Dr Philine Sandhu, Mechthild Erpenbeck, Dr Wolfgang Looss, Daniela Möller, Dr Claudia Neusüß and Julia Persitzky believe that women’s perspectives on the work of supervisory boards consistently prove to be a valuable resource for more effective, modern supervision and board work.
What do women experience in committees, and how do they position themselves? This article explores and reflects on the unwritten rules of committees, examines expectations, raises awareness of societal baggage, and encourages readers to take stock of it all.
Claudia Neusüß from compassorange explores the double-edged nature of authenticity. The phrase “I don’t want to compromise myself” is often more of a barrier than an opening. Authenticity, on the other hand, as a dynamic guiding principle when it comes to trying out new roles and behaviours, can open up opportunities for systemic change. Wolfgang Loos, who is also a swarm partner at compassorange, highlights the “new kids on the block” phenomenon. Women often have little “observational material” at their disposal and must invent their roles from scratch. Julia Persitzky, who is also a coach at compassorange, reflects on an inflated level of expectation – the need to see oneself as all-knowing, which blocks many women. Instead, she suggests recognising and practising the confident handling of “dangerous half-knowledge” as an important skill.
Thank you for your ongoing efforts to foster exchange and dialogue, dear Philine Sandhu, founder and Chair of the Board of the Berlin Institute for Governance and Leadership (BIGL e.V.)!
The article can be found in: The Supervisory Board (2026), Independent specialist information for supervisory boards, advisory boards and boards of directors. Link to the article.
