Women With Impact #4 - Léonie Kirchgeorg
Welcome back 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 4th 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 Léonie Kirchgeorg, Head of Central Art Gallery St. Moritz. Central Art Gallery St. Moritz holds art works from local artists in the Swiss canton of Grisons across different mediums. Since six years, Léonie is responsible for selecting artists and representing them both through Marketing activities as well as in-person events such as vernissages and apéros.
Wishing you a pleasant read!
Best,
Clara
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The Journey
Who are you and how do you spend your time?
Hi there, I’m Léonie - a creative thinker who loves the arts and somehow ended up working in the machinery industry where I am part of the global Marketing Team. That is where my side-hustles come in. I am a published writer and Head of the Central Art Gallery St. Moritz since 2017, which has absolutely nothing to do with my Marketing job for the hydraulics company I have been working for since July 2021.
What does impact to you?
In an ideal world, impact means bringing something good to your community or surroundings. In my personal experience, impact has a lot to do with empowering others and yourself. For example, equipping someone with limited experience or resources with the tools and means required to achieve a goal that constitutes an impact, hopefully with a sustainable effect. However, the path to get there is not always easy and having a positive impact often also comes with consequences. Therefore, it is imperative to keep on eye on the journey to creating the impact.
How do you make a positive difference in the world?
You have to work with what you have to make a positive difference and not force yourself to be something that you are not. Faking and not being true to yourself will not work to bring something positive into the world in the long run. And I think that being kind as well as taking decisive actions with confidence create a positive impact. And that is a balance I apply on a daily basis - but it is also hard work making sure that the two elements are harmonious with each other, which can be a challenge.
The Lessons
How has your journey of making an impact changed you?
Having graduated from the Edinburgh Business School, I was convinced that I would make an impact as soon as I stepped into my career. The reality was a little different and my perspective has changed over the past years. Firstly, making an impact can take time and your friends who seem to be doing so well usually feel about the same. Secondly, impact should not be synonymous with your career. Inspiring clients about a recent art work or inviting an artist to join us for another season is valuable - even if it does not bring a monetary benefit.
What's a challenge you have encountered most often and how did you tackle it?
Whether in my job or gallery, learning that reaching an accomplishment is not as easy as graduating with Distinction or scoring highly on a test can be challenging. Having impact and your salary appears to be the "measure of success" in all social conversations of career starters (1-3 years)... which is very black-and-white, lack nuance and usually makes you feel behind. Whenever this happens, I try to clear my head (if possible, go for a run or write), take a step back and reflect on what I have achieved for myself or others. Usually, the list isn't short.
What's the biggest lesson you have learned on your journey so far?
Do your own thing, don’t compare yourself to others and be confident in doing so. It allows you to be yourself and create an impact that is a reflection of who you are and the actions you have taken to get there. That also tends to feel the most satisfying.
The Inspiration
Who did you recently inspire to create impact? How?
It was at my sister’s wedding actually! I gave a speech and since my sis and I are great Harry Potter fans, our love for the series had to be mentioned once, twice... probably more. The next day, her father-in-law came to me and said that maybe he should look into that and listen to the most wonderfully narrated audiobooks. A big win for me. Sometimes it is all in the details.
What advice would you give to other women who want to have a positive impact?
It comes back to the biggest lesson I have learned so far. Walk your path as the person who you are. Of course, set goals and keep the ideas of you want to be in your head. But do not be disheartened if the path is rocky and it takes turns you are not the biggest fan of. Be confident with who you are. Without feeling good in your skin and actions, it is unlikely you will create a positive impact. Oh, and have role models - whether fictional, deceased, your boss or your mum... have allies who support you.
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.