How do you contribute to a better world with your idea?
When many people think of leadership, they imagine hierarchies, ranks, suits, company cars, and so-called “typically male” leadership traits such as rationality, dominance, and assertiveness. At WaveMakers, we help young professionals break free from these stereotypes and discover their own path to leadership. We show them that leadership can be far more colorful and individual than they ever imagined.
Through digital community and learning offerings, we empower young people to embrace their strengths and build confidence. At the same time, we tackle Germany’s leadership shortage and support companies in redefining leadership while fostering innovation. In recognition of this work, our founder, Katja Kolmetz, was named a finalist for the Digital Female Leader Award in 2021.
What is the innovative part of your idea?
- Leadership is not a job title. On average, people take on nine years of personnel responsibility before they gain access to leadership training. WaveMakers is designed for young professionals and does not require a managerial position.
- With WaveMakers, we challenge traditional leadership norms. In collaboration with psychologists, coaches, and leadership researchers, we have developed innovative learning content tailored to the needs of women and other groups underrepresented in leadership positions.
- Our community and learning platform is entirely digital and English-language, allowing us to reach people from around the world. In less than a year, we have worked with over 1,000 participants from more than 40 countries.
What is your vision for the future of your industry?
Climate crisis, wars, pandemic. The world needs diverse perspectives to tackle the greatest challenges of our time together. Yet diversity is still not reflected in leadership positions, and many training programs reinforce outdated mindsets and leadership stereotypes.
To harness the power of diversity, people of all genders, backgrounds, and abilities must see themselves as leaders. Having a seat at the table is not enough; they need to take responsibility without feeling like they have to compromise who they are.
With WaveMakers, we help young professionals leverage their individual strengths as leadership qualities and use their unique perspectives to make the world a better place. The time has come to redefine leadership!
