Women With Impact #22 - Constanze Buchheim
Welcome to Women With Impact, a newsletter all about the journeys of ambitious women and how they have a positive impact in our world.
I’m Clara Richter and this is the 22nd edition of Women With Impact. If you enjoy this issue, please share it with a friend and like it above.
For this edition, I interviewed Constanze Buchheim, Founder and Managing Partner of Germany’s leading executive search boutique i-potentials. Based in Berlin, Constanze is a pioneering entrepreneur and thought leader focusing on the topic of future leadership. Next to growing and managing i-potentials, Constanze is a well-recognised advisory board member, angel investor and was named one of the “50 most influential women in German business” by the Boston Consulting Group and Manager Magazin in 2015. Moreover, she was selected by Focus magazine as one of the “100 Women of the Year” in 2020.
Wishing you a pleasant read!
Best,
Clara
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The Journey
Who are you and how do you spend your time?
I am Constanze Buchheim, Founder and Managing Partner of i-potentials, one of Germany’s leading executive search boutiques. My time is dedicated to various roles and responsibilities that align with my expertise in leadership and governance. As the Managing Partner of i-potentials, my days involve navigating the dynamic landscape of executive search, fostering a culture of impactful leadership within the organisation, and engaging with clients to understand and meet their leadership needs.
Beyond my role at i-potentials, I act as a member of the Monopoly Commission, where I lend my know-how to issues related to competition policy and power balances to the German Federal Government. I am also a supervisory board member of business school HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management and SaaS-company Valsight. My commitment to leadership development extends to various speaking engagements and thought leadership activities. Time is also invested in staying abreast of industry trends and developments, fostering a continuous learning mindset. In essence, my days are a blend of entrepreneurial pursuits, governance responsibilities, and a passion for contributing to the evolution of leadership paradigms.
What does impact mean to you?
Impact, to me, is about catalysing meaningful change. It's the ability to influence and shift not just objects or entities but hearts, minds, and circumstances toward a positive trajectory. It's leaving a profound footprint - an imprint that extends beyond personal achievements, resonating in a broader context and positively touching the lives of others. Making an impact involves a deliberate effort to contribute to a better outcome, be it within individual lives, societal structures, or organisational dynamics. It's a commitment to be a catalyst for positive change, aligning personal goals with a larger purpose, and actively participating in the collective betterment.
The Lessons
How has your journey of making an impact changed you?
Initially, my career approach was very task-oriented, focused on getting things done and filling roles. As my journey progressed, it evolved into being mission-driven after developing my own mission: to build a world that is led by maturity, not ego. Having a clear mission has transformed how I prioritise, navigate challenges, communicate and how I set boundaries. It's not just about the tasks I perform but understanding the broader mission I serve. This shift has significantly impacted how I define my identity, emphasising the importance of aligning with a mission rather than merely engaging in activities. Today, I am pretty sure that this change in approach is the basis for my leadership style.
What’s a challenge you have encountered most often and how did you tackle it?
A challenge I frequently encounter revolves around recognising and appreciating the unique individuality of each person. Understanding that assumptions cannot be made about others is an ongoing learning process. The challenge lies in striking a delicate balance between honouring the need for individuality and providing clear direction. This delicate equilibrium necessitates exceptional communication - being precise on the matter and being consequent in what we do while maintaining a deep sense of empathy for the individual. Tackling this challenge involves not just navigating the intricacies of diverse perspectives but fostering an environment where communication is not only clear in content but also considerate and empathetic in its delivery. It's an ongoing journey of refining communication strategies to ensure that the balance between clarity and empathy is maintained. In doing so, we can build and foster a collaborative and harmonious work environment.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned on your journey so far?
The most profound lesson has been understanding that the external impact one makes is directly correlated with personal development. We can only elevate ourselves to the extent that we grow personally. Our organisations can only grow if we, as leaders, grow and develop with and for them. Additionally, the concept of "we rise by lifting others" has become a guiding principle, emphasising the need for genuine care and commitment to making a positive impact.
The Inspiration
Who did you recently inspire to create impact? How?
I’d like to think that I try to inspire others to create impact with my daily business in executive search. In projects I always try to figure out and then emphasise what the greater mission of the organisation is – this is an important tool to define the company’s needs and identify candidates who can match this mission. I convey how specific roles contribute to a meaningful impact beyond mere tasks, highlighting the collective impact they could make by being part of something larger. It’s our task to find leaders who are able to build organisations that are valuable for customers, their employees AND society. It’s my task and our duty to help our clients think of leading a company with that perspective – not just thinking about their growth and success. That changes the way companies are led very quickly.
What advice would you give to other women who want to have a positive impact?
For women aspiring to have a positive impact, my advice is rooted in the profound principle of identifying a cause or mission that moves you so deeply that you're willing to persist through any challenges. It's about discovering a purpose that resonates with your values and approaching it with the right mindset and unwavering determination. The transformative power lies in cultivating a passion for your purpose - a flame that not only sustains but becomes the driving force behind impactful change. Embrace this journey with the understanding that the challenges encountered are integral parts of a fulfilling and worthwhile pursuit.
Enjoyed this or have any feedback? Let me know in the comments!
If you know someone who fits my mission and should absolutely be featured on Women With Impact, please nominate them here.