Women in Leadership - Pretty Powerful

18th of September 2025 / IHK Frankfurt am Main

In today’s increasingly interconnected global economy, leadership knows no borders and strong female leadership is more visible and essential than ever. Across industries and continents, women are shaping the future of business with resilience, innovation, and a global mindset.


China and Germany are two of the world’s most influential economies, and both are home to exceptional women leaders who are driving transformation within their organizations and beyond. But what challenges do women face in international business environments? How do cultural dynamics influence leadership styles and career paths? And what can we learn from women who are breaking barriers and reshaping industries in both countries?


These questions will take center stage at "Women in Leadership – Pretty Powerful", a high-level networking and dialogue event hosted by the Frankfurt Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) in cooperation with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the Chinese Enterprise Association Frankfurt.


Through powerful keynotes, an engaging panel discussion, and relaxed networking moments, this event highlights women’s leadership in global markets, explores how international cooperation can amplify female voices, and offers a platform for German and Chinese professionals to connect, learn, and inspire each other.


Join top leaders from business and industry on September 18, 2025, and become part of a conversation that celebrates visibility, challenges stereotypes, and strengthens international networks.
 

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This event is free of charge, registration is required. Seats are limited.

Deadline for registration is September 12th, 2025.

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Agenda

Veronique Dunai, Director East Asia, IHK Frankfurt

Vivian Fang, Chief Representative, CCPIT Germany/ Chinese Enterprise Association Frankfurt 

 

Keynote: Chinese company representative
Cathy Zhao, Chief Representative, Sinopec Europe

Keynote: German company representative
Virginia Esly, Chief Operating Officer Europe, Messer Group
 

Content: 
Making success stories visible:  Since 2014, the nationwide “Business Women IHK” network has offered a platform for successful female entrepreneurs and managers to network and become more visible together. With this event at IHK Frankfurt, we are going a step further and want to focus on international networks and success stories together with our partner chamber network from China.

Female leaders with different industry backgrounds will answer burning questions: What are the top challenges within an international/intercultural business environment and how to successfully solve them? Why does it seem easier for female leaders to navigate the international waters? Do women only shine through their so-called soft skills? 

Moderator: Alexandra Stefanov, Founder & CEO, China Impulse 

Speaker: 
Dr. Mei WU, General Manager, Joyson Europe GmbH 

Dr. Qian MA, Local Partner, Tax & Legal Solutions, PwC

Dr. Ellen Wieck-Mesarosch,  Executive Coach & Senior Advisor, EWM Executive Coaching

Susanne Wellershaus, Associate Partner, Albert Speer + Partner GmbH

 

After the coffee break collective walk up to the rooftop for cocktail hour networking.
Meeting point and time: conference room lobby, 15:45 o’clock. 
 

Speakers

Veronique Dunai
Director East Asia @ IHK Frankfurt
Virginia Esly
Chief Operating Officer Europe @ Messer Group
Vivian Fang
Chief Representative @ CCPIT Germany / Chinese Enterprise Association Frankfurt
Dr. Qian MA
Local Partner, Tax & Legal Solutions @ PwC
Alexandra Stefanov
Founder & CEO @ China Impulse
Dr. Ellen Wieck-Mesarosch
Executive Coach & Senior Advisor @ EWM Executive Coaching
Susanne Wellershaus
Associate Partner @ Albert Speer + Partner GmbH
Dr. Mei WU
General Manager @ Joyson Europe GmbH
Cathy Zhao
Chief Representative @ Sinopec Europe

Partners

Veranstaltungsort

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Ansprechpartnerin:

Veronique Dunai
IHK Frankfurt am Main
Telefon: 069 2197-1433
E-Mail: v.dunai@frankfurt-main.ihk.de