Career Growth at Hapag-Lloyd

216: In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie Linke from Hapag-Lloyd to talk about career growth, taking ownership, and moving beyond traditional administrative responsibilities.

We explore the importance of trust between Executives and Assistants, how to build confidence and take on more strategic responsibilities, and why strong professional networks can make a real difference.

Stephanie also shares her perspective on AI in the workplace, the changing expectations of Executive Assistants, and why the human touch remains essential.

Plus, we discuss why letting go of perfectionism, staying adaptable, and embracing your personality can be key to long-term career success.

This is what Stephanie says about herself:

Born in Bremen, I enjoyed a very international childhood with several years spent in New Jersey and Hong Kong – before returning to Germany to finish school and later tackle my studies in International Travel & Tourism in Heidelberg.

I started my career in the hotel industry, working as Sales Rep in several hotels across Hamburg. A great industry to sharpen a service-oriented mindset!

Eventually, in 2013, I moved on from hotel Sales and joined Hapag-Lloyd AG as Assistant in Region Europe (later split in North & South), before switching to Global Procurement internally alongside my Executive in 2022. That's where I still am today and there's never a dull moment!

On a personal note, I live in Buxtehude with my husband, two daughters, two cats and – currently – three stick insects. The latter are my husband's and kids' doing as they found them very sweet. I decided not to argue the point.

LINKS:

🔴 Watch the Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/M3qTOnUVJDM

- Diana Brandl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/