Female Leaders - IWD2022 - Daniela Pfefferkorn

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2022, Krishnan interviews Daniela Pfefferkorn, Unternehmensinhaber (Business Owner) – HOTEL GOLDENER BERG, Austria

Why haven't we achieved equality, despite legislation in place regarding pay? 

In our hotel – restaurants, we always had the same income for the same job – no matter if male or female. I love women in top jobs, and we do have as many as we can hire. In some years it is 50 – 50.

How would you advise young women leaders on how to build confidence in their ability as a manager and leader? And what initiatives should companies invest in to promote women in leadership and an inclusive workplace? 

I never made this difference between men and women, I do not care about colour or religion, for me, this is just not there. But of course, as a woman in a leading role all my life, I had to stand up against man in all kinds of ways and I was in my young years simply surprised, that man had a different few on things. So sometimes I “used” a man (my father) when things just needed to be done. Not very 21st century at all! After 30 years, very successfully in this job, all by myself, I start earing respect of the local men, however, I do not care much anymore. I hope for younger women, they will have an easier and faster way. What can women do: Do their job, as great as women can do their job. Don’t let emotions rule you, stay with your loving heart but also with a straightforward mind. It might take some time, but you will succeed!

As I said, I do not differ between sex or colour and so on – everybody is welcome. So I do not think we have to do something for women, or for men or for different colours – just come here and be one of us humans, giving the best for our guests and having fun by doing so!

Is there a particular leader / figure you look up to? 

I really still look up to Angela Merkel. She did a marvellous job for so many years, keeping Europe together with such nonchalance – she was a great leader!

What advice will you give to your younger self?

I would tell myself: Relax – it is all on your opinion of the world. See all the chances you have, take all you are given, also as a woman and just go for your gaols. Get out of emotions, be kind and nice to yourself and you will get all the help and support needed. To be on the fighting track always is very tiring and nonsense!