH   Clariane #KorianDeutschland #AtYourSide #HR #WorkforceManagement Remi Boyer, Christian Gharieb, Theo Birkemeyer, Janine Hoppe, Sabine Schröder, Markus Scheitzach, Sonja Rüger (Dittrich), Dr. Hasina Farouq

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The world of tomorrow: what about the transformation to electromobility?

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#EnergyEvening - Discovering the energy in your neighborhood, uncovering the pioneering spirit of previous generations... Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting the small #hydro power plant in my hometown Gemeinde Horgen as member of the local climate and energy commission. In today's perspective, it's neither large, disruptive or innovative. It was built in 1882 and is providing just about 1% of Horgen's electricity demand today. But when you think back to the 19th century, this construction was a truly #pioneering task as it involved: 🔨 Building a dam and pipe infrastructure - just imagine how that worked with the tools of those past days 🔌About ten years later, transitioning the plant from a mechanical hydro plant to an electrical power plant - just imagine how the local industry had to adjust and support this by changing their processes from direct mechanically linked drives to electrical motors 💡Installing one of the first electrical streetlight networks in Switzerland - just imagine the difference this made for the local population Looking at today's challenges in the energy transition, I really hope we can carry some of this early Swiss pioneering spirit into the modern days. I can only encourage everyone to visit some of the energy assets in your neighborhood. There are so many interesting stories around these and the operators are usually very glad to offer insights! #machenfuermorgen Disclaimer: To be clear - the plant is in no way associated to Axpo Group, it is operated by the local utility Werke Horgen

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🔄 Organization Development (#OD) and #Transformation aren't linear journeys! What began as a transformation workshop with my friends at Siemens Healthineers became a revelation in #OrganizationDevelopment. 🌟 When discussing #OperationalExcellence, we often focus on #People, #Processes, and #Products, sometimes even placing them in a linear sequence. This oversimplifies the intricate complexity involved in improving projects and organizations. The reality is far more complex, and understanding the cause-and-effect dynamics demands #SystemsThinking —an essential skill for effective organization development. Appreciation of #transformationexperts (aka: organization development experts) was a recurring topic as important enabler. 🚨 And remember: Beware of the iceberg! 🧊 #Leadership #ContinuousImprovement #ChangeManagement Thank you to Sabine Muth for the great facilitation and to Thomas Zeiser Silke Sasano and Marc Schlichtner for bringing us together! What are your thoughts Ines Hefele Susan Bregenzer Reiner Rudolph Burkhard Tolks Nanda Burke

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“People ask me what our mission is. My answer is the same here as it is of any region: to energize society. I think this is a noble goal.” Dietmar Siersdorfer, Siemens Energy’s recently appointed Managing Director for Africa, sat down with African Review of Business and Technology on the sidelines of Africa Energy Forum to talk about the huge potential in accelerating energy access across the continent. Read the full interview here. #Africa #EnergyTransition

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A product owner does not own the product – at least not always!   What sounds paradox … is not so surprising if you take a closer look! And that is what Dominik Hiebl and a #community of experts at Siemens and Siemens Gamesa did.   And they found two “flavors” of #productowners: 1️⃣ There is the “classical” product owner (PO) who actually owns the product over the whole #lifecycle incl. definition, development, go-to-market, and replacement. Comment: This is close to what we used to call a #productmanager with the addition, that the PO works in an #agile team setup 2️⃣ There is the “product owner in a complex environment”, where multiple development teams are working on a single product in parallel and each team has a backlog which is owned by a PO, who represents the customer - often in interaction with the other POs form the other teams. Comment: Yes, there are other names for that role in different #scaling #frameworks, but they do not always do the trick (see my post from last week)   I really enjoyed that discussion with everyone, especially doing this in person and having a practice check at Siemens Industry "The Impact" where they say: We make things happen! – Isn’t that what product owners do, too?   I would be keen to hear from your experiences with the product owner role!   P.S: Did I say, that I had fun? 😊

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💚Proud moment! 💚 The Siemens Sustainability Report 2024 is here, and it’s not just about numbers – it’s our commitment to a sustainable future. 🌍✨ I’m thrilled to be part of a team driving sustainability transformation 💚 Check out the new report to see how we’re turning bold ideas into impactful actions: https://sie.ag/6jM7jW #sustainableEP #ScalingSustainabilityImpact🌱

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