Creating impact together: Two events, one shared commitment to female empowerment
Courage, visibility, and the willingness to shape change were the defining themes at two recent BCG events dedicated to advancing women in leadership.
Whether celebrating the Top100Women in German business in Munich in April or bringing together inspiring leaders and alumnae at the WomenPowerment live event in Frankfurt in May, both gatherings highlighted the importance of connecting, creating space, and opening new perspectives. Combined, they sent a powerful message: Progress happens when people step forward, share experiences, and empower others along the way.
Top100Women 2026: Celebrating the women shaping Germany’s business agenda
Together with manager magazin, BCG honored this year’s top 100 women in German business for the eleventh time, bringing together around 200 guests in Munich to celebrate influential leaders driving transformation across industries and shaping the future of Germany’s economy. The evening also welcomed several inspiring BCG alumnae, including Britta Fünfstück, Katja von Raven, Sirma Boshnakova, and Anne-Laure de Chammard.
This year, the Prima inter Pares award went to Jeannette zu Fürstenberg, President and Managing Director at General Catalyst. She represents a new generation of European tech investors who don’t wait for the perfect moment to arrive, instead creating it themselves through bold action, strong networks, and entrepreneurial vision.
A key topic throughout the evening was Germany's transformation journey and the role that diversity plays in driving sustainable success. Two keynote speeches brought this theme to life from very different, yet equally relevant, perspectives: Stephanie Lingemann, Vice President Air at Helsing, spoke about Europe's technological sovereignty and the role of AI in defense, while Evelyn Palla, CEO of Deutsche Bahn, reflected on leadership in times of transformation and what clarity and conviction look like when the road ahead is not yet mapped out.
The latest findings from the BCG Gender Diversity Index 2025 underline that diversity remains a critical success factor for companies, even as progress toward gender parity in leadership positions has recently stagnated. Initiatives such as Top100Women are therefore essential in increasing visibility for role models and fostering meaningful networks.
Further insights into this year’s Top100Women are available in manager magazin (in German).
WomenPowerment live event 2026: Creating space for honest conversations and new perspectives
Just a few days after the Top100Women event, more than 100 alumnae and BCG Managing Partners and Directors from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland came together in Frankfurt for the fourth BCG WomenPowerment live event. Founded in 2021 by Carla Spoerle (BCG Managing Director and Partner) and Kirsten Lange (BCG Managing Director and Partner, 1990 – 2012), the network has since grown to include over 200 senior alumnae and is recognized as BCG’s first female alumni community.
With this year’s theme, “Failing Forward,” the event intentionally shifted the focus away from polished success stories and toward experiences often left unspoken: setbacks, uncertainty, personal challenges, and turning points—both professional and personal. The goal was not to dramatize, but to foster honest exchange, mutual learning, and safe space for conversations that rarely happen in everyday business settings.
Across deep dives, interactive sessions, and thematic discussion rooms, participants shared stories, reflected on pivotal moments, and explored what truly helped them navigate difficult situations. Over two days, new connections were forged and conversations started that will continue far beyond the event itself.
The highlight of the evening was a dinner speech by alumna Christina Förster (BCG Consultant, 1999 – 2002), who shared her personal perspective on career transitions, reinvention, and resilience—reinforcing the importance of openness, courage, and mutual support in leadership.
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