NxtGenFemLeader Program
#mentoring
#promotion
#womenintech
There are more women in the IT department at Siemens than in previous decades, but they are still underrepresented in the management ranks. This does not, however, lie in the fact that women are rejected, but rather in the fact that hardly any women have applied for an open leadership position. After a discussion among the employees, it became clear that many women do not dare or are not ready yet to take the step into a leadership position.
To meet this challenge, we have created a program. The goal of the program is to promote women in IT and prepare them for potential leadership positions. The program provides a platform for participants to develop, take responsibility, and build a professional network in a safe environment. Workshops on leadership, communication and specific IT topics support the development of the necessary skills. Participants decide for themselves what they need to take the next step in their careers.
The implementation of the program has shown positive results. We have seen an increase in the confidence and motivation of women in the IT department. Several women were promoted during and after the one-year program and are steadily climbing the career ladder. A key learning point was the importance of targeted support measures and a supportive organizational culture in promoting gender equality. This year we are launching the 4th edition, and the demand is high.
This Best Practice was first published in the Gender Intelligence Report 2024.
While women were present in the IT department, their numbers were significantly lower than men, especially in leadership roles. Ariane Previtali created a platform that brought together women in IT to discuss why there were still so few women in IT leadership. The discussions revealed a common theme: many women felt unprepared for leadership roles, citing a lack of key skills and confidence. In addition, there was a noticeable gap in mentorship and professional development opportunities tailored specifically for women in IT. This created a cycle in which talented women were not being promoted to higher positions, reinforcing the gender imbalance.
In addition, the lack of female role models in IT management reinforced the perception that these roles were unattainable for women. Addressing these issues required a focused program to develop the necessary skills, build confidence, and create a supportive network to encourage women to pursue leadership positions in IT.
The NxtGenFemLeader program aims to address the gender disparity in IT leadership by providing women with the skills, confidence, and support they need to advance into leadership roles. We aim to develop business and soft skills through targeted workshops and training sessions to ensure participants are prepared for leadership roles; foster a professional network that encourages collaboration, mentorship, and peer support, creating a community of empowered women in IT; provide personalized coaching to help participants identify and bridge skill gaps, align career goals with business objectives, and effectively navigate their career paths; increase the visibility and representation of women in IT leadership; and Support Siemens’ overarching DEGREE framework for equity, contributing to sustainability priorities. By achieving these goals, the program not only benefits participants but also strengthens Siemens’ leadership pipeline and fosters a more inclusive workplace culture.
We have taken a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach.
“Through targeted workshops, individual coaching, and active networking events, we help our participants achieve their professional goals and develop their strengths.”
Jennifer Jüling, Program Coordinator
“The NxtGenFemLeader program has been transformative, not just in shaping professional paths, but in empowering personal growth. The impact goes beyond reaching leadership positions—it’s about building confidence, fostering a sense of community, and inspiring change at every level.” – Ariane Previtali,
Program Founder
Two rounds of the NxtGenFemLeader program have already been completed, the third round is nearing completion, and the fourth round is in the starting blocks. Participants in the first two rounds and the current third round have made remarkable progress in their careers. Approximately 66% of the first and second rounds graduates have advanced within Siemens – whether through promotion, lateral moves or expansion of their areas of responsibility.
The program makes an essential contribution to building the necessary pipeline of future leaders. Participants are enthusiastic about the program and remain actively involved after completing it. They promote the program, recommend it to potential participants, take over workshops, or volunteer for the program board. Management and the P&O (People & Organization) team also promote the program through targeted advertising and recommendations. The program has already been introduced to other departments that want to adapt it to their needs.
Siemens’ NxtGenFemleader program promotes the next generation of female IT leaders. With three cohorts completed and one starting in September, 60% to 70% of participants have made significant career progress. The program strengthens the pipeline of future leaders and is supported by senior management and the P&O team. It contributes to the DEGREE initiative by targeting women and creating a more inclusive working environment.
For more information about this Best Practice, reach out to the authors:
Ariane Previtali
Program Founder
ariane.previtali@siemens.com
Annabelle Weber
Board & Program Lead
annabelle.weber@siemens.com
Jennifer Jüling
Program Coordinator
jennifer.jueling@siemens.com
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