Daniela Schilling ─ Innovative leader passionate about connecting people around new IT topics…
March 30, 2022 • 3 Minute Read
Daniela Schilling
Director
Vogel IT Academy
Are you looking for an innovative leader with a passion for connecting people around new IT topics? We know the person—Daniela Schilling!
Daniela Schilling is the Director of the Vogel IT Academy, which she founded in 2000. She is responsible for organizing and initiating IT events of various formats in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Daniela is passionate about creating interest and visibility for women in IT, and enjoys connecting people with different perspectives and backgrounds on new IT topics.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Daniela Schilling!
Our 10 Questions for this IT Wondrous Woman.
Fun Facts
1. What’s the one thing about you that your business colleagues don’t know about you?
Actually, my background is in the textile industry, and I wanted to become a fashion buyer for a large department stores' chain. Then, during my studies in business administration, I happened to come across a start-up IT publishing company and simply joined in.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
Since our business is mainly limited to DACH, I do not have Senator status.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
That was in France, Troyes. A specialty called "Andouillette", which is a sausage made from offal. Very interesting, I should say the least…
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
- In the early days of my career, a customer put me under a lot of pressure and said that as a new player in the market, we would have no chance without him and his company. My plans for the future and the set-up of the academy were not compatible with his, so I decided at that time: "Either I make it without him or not at all". We did it and became the company's flagship model for many years.
- As a young manager, I invited all employees to an offsite meeting one weekend and put them on the same level in terms of participation, decision-making responsibility and level. I thought that this was the highest form of appreciation and motivation (which was a mistake). Instead, after the weekend I had neither a strategy nor happy staff. I quickly learned that it is important to lead employees according to their level of maturity and to clearly formulate goals.
5. Did you have a mentor in the early part of your career and, if so, what is the biggest lesson you learned from your mentor or influencer?
Yes, I did. He told me that you have to master the rules of politics in business, too. Second: a major part of success is your own mental conditioning.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Think things through, never give up, but have the courage to draw a line at the right point.
Dare to break down walls and dare to try something new. Just do it, keep your vision and goal firmly in mind and then see what happens.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
I like to share my experience and knowledge with young colleagues or colleagues from outside the industry, but I also want to learn from them. The important thing is to put your heart into it.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
The overall transformation of the event business.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
Open your mind to new things, be keen to learn, accept change and adapt with your business model; don't get sentimental about the old. Give the team confidence in their abilities and set the framework and goals.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
What changes in society have impacted our business, and how? What will our business model look like in the future?
