Leadership advice hits harder when it comes from those who’ve faced real challenges.
How does it feel to cry in front of a room full of men in a professional setting? How to overcome such situations and even grow from them?
Katharina Engelhardt, senior strategy director at Adidas and leadership coach shares the vulnerable experiences and challenges she faced during her leadership journey and advises a new generation of leaders.
facing the breaking point: a costly project and a vulnerable reaction
Leadership often means carrying the weight of high-stakes decisions. For Katharina, this was never more true than when she was tasked with implementing a new costing framework that required months of preparation, countless calculations, and board-level approval.
But as the project neared its final stage, she encountered an unexpected setback.
“I was tasked with implementing a completely new costing framework, which required months of preparation, alignment, numerous calculations, and impact analysis. This demanding project involved many overhours and significant effort from both myself and my team. We were at the final stage, presenting to the board, when my boss unexpectedly withdrew support under pressure, leaving me feeling betrayed and disheartened.
At that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of frustration and despair. I couldn't control my emotions and ended up crying in front of the board, which was an all-male audience. It felt like all our hard work had been dismissed in an instant, and I was deeply hurt by my boss's sudden change in stance.”
finding support and redefining focus
While some problems can feel like the world is ending, people usually move on, situations change, and with the help of our support systems, life goes on. Even the toughest leaders need a support system, and Katharina found hers in her family, team, and peer group.
“During this challenging time, my family, team, and peer group provided immense support. They listened to me, shared my pain, and allowed me to vent my frustrations, which was crucial in helping me cope.
Despite the emotional turmoil, I knew I had to re-focus on the task at hand. As a mother of two, I had practical reasons to persevere, knowing that I needed the job.
To overcome the feelings of wanting to give up, I concentrated on the content of my work and reminded myself of my responsibilities. In a moment of self-reflection in the washroom, I looked into the mirror and told myself that this job was not my entire life; it was a role I was being paid to perform, and I needed to find a solution.
This mindset helped me regain my composure and continue the meeting as if nothing had happened.
The board members were understanding, and I was granted an extension to reevaluate my proposal. The next time I presented, the proposal was accepted.”
lessons in authenticity: bringing your whole self to work
Early in her career, Katharina struggled with the pressure to conform to a masculine leadership style. In an industry dominated by men, she felt the need to hide her vulnerability and focus solely on facts and technical expertise.
“Looking back, I wish I had known that I could bring my whole self to work. Understanding the nuances of interpersonal dynamics and company politics is crucial for success.”
Katharina's journey has led her to embrace authenticity and emotional intelligence as central to her leadership style. “Effective leadership goes beyond facts and technical skills. It's about stakeholder management, empathy, and understanding the fears and motivations of others.”
advice for the next generation: balance logic with emotional insight
If Katharina could offer advice to her younger self, it would be this: observe, understand the culture, and read the room.
“Learning to read the room and discerning what is valued as promotable work within the organization can significantly ease the path to leadership success.”
In decision-making, she strikes a balance between analysis and intuition. “I collect facts and visualize scenarios, but then I listen to my emotions and intuition. Engaging with others for diverse perspectives ensures broader support and better decision-making.”
about katharina:
Katharina Engelhardt is the senior strategy director at Adidas and a leadership coach who empowers women to gain recognition and create fulfilling careers. She’s passionate about guiding ambitious women to unlock their potential and thrive in the workplace.
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