E281: Margarete Schramboeck - Unlocking Potential: Lessons from a Trailblazer
Dr. Margarete Schramboeck is an experienced and progressive business & government leader. As Austria’s Minister for Digital & Economic Affairs she was leading the country’s digital and economic transformation for many years. Prior to her role as a minister, Dr. Margarete had an extensive career in the IT and Telekom industry leading her to be appointed as CEO of central Europe’s biggest Telekom Operator A1. She has also paved the way for women in the Board Rooms as she is a current Board member of Aramco Digital and also holds board functions in biotech and high tech-industrial companies around the world. Her Profound know-how of doing business in the Middle East has taken her to make Riyadh her current Home Town. Dr. Margarete is the definition of a trailblazer and there are many lessons to be learned on this episode of Back2Basics!
Connect:
www.linkedin.com/in/margarete-schramboeck
Follow:
www.instagram.com/margarete_schramboeck
Episode Highlights:
- The Power of Education and Family Support – Dr. Margarete’s upbringing in a working-class family with a strong emphasis on education shaped her journey toward leadership. Her parents' sacrifices and commitment to her education laid the groundwork for her future success.
- The Importance of Female Mentorship – Margarets highlights how powerful mentorship from women in her life influenced her growth, both personally and professionally. These role models helped her navigate the challenges she faced in her career.
- Serendipitous Career Path – Her entry into the tech industry was not planned. Her first job with Alcatel was a coincidence, but it became a launching pad for her future leadership roles, proving that sometimes unexpected opportunities are the most transformative.
- Leadership in the Tech Industry – At the young age of 27, Margarete was asked to take on the role of Technical Director without technical experience. This pivotal moment taught her the value of embracing challenges and trusting in one's potential.
- The Value of Risk-Taking and Focus – Dr. Margarete shares that success often comes from being willing to take risks and remain focused. She advocates for a clear commitment to each endeavor, whether in business or government, as a path to achieving meaningful outcomes.
- Public and Private Sector Synergy – Her experience as a government minister in Austria reinforced the value of combining public and private sector knowledge. Dr. Margarete believes that leadership in either sector can benefit from learning and applying lessons from both sides.
- Living and Working in Saudi Arabia – Margarete discusses her transition from Europe to Saudi Arabia, noting how embracing new environments and opportunities helped her grow as a leader and entrepreneur.
- Women’s Empowerment in Saudi Arabia:
Significant progress has been made in gender equality, with the government pushing for greater participation of women in the workforce. Speaker 1 highlights how young women, especially those returning from studies abroad, are leading this charge. - Networking for Success:
To succeed in leadership, women must build their networks and ensure their contributions are recognized. Networking is not an extracurricular activity but a vital part of professional development. - Self-Care and Recharge:
Speaker 1’s personal advice for maintaining energy and focus involves taking time for oneself, whether through simple activities like enjoying fresh air or quiet moments of reflection.
Time-stamps
⛷️ [02:26] Dr. Margarete is from Austria, Europe from the Alps: her parents were great supporters in her life.
👩🦰 [04:35 ] All female role models in her life.
▶️ [06:24] Entering the tech industry: her decision to become a tech director of Alcatel at 27.
👩💼 [12:22] Being a minister for 4 years: broadening her views and learning quickly how things work in politics.
🇸🇦 [13:54] Returning to business and living in Saudi Arabia and founding her company.
💜 [16:01] Leadership needs heart, brain, and skills: learning by making mistakes.
📈 [18:14] Saudi Arabia is a great country with young people with very high education: the country's transformation and emerging market.
⚡[24:30] The power of building networking as part of the job: invest time in building connections and visibility.
💎 [29:40] What makes Margarete tick: relaxing and self-care as a path to connect with herself.
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